Whale Watching New Jersey | 4 Hour Tour
Private Trip
Wildlife
4hour whale watching tour accommodates up to 6 guestsSeasonal tours run midOctober through December from New JerseyVessel travels up to 25 miles offshore for whale encounters
Picture this: you're 25 miles off the Jersey coast, salt spray on your face, and suddenly a massive humpback whale breaches right in front of your boat. That's exactly what you'll experience on our top-rated whale watching tour from mid-October through December. We take just six guests at a time, so you get the personal attention and prime viewing spots that bigger tour boats just can't offer. For $450, your group gets four solid hours of marine wildlife watching, plus we'll stay out longer if the whales are active – just $50 for each extra hour.
Our whale watching season runs during the peak migration months when these magnificent creatures are heading south for winter. The boat heads out from our Jersey dock straight into the Atlantic, and trust me, the ride out is half the fun. We'll cruise up to 25 miles offshore during October when the whales are further out, but here's the sweet spot – come November and December, they move closer to shore. That means shorter rides and more time watching whales instead of just traveling to find them. The water's cooler this time of year, so dress in layers and bring a windbreaker. We've got heated cabin space when you need a break from the ocean breeze, but most folks spend the whole time on deck with binoculars glued to their eyes.
We don't just drive around hoping to get lucky. Our captain uses sonar fish finders to locate the bait schools where whales love to feed, plus we monitor marine radio chatter from other boats in the area. When someone spots a blow or breach, word travels fast among the fleet. We position the boat to give everyone the best viewing angles, and I always keep high-powered binoculars and a spotting scope on board. The key is patience and knowing where to look – whales surface in patterns, so once we find a group, we can predict where they'll come up next. During feeding time, you'll see multiple whales working together, which creates some world-class photo opportunities.
Humpback whales are the stars of our New Jersey waters during migration season. These 40-foot giants can weigh up to 40 tons, but they're surprisingly graceful when they breach – launching their entire body out of the water in a display that'll leave you speechless. Humpbacks are curious creatures and often approach boats, especially when they're traveling with calves. They're known for their complex songs and acrobatic behavior, making them a customer favorite for whale watchers. The best part about our timing is catching them during their feeding phase before the long journey south – they're active, surface frequently, and put on quite a show.
We also regularly spot fin whales, the second-largest whale species in the world. These sleek, fast-moving whales can reach 70 feet long and are built for speed. Unlike humpbacks, fin whales rarely breach, but when they surface to breathe, their distinctive curved dorsal fin is unmistakable. They often travel in small groups and can dive for 15-20 minutes at a time. Minke whales round out our common sightings – they're the smallest of the baleen whales we see, topping out around 30 feet. Don't let their size fool you though; minkes are incredibly fast and known for sudden, surprise surface appearances that keep everyone on their toes.
This renowned whale watching experience books up fast, especially during peak November and December dates when the whales move closer to shore. With just six spots available per tour, you're getting an intimate wildlife encounter that the big commercial boats simply can't match. The pricing covers your whole group for four hours, and if the marine life is cooperating, we'll gladly extend the trip at a reasonable hourly rate. Give us a call to reserve your date – the whales won't wait, and neither should you. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just want to witness these ocean giants in their natural habitat, this tour delivers memories that'll last a lifetime.
Atlantic City