Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays
Whales off the Jersey Shore
Leave the coastline behind and find where the Atlantic comes alive. From a humpback breaching to dolphins riding the bow, every trip is different.
The trip
Three hours on the 85-foot Keyport Princess, with plenty of deck space for everyone to get a look.
- When
- Fri–Sun
- Time
- 3–6 PM
- Leaves from
- Keyport
Our captains spend every day on these waters and keep track of where the bait is gathering, which is where the whales tend to be. The crew will point out what you're looking at and tell you a bit about it.
What you might see
The waters around New York Harbor are busier than most people expect. These are wild animals, so no two trips are the same.
Humpback whale
Our most common whale
Up to 50 feet long. Known for breaching, slapping their tails and lunging through schools of bunker with their mouths wide open.
Minke whale
Seen now and then
Small and fast, with a pointed snout. Usually a quick look at a dark back and a curved fin before they're gone.
North Atlantic right whale
Rare and endangered
One of the rarest whales on earth. If we're lucky enough to find one, we give it plenty of room, as the law requires.
Dolphins
Almost every trip
Bottlenose and common dolphins, sometimes in big, splashy pods. Curious ones often come right over to ride the wake.
Seals
In the colder months
As the water cools, seals show up around the bay and harbor, popping their heads up to see who's passing.
Seabirds
Every trip
Gannets, ospreys, storm petrels and just about anything else you can imagine. Diving birds are often the first sign of feeding whales.
What to bring
- Binoculars & a cameraYour phone works as a camera too. Just keep it charged.
- Sunscreen & sunglassesThe glare off the water is strong.
- A layer or twoIt's cooler on the water than on land, especially once the sun drops.
- Snacks welcomeBring your own, or grab hot dogs, chips and drinks from the galley (cash only).
- Comfortable shoesFlat, non-slip shoes are best for moving around a wet deck.
- DramamineIf you're prone to seasickness, bring it along. We can't return to the dock early for seasickness.