On the water in Cape May

Water Activities in Cape May, NJ

Published on June 30, 2016

There’s nothing quite like a sunny summer day in Cape May, in fact I think you better hurry and enjoy it for yourself soon, but if you’re looking for ways to stay cool or feel the lovely sea breeze, you’ll want to schedule some time in your itinerary to add these on the water activities.

Cruises and tours

Dinner

Spirit of Cape May is popular with visitors for its fun sunset dinner cruise. You’ll set sail at 6:30 p.m. and have the chance to spot dolphins, enjoy cocktails, and take in the beautiful sunset. You’ll also find multiple buffets to choose from with restaurant-quality dishes and options for stricter dietary needs.

Dolphin

Cape May Whale Watch & Research Center has a variety of tours throughout the day to catch the sights of dolphins, whales, birds, and a delightful sunset. Most trips are about two hours and have a snack bar on board.

Cape May Whale Watcher offers several tours including the lighthouse cruise, dolphin watch, and the whale and dolphin watch. Learn about the history and nature of our area on these two to three-hour tours.

Thunder Cat Dolphin Watch has wowed Cape May visitors for 16 years with its close encounter dolphin tours. Take the 90-minute ride on this catamaran speedboat with 360 degree views.

Salt Marsh

The Skimmer Salt Marsh Safari is an ideal tour for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Explore the back bays and salt marshes on this smooth ride. The Skimmer launches at 10 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 6:30 p.m. daily. Adult tickets are only $28.

Thrill rides

East Coast Jet Boat spins out the fun with this thrill ride that includes its signature 360 degree spin. There are slower portions of the trip where your captain will share information on points of interest and allow for photo taking. The trip lasts 45 – 55 minutes and chances are you’ll get wet. The company also offers jet skis and parasailing.

Fishing

Visiting anglers and amateur fishers will love the options through Miss Chris Boats. They have a 4-hour, half-day fishing trip leaving at 8 a.m., another half-day departing at 1 p.m., and a half-night trip that leaves at 6 p.m. Rods are only $5 to rent and the trip itself is only $45 and it leaves plenty of time left in the day for other Cape May activities.

Another chartered option is with Porgy IV for a full-day adventure of sailing and fishing. The boat sets sail at 8 a.m. on this 77 ft. long boat as you fish the waters of the Delaware Bay.

Cape May Bait & Tackle offers rod rentals and bait supplies so you have the freedom to fish when and where you want to.

Kayaking

Take a guided kayak tour of the marsh, a sunset tour, or a full moon ride with Aqua Trails. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, you can check out the guided stand-up paddleboard tours of the Cape May harbor and tidal salt marsh. You can also rent your own kayaks and paddleboards if you want to map out your own journey on the water.

Parasailing

Atlantic Parasail has been offering thrill seekers safe rides since 1987 and you get a 12-minute ride if you fly tandem! The total trip lasts about an hour and a half and during the summer there five departure times, ranging from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

SUP and surfing

Steger Beach Services offers stand-up paddleboard (SUP) lessons, tours, and rentals as well as surfing lessons. Learn how to ride the waves with patient and qualified instructors and then explore the waters on your own.

Stay cool this summer as you explore the attractions and activities of Cape May, though you can always join Anna Marie and I for our favorite way to cool down on a hot afternoon: By sipping some delicious iced tea at our afternoon tea! Plus, you’ll want to refuel with some savory and sweet treats after your on the water adventure.