The Best Whale Watching Near New York & New Jersey
If you’re searching for whale watching near New York City or New Jersey, the Jersey Shore Whale Watch offers one of the most exciting wildlife experiences on the East Coast.
Departing from Belmar, New Jersey, our trips take you into the productive Atlantic waters where humpback whales, dolphins, sea turtles, and seabirds gather to feed. Guests enjoy a narrated ocean safari aboard the Jersey Girl, a large, stable, two-level whale watching vessel designed for comfort and panoramic viewing.
What makes our tours different is the science behind the experience.
Whale Watching Led by Real Marine Scientists
Unlike many whale watching tours that rely on seasonal narrators or volunteers, Jersey Shore Whale Watch trips are narrated by working marine scientists and graduate researchers actively studying whales along the East Coast.
Our lead research naturalist, Dr. Danielle Brown, works with whale research programs studying humpback whales in the New York Bight. Our team collaborates with marine researchers and collects observational data during trips that contributes to ongoing whale monitoring efforts.
Because our naturalists study whales year-round, they understand:
• whale migration patterns
• feeding behavior
• where whales are likely to be found
• how ocean conditions influence whale movements
This real-time scientific knowledge often helps our crew locate whales faster and interpret their behavior for guests.
Instead of just spotting a whale, you’ll learn:
• why whales are feeding in a particular area
• how humpbacks use bubble-cloud feeding
• how whale populations are recovering in the Atlantic
• how scientists identify individual whales
It turns a whale watching trip into a true ocean discovery experience.
Why Whales Are Returning to New York & New Jersey Waters
Over the last decade, whale sightings along the New York Bight—the stretch of ocean between New Jersey and Long Island—have increased dramatically.
This is largely due to:
• improved water quality
• strong bunker (menhaden) fish populations
• protected marine habitats
As a result, humpback whales now feed regularly within 10–20 miles of the New Jersey coast, making whale watching trips extremely successful.
Many of our trips see multiple whales in a single outing.
What You Might See on a Whale Watching Trip
A whale watching trip with Jersey Shore Whale Watch may include sightings of:
🐋 Humpback whales
🐬 Atlantic bottlenose dolphins
🐢 Sea turtles
🦅 pelagic seabirds
🐟 schools of bunker fish
Humpback whales are famous for dramatic behaviors such as:
• breaching (leaping from the water)
• tail slapping
• bubble cloud feeding
• spy hopping
Every trip is different, which makes each outing exciting and unpredictable.
The Jersey Girl Whale Watching Boat
All trips take place aboard the Jersey Girl, one of the most comfortable whale watching vessels in the region.
Features include:
• 120-foot vessel
• two viewing decks
• indoor and outdoor seating
• heated cabin
• snack bar
• restrooms onboard
• stable ride for photography
The boat is designed so every passenger gets a great view of wildlife.
When Is the Best Time for Whale Watching in New Jersey?
Whale watching season in New Jersey typically runs April through December, with peak sightings during:
September and October
During fall months, baitfish are abundant and humpback whales often feed close to shore.
Whale Watching Near NYC
Our trips depart from Belmar, New Jersey, which is easily accessible from:
• New York City
• North Jersey
• Long Island
• Philadelphia
Many visitors from NYC choose Jersey Shore Whale Watch because our location provides direct access to productive whale feeding grounds along the New Jersey coast.
Book Your Whale Watching Adventure
Join us aboard the Jersey Girl for one of the most exciting wildlife experiences on the Atlantic coast.
🌊 Discounted weekday tickets available
📞 Call 732-592-6400 to reserve
Why Choose Jersey Shore Whale Watch
✔ narrated by working whale scientists
✔ one of the most experienced whale watch crews in New Jersey
✔ comfortable large vessel
✔ exciting whale sightings throughout the season
✔ educational and family friendly
Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, photographer, or family looking for an unforgettable day on the ocean, Jersey Shore Whale Watch offers the premier whale watching experience near New York and New Jersey.