If you are planning a trip to beautiful Cape May, New Jersey, this summer, add a whale-watching tour to your list of things to do. Cape May is situated between the Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, with plenty of waterways to view wildlife from. Here, Ocean Club Hotel explains the best time to go whale watching in Cape May.
What Type of Marine Life Is Out There?
For those interested in whale watching while visiting Cape May, there are a few whale and dolphin watching tours available. Each company offers its own unique tour of the area, focusing on different cruise lengths and marine life.
The types of marine mammals that can be seen on a tour include:
- Humpback whales
- Fin whales
- Minke whales
- Right whales
- Atlantic bottlenose dolphins
While none of these marine species are guaranteed to be seen during a cruise, they are the most frequent types of marine life that can be seen during a whale-watching tour.
When Is the Best Time to Whale Watch?
The optimal time to whale watch is between May and September. While the whales migrate through the Cape May area most of the year, the calmer and warmer waters during this time of year make it more enjoyable for the passengers.
The Delaware Bay estuary is a sanctuary for many types of marine life. This is because the area is unique in that freshwater and saltwater meet in the area. That makes for an area that is rich in nutrients for wildlife.
The Cape May area is also unique because whales can be seen much closer to shore than in other areas. Many of the whale sightings happen less than 10 miles from the shore, meaning it doesn’t take long to travel into open water to observe marine life.
Other Cape May Activities
After a whale-watching tour, there are still several activities to do in Cape May. With channels, sounds, and inland waterways dotting the coast of New Jersey, water activities are endless in Cape May, including:
- Boating
- Kayaking
- Paddleboarding
- Parasailing
- Riding a wave runner
- Surfing
- Swimming
- Water skiing
Don’t forget about the things you can do on the water, like crabbing and fishing. Whatever it is that calls you to the water, you’ll find it in Cape May.
Make Cape May Your Vacation Destination
Ocean Club Hotel in Cape May, New Jersey, is a destination within itself. Aside from a variety of room options available at Ocean Club Hotel, we offer on-site fine dining without the fuss at SeaSalt Restaurant, as well as a pool and sundeck area. We also have our Ocean Club Hotel Shop, where you can find gift certificates and merchandise to remind you of the time spent with us in Cape May.
As one of the premier beach hotels in Cape May, Ocean Club Hotel employs a dedicated team that’s standing by to help you plan an unforgettable trip. To get the best accommodations, we recommend booking at least six months before the date of your Cape May vacation to make sure you get the perfect room—ocean-view rooms sell out fast! Be sure to check out our packages and promotions for the best deals. For more information about Ocean Club Hotel or to make reservations, contact us today.