The Earth's surface is covered for 2/3s by water. So of course being educated in the marine environment is just logical for any and all students. To think that what happens in earths oceans does not affect our lives on a daily basis is just plain ignorant. For almost 2 Decades, the team at Cape May Charters and Cape May Whale Watcher have been educating school groups about the marine world. Everything from Dolphins to Whales to Bird life, fish, the effects of Global Warming, the over harvesting of Ocean Resources, and the harmful effects of Litering.

We offer both 2 Hour and 3 Hour tours and a new hands on 3.5 hour tour.

Our 2 hour Dolphin Watch is the most accomodating of our trips. At only 2 hours in length, Young Scientists can get a wealth of information as well as an experience that will last a lifetime. The leave time is flexible with the most popular being the 10am. We can also leave at 1pm, 4pm and 6:30pm. You and your class will get to see dolphins and pelagic birds, as well as the history of the Cape from early settlement, to thrilling Pirate hide out, to the roaring Victorian hey day and Summer White House, to the famous wreck of the Concrete Ship and modern day changes. Cost is $15 per person for everyone in your group, and there is a 25 person minimum. We can accomodate up to 350 on one vessel and up to 600 between two vessels, so dont be shy about bringing the whole school. This trip is suitable for grades K-College age. Hot Dogs, Pizza, and a soda can be added to the trip for $5 per person

Our 3 Hour Cetacean Spectacular has been a staple among sceince clubs and school groups alike. Start off in search of Flipper and his buddies around the Islands of Cape May and Wildwood. Then head offshore in search of Humpback, Finback, Minke, or even a rare Right Whale. Other rare sights may include pelagic birds, mola molas, schools of bait fish as well as gamefish, jumping cutlasses and houdfish, and perhaps even the extremely rare sight of a jumping Thresher Shark! This trip costs $20 per person and has a 25 Person minimum. This trip is suitable for grades 2-College age. Hot Dogs, Pizza, and a soda can be added to the trip for $5 per person.

Our NEW "Hands on" Marine Program is a real treat. Your students will get to participate in an all new marine experience. The trip includes portions of both our educational dolphin watch and whale watch. Also, while on this trip we include touch tanks so that your students may more thoroughly examine certain marine organisms including Blue Claw Crabs, the bizare and ancient Horshoe Crab, grass shrimp, sand Sharks, and a dozens of others. Your students can also assist us in our ongoing research of the local dolphins by helping us photo identify and catalog the dolphins and their new born calves. Using the tools of coeanographers and marine biologists, like high power binoculars, scopes, and microscopes, students will experience the marine environment and see the ocean from a whole new perspective. The cost of this trip is $25 per person with a 25 person minimum. This trip is suitable for grades 2-College age. Hot Dogs, Pizza, and a soda can be added to the trip for $5 per person.

New Jersey Core Curriculum Standards for Science:

Standard 5.12  ALL STUDENTS WILL DEVELOP AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE ENVIRONMENT AS A SYSTEM OF INTERDEPENDENT COMPONENTS EFFECTED BY HUMAN ACTIVITY AND NATURAL PHENOMENA.

OUR SCHOOL PROGRAM...
School groups have been sailing aboard the 110 foot Cape May Whale Watcher since 1993.  Groups range from 25 to 600 students.  They come from grade schools, high schools, special ed. schools, and colleges.  The most popular trips for schools are the 10 a.m. , 2 hour Dolphin Watch and the 1 p.m., 3 hour Whale and Dolphin Watch.  We are flexible.  By May and June, Thursday and Friday are the most popular days...so book early!

WHAT WILL WE SEE ON A TRIP...
Trips aboard the Cape May Whale Watcher are multi-faceted. Each trip combines the opportunity to view and learn about marine mammals, sea birds and other ocean life. All trips are fully narrated. Students have the chance to view and learning about historic Cape May. The city is a National Historic Landmark. It has a unique history as the nation's oldest seaside resort and as a maritime center. The history portion of our trip was developed with the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts (MAC), museum operator of Cape May Lighthouse, the Emlen Physic Estate, and Cape May Trolley Tours. A summary of trip highlights are listed below (over 20 historic sites on our 2 hour trip).

The question often arises about the marine mammals we will see and when is the best time. The species we most regularly sight are Bottlenose Dolphins, Humpback Whales, and Finback Whales. For Cape May there is no specific season for large whales. Humpback whales and finback whales occur here every month of the year. Does that mean we are guaranteed to sight them? No, they are wild animals and constantly move around. Large whales are few in number, often alone, and unpredictable. In fact, Humpback Whales are an endangered species.

Bottlenose dolphins are abundant from early May into October. While more predictable than large whales, the number and location of sightings can vary from trip to trip. During this time, it is unusual not to sight dolphins during a trip. Whenever marine mammals are sighted we stop, view, and offer lecture about the dolphins or whales we are watching.

The Cape May Whale Watcher is the largest and fastest marine mammal cruise in southern New Jersey.  She is not a fishing boat cleaned up for cruising.  We have the most open deck space for viewing of any vessel at the shore. Trips begin in March and finish in December.  She is U.S. Coast Guard certified to carry up to 287 passengers.  The upper deck seats 90.   The lower deck includes a spacious heated cabin and enclosed deck house.  Separate restrooms are provided.
There is a fully stocked snack bar on board serving a variety from hot dogs and pizza to coffee, sodas, and snacks.  Accessories such as hats, sweatshirts, t-shirts, cameras, and film are also available on board or at the Dancing Dolphin Gift Shop.  The cabin is equipped with a video player where an educational program can be presented.