Whales Follow Their Food

One of the biggest reasons whales are seen near New Jersey is the abundance of baitfish in our coastal waters.

Humpback whales do not normally travel to New Jersey because they are interested in beaches, boardwalks, buildings, or boats. They come because the waters off New Jersey can provide an excellent feeding opportunity.

When large schools of menhaden and other small fish gather near the coast, humpback whales may remain in the area and feed. These baitfish can sometimes be found only a short distance from the beach, which is why whales are occasionally visible from shore.

Whales may also be accompanied by dolphins, seabirds, sharks, bluefin tuna, and other marine animals that are attracted to the same concentrations of food.

Changing Ocean Conditions May Be Affecting Where Whales Feed

Ocean temperatures, currents, weather patterns, and the location of baitfish can all influence where whales are found.

As conditions change, fish may gather in areas where they were less commonly seen in the past. When the bait moves closer to New Jersey, the whales often follow.

This does not mean whales suddenly discovered New Jersey. Whales have traveled through the waters of the Mid-Atlantic for generations. What has changed is how frequently people are seeing them near populated beaches and how quickly sightings can now be shared through photographs, videos, social media, and whale-reporting networks.

Are the Whales Migrating Past New Jersey?

Many whales move seasonally along the East Coast, but migration is not always a simple nonstop trip from one location to another.

Humpback whales may travel between northern feeding areas and warmer southern breeding grounds. During these movements, some whales stop to feed in productive areas along the Mid-Atlantic coast.

New Jersey can therefore serve as both a travel corridor and a feeding area. When food is plentiful, whales may remain in the region for days or return repeatedly throughout the season.

Individual whales also behave differently. Some may continue traveling, while others may spend more time feeding off New Jersey, New York, Long Island, Delaware, or nearby offshore waters.

What Types of Whales Can Be Seen in New Jersey?

Humpback whales are the species most frequently associated with nearshore whale sightings along the Jersey Shore.

Humpbacks are known for dramatic behaviors that may include breaching, tail slapping, pectoral-fin slapping, lunge feeding, and bubble feeding. However, whale behavior is unpredictable, and no two trips are exactly alike.

Farther offshore, it is also possible to encounter fin whales, minke whales, and other large marine animals. These offshore encounters normally require longer trips into deeper water.

Wildlife sightings always depend on the animals, the location of food, sea conditions, and the season.

When Is the Best Time to See Whales in New Jersey?

Whale sightings can occur throughout much of the year, but the most productive periods often depend on baitfish movements and ocean conditions rather than a specific calendar date.

Jersey Shore Whale Watch operates trips from spring through late fall, with selected winter and offshore trips when conditions permit.

During the warmer months, humpback whales may be found feeding in coastal waters near areas such as Belmar, Asbury Park, Deal, Long Branch, Sandy Hook, and farther north toward New York Harbor.

On longer offshore trips, the boat may travel 50 miles or more from the coast in search of whales, dolphins, seabirds, sea turtles, sharks, tuna, and other ocean wildlife.

Can You See Whales From the Beach?

Yes, whales can sometimes be seen from beaches and boardwalks along the Jersey Shore.

The most noticeable sign is usually the whale’s blow, which can appear as a brief white mist or spray above the water. The whale may then surface, show part of its back, and disappear again for several minutes.

A whale can be difficult to spot because it may surface for only a few seconds and then travel underwater before appearing somewhere else.

When searching from shore, look slowly across the horizon and watch for repeated blows, splashes, groups of circling birds, or areas where baitfish appear to be concentrated.

Why Seeing a Whale From a Boat Is Different

Seeing a distant blow from shore can be exciting, but a guided whale-watching trip provides a very different experience.

From the boat, passengers may have the opportunity to observe the whale’s behavior, direction of travel, feeding activity, breathing pattern, tail markings, and interaction with other wildlife.

Jersey Shore Whale Watch trips include educational narration from experienced naturalists who explain what passengers are seeing and why the animals may be in the area.

The crew also uses sightings, wildlife reports, ocean conditions, and years of local experience to decide where to search.

Responsible Whale Watching Matters

Whale watching should always be conducted responsibly.

Whales are wild animals, and vessels should avoid chasing, crowding, cutting off, or deliberately disturbing them. Captains must consider the whale’s direction, speed, behavior, and the presence of other boats.

Passengers should also understand that the whale decides when and where it will surface. A responsible captain cannot guarantee that a whale will approach the vessel, breach, show its tail, or remain in one location.

The goal is to provide an exciting and educational experience while respecting the animals and the ocean environment.

Experience New Jersey Whale Watching From Belmar

Jersey Shore Whale Watch operates from Belmar Marina aboard the Jersey Girl, a large passenger vessel designed to provide comfortable viewing from multiple areas of the boat.

Trips may include sightings of humpback whales, dolphins, seabirds, sea turtles, sharks, tuna, and other marine life found along the New Jersey coast.

Every trip is different because the ocean is different every day. Some days the whales are close to shore. Other days the boat may need to travel farther north, south, or offshore to locate active feeding areas.

Our standard whale-watching trips include a whale-sighting guarantee. When no whale is seen during an eligible guaranteed trip, guests receive the opportunity to return under the terms of our current whale-watch guarantee.

Frequently Asked Questions About Whales in New Jersey

Why are humpback whales being seen near the Jersey Shore?

Humpback whales are often attracted to the Jersey Shore by large schools of baitfish. Ocean temperatures, currents, and seasonal fish movements can influence where the whales feed.

Can whales be seen from the New Jersey beach?

Yes. Whales are sometimes visible from beaches and boardwalks, especially when feeding close to shore. Look for blows, splashes, circling seabirds, and repeated activity in the same area.

What kind of whales are found near New Jersey?

Humpback whales are commonly seen during coastal whale-watching trips. Fin whales, minke whales, and other species may also be encountered, particularly on longer offshore trips.

What is the best month for whale watching in New Jersey?

There is no single guaranteed best month because whale activity depends heavily on baitfish and ocean conditions. Productive sightings can occur from spring through late fall, with selected offshore opportunities during other parts of the year.

Where do New Jersey whale-watching trips depart?

Jersey Shore Whale Watch departs from Belmar Marina in Belmar, New Jersey. Trip availability and departure times are listed at WhalesNJ.com.

Are whale sightings guaranteed?

Eligible Jersey Shore Whale Watch trips include a whale-sighting guarantee. When no whale is seen, guests may return under the terms and conditions of the current guarantee.