Schools & Youth |
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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 290 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. |
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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.
Sincerely,
Capt. Jeff & Mary Stewart
P. S. A Word to Skeptics...
There really are marine mammals in New Jersey. This is the same ocean as Massachusetts, North Carolina, and Florida. These places have invested millions to promote their native fauna such as whales, dolphins, seals, manatees, and birds. Guess what? New Jersey takes second to none of these places. Example: nearly three thousand Bottlenose Dolphins visit New Jersey every year! All those Humpback Whales that New England capitalizes on spend a great deal of time feeding near the Delaware Bay. Why? Food, whales have to eat and the Delaware Bay is one of the richest marine habitats on the east coast. Birds? Cape May is world famous for bird watching.
Also, a special thank you to those of you who sailed with us already. You made it a great year to remember. We hope to see you again soon!
Call us at 800-786-5445 (Northeast)
or 609-884-5445
2 Hour Dolphin Watch Trip Highlights / 3 Hour Trip Similar |
