WILDWOOD BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Three Hours on the Atlantic Star: Dolphins, Whales, Touch Tanks and Cape May’s Coastal History
A three-hour, marine-biologist–led cruise from Wildwood Crest that pairs guaranteed dolphin or whale sightings with hands-on learning and scenic views of Cape May’s shoreline.
Three Hours on the Atlantic Star: Dolphins, Whales, Touch Tanks and Cape May’s Coastal History.
Board the 100-foot Atlantic Star in Wildwood Crest for a compact, education-forward ocean outing: a marine biologist leads the voyage, guests handle specimens in a touch tank and plankton lab, and the crew positions the boat for close views of dolphins and whales while passing historic Cape May landmarks.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A Marine-Mammal Guarantee
Each voyage comes with a promise: a marine mammal sighting (dolphin or whale) is guaranteed — if you don’t see one, you get another trip for free — and the crew will pause the continuous run to watch animals when they appear.
Guided, Hands-On Marine Science
Trips are led by an experienced marine biologist who runs a touch tank and plankton lab on board so passengers can examine local sea life and learn directly from an educator during the cruise.
A Route That Reads Like a Shoreline Guidebook
The Atlantic Star threads from Sunset Lake through the Intracoastal Waterway and Jarvis Sound out the Cape May Inlet, offering views of the Wildwoods’ seven-mile beaches and historic Cape May landmarks such as Cape May Harbor and Cape May Point Lighthouse.
What the day feels like
What the Three-Hour Cruise Feels Like
The three-hour trip aboard the Atlantic Star moves from sheltered waterways out to the Atlantic: starting in Sunset Lake, the boat follows the Intracoastal Waterway to Jarvis Sound and exits through Cape May Inlet. Along the way the crew and marine biologist narrate, guests peer for dolphins and whales as the boat pauses for viewing, and visitors can sample the onboard galley fare while using indoor cabin space if the weather demands.
WILDLIFE
A Marine-Mammal Guarantee
Each voyage comes with a promise: a marine mammal sighting (dolphin or whale) is guaranteed — if you don’t see one, you get another trip for free — and the crew will pause the continuous run to watch animals when they appear.
LEARNING
Guided, Hands-On Marine Science
Trips are led by an experienced marine biologist who runs a touch tank and plankton lab on board so passengers can examine local sea life and learn directly from an educator during the cruise.
SCENERY
A Route That Reads Like a Shoreline Guidebook
The Atlantic Star threads from Sunset Lake through the Intracoastal Waterway and Jarvis Sound out the Cape May Inlet, offering views of the Wildwoods’ seven-mile beaches and historic Cape May landmarks such as Cape May Harbor and Cape May Point Lighthouse.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and one operational restriction to keep in mind.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Bring extra money for the onboard galley (snacks, drinks, beer and wine are sold) and enjoy the included complimentary hotdog; do not bring coolers or your own food and drinks as they are not permitted.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Do I have to purchase tickets in advance?
It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance to guarantee spots because trips often sell out; tickets can be purchased online or by phone with Visa, Mastercard, or American Express.
What happens if it rains?
Trips run rain or shine; in the event of severe weather that forces cancellation you can reschedule or receive a voucher for a future event.
Do you guarantee dolphin sightings?
Yes — a marine mammal (dolphin or whale) sighting is guaranteed; if you do not see one you receive another trip for free.
Is this trip appropriate for children under 6 years old?
Yes — children of all ages enjoy the trips; children have a reduced price, and the first child under 6 with an accompanying adult is free, though all other children must purchase a reduced-price ticket.
Tell me more about the Atlantic Star.
The 100-foot Atlantic Star holds up to 150 passengers, features a large sun deck and an enclosed cabin, and includes separate restrooms for women and men.
Do you have life jackets on board?
Yes — the vessel is US Coast Guard regulated and carries well over 200 life jackets, though passengers are not required to wear them due to the boat’s size.
Can I bring a cooler on board?
No — coolers are not permitted; instead the boat has a full galley serving snacks, hot dogs, pizza, bottled water, soda, beer and wine.
Are there bathrooms on the boat?
Yes — there are both women’s and men’s bathrooms on board.
Is the trip wheelchair accessible?
Usually manual wheelchairs are no problem and can be lifted on board; electric wheelchairs may not fit—contact the operator with details about your situation.
Is the cruise suitable for pregnant women?
Yes — the cruise is suitable for pregnant women; the boat’s size keeps movement minimal.