If you go
Cape May Whale Watcher Miss Chris Marina, 890 2nd Ave., Cape May, N.J., 800-786-5445 www.capemaywhalewatcher.com A 3-hour cruise on either the Atlantic Ocean or Delaware Bay looks for dolphins and whales. Other daily cruises include a sunset dinner trip.
Cape May Whale Watcher
Miss Chris Marina, 890 2nd Ave., Cape May, N.J., 800-786-5445
A 3-hour cruise on either the Atlantic Ocean or Delaware Bay looks for dolphins and whales. Other daily cruises include a sunset dinner trip.
Departures: 1 p.m. daily. Price: $38, $23 ages 7-12.
Silver Bullet
Rio Grande and Susquehanna avenues,
Wildwood, N.J., 609-522-6060
Custom, 70-foot craft billed as the world's largest speedboat hits speeds up to 60 mph. The 90-minute trip starts with dolphin-watching off Cape May and Wildwood, then it's out to open water for a wave-jumping thrill ride. Departures: 9:30 a.m., noon, 2:30 p.m. daily; 4:30 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday. Price: $26; $13 (ages 2-11).
A.J. Meerwald
Utsch's Marina, 129 Route 109, Schellenger's Landing, Cape May, N.J., 856-785-2060
This 80-year-old, three-masted oyster schooner boasts the designation of New Jersey's official tall ship. Cruise the Cape May shore for 2 1/2-hours. Passengers are invited to help hoist sails and other chores. Departures: Times vary. Price: Mornings, afternoons: $30, $25 (60 and up), $15 (ages 3-12). Evenings: $35.
Osprey
Miss Chris Marina, 890 2nd Ave., Cape May, N.J., 609-898-3500
Pontoon boat offers the region's only daily eco-tour, an up-close look at the great salt marshes that are the eco-system's foundation. A bird-watcher's delight - look for wading birds and gulls, osprey and eagles. Departures: 10 a.m. daily (history and harbor cruises at 1:30 and 6 p.m.). Price: 2-hour eco-tour, $28 adults, $15 (ages 7-12), age 6 and under free with adult.
Crusin' 1
Historic Gardener's Basin, 800 N. New Hampshire Ave., Atlantic City, N.J., 609-347-7600
Excursion boat's four cruises include a Morning Skyline Tour of Atlantic City, dolphin watching, an "Afternoon Delight" and a Happy Hour expedition.
Departures: 11 a.m. daily (Skyline); 1 p.m. daily (dolphin watching); 4 p.m. daily (Afternoon Delight); 6 p.m. Monday-Friday (Happy Hour). Prices: Skyline: $17 (ages 16-59); $14 (60 and older); $8.50 (5-15); free, kids under 5. Dolphin watching: $34 (16-59); $29 (60 and older); $18 (5-15); free, kids under 5. Afternoon Delight: $17 (16-59); $14 (60 and older); free (15 and under). Happy Hour: $17 (16-59); $14 (60 and older); $8.50 (5-15); $30 open bar (must be 21).
Black Whale
100 N. West Ave., Beach Haven, N.J., 609-492-0333
One-hour cruise on placid Little Egg Harbor Bay west of Long Beach Island. Departure: 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Price: $15, $10 children.
- Chuck Darrow