5 Whale Watching Tours Near New York City

Seeing whales up close can be an awe inspiring and magical experience. Over 13 million people around the world go whale watching every year, which has made it a multi-billion-dollar industry. Whale watching is not only entertaining, but it is also very educational.

Through a sightseeing trip to the ocean, we can learn how these animals help our ecosystem in maintaining a balanced food chain. The number of operators offering whale watching trips are also on the rise. Whale watching is an experience that will change your life and create everlasting memories!

Here are some of the best whale watching tours to check out near New York City! Grab your binoculars and hit the road on a whale watching adventure this summer.

Psst… Here’s how you can stay cool in NYC when it gets hot!

Seastreak

East 35th Street Dock, New York, NY

Pier 11 at South Street, New York, NY

326 Shore Dr, Highlands, NJ

Take a whale watching cruise with Seastreak to meet the thriving population of whales right off the coast of NYC! With Seastreak, you get more than just an incredible view and a boating adventure. You get to feed your curiosity as well.

A wildlife expert from the American Littoral Society will ride along on each cruise to provide information about the sea creatures you meet. These cruises run through October and cost $59 per adult and $34 for children ages 12 and under.

American Princess Cruises

2498 Emmons Ave, Brooklyn, NY

The American Princess Cruises have been setting out on successful ocean adventures for the past 14 years. Take part in a whale watching and dolphin adventure cruise this summer. This experience involves the entire family: children are encouraged to participate in helping the crew with an official whale and dolphin count.

Don’t forget your binoculars and cameras! These tours run for approximately 3.5 hours. The tickets cost $69 for adults, $50 for children ages 5 to 12, and are free for children under 5 (with reservations).

Cape May Whale Watcher

1218 Wilson Dr, Cape May, NJ

The “Cetacean Spectacular” experience on the Cape May Whale Watcher will take you on a 3-hour tour of the Bay and the Atlantic for an unforgettable whale and dolphin watch. This incredible ocean adventure starts at 1pm every day and costs only $55 per person.

They have the largest and fastest marine mammal watching boats in New Jersey. The Cape May Whale Watcher vessel is over 110 feet in length, has two large decks, cabin seating for 100, and a capacity of 405 passengers.

They also offer a variety of special event cruise packages, including a Sunset Dolphin tour, a Prime-Rib Dinner cruise, and a History cruise in conjunction with the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts.

Miss Belmar Whale Watching

905 NJ-35, Belmar, NJ

Enjoy a stunning view of the New York City skyline as a backdrop for your whale watching experience! On this trip, you will get to see not only whales but dolphins, sea turtles, and sharks as well.

An experienced naturalist will always be on board to share interesting facts about these animals with your family. The Royal Miss Belmar Whale watching cruise will be offering 3 hour sea adventures until Labor Day weekend.

Tickets cost $49 for adults and $40 for children ages 12 and under.

Keyport Princess

1 American Legion Dr, Keyport, NJ

The Keyport Princess whale and dolphin watching cruise is partnered with Whale Sense, which recognizes whale watching companies committed to responsible practices. Their 3.5 to 4 hour whale watching trips will take place until mid-October.

Tickets cost $90 for adults and $66 for children ages 12 and under. Keyport Princess also offers many fishing trips such as Fluke Fishing, and Magic Hour Fishing, which is great for kids.

Manhattan Mandarin

Manhattan Mandarin runs the Mandarin after-school programs at over 40 schools nationwide, including St. Bernard's, Chapin, Allen-Stevenson, and Buckley. Whether in schools, students' homes, in the office, online, or on our beloved China trips, our teachers and tutors have helped hundreds of students of all ages master the Mandarin language on their own unique paths to fluency. Our philosophy has always been to make private lessons and classes perfectly tailored for each individual student. We look forward to working with you. - Jamie Keyte, Founder

Play On! Studios

Play On! Studios offers theater day camps and after-school classes on the UWS that are guaranteed to give kids a summer full of acting, music, and fun they won't soon forget! Young actors will rehearse and perform in a full production, work with professional NYC actors/teaching artists, build up their skills in a nurturing, non-competitive environment and play lots of drama games! Creative Drama Camps are perfect for kids entering grades K-4. Campers will work each week to put on a brand-new show! Each session, they will receive a script, rehearse a production, make a set and costumes, and perform their play. Kids will also play drama games, play outside (weather permitting), and have tons of fun! Musical Theater Camps are aimed at kids entering grades 4-9. In Musical Theater Performance Camp, campers put on a complete musical production in a professional NYC theater! Campers will stretch their skills with drama exercises and games, vocal coaching, field trips, and building a professional set. Our incredible teaching artists and campers come together to put on a truly remarkable show! During the school year, classes are great for beginners or more experienced actors - sing, dance, and put on a play! Whether your child is just starting out, or ready for Broadway, we&rsquo;ve got the class for them. Classes are available for grades PreK-8, after school or on Saturdays! Come play with us. &nbsp;

Young Actors at Strasberg

Young Actors at Strasberg&nbsp;offers a comprehensive array of acting programs for students in grades 2 &ndash;&nbsp;12. Classes provide kids and teens with a foundation in Lee Strasberg's Method Acting and the tools to succeed in the professional industry &ndash;&nbsp;all while maintaining a fun and playful environment. Programs are tailored to encompass students at all levels, from those just beginning their acting journey to Broadway veterans and professional child actors. Young Actors at Strasberg alumni include Lady Gaga, Sophia Lillis, Angelina Jolie, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson and Rosario Dawson! Young Actors&nbsp;Programs are available online and in-person at our New York Campus, located in Union Square. Saturday, After-School and Online classes are offered during the traditional school year (Fall, Winter, and Spring) and Monday through Friday day camps and intensives are held in&nbsp;July and August. About The Lee Strasberg Theatre &amp; Film Institute: Founded in 1969 by Lee and Anna Strasberg, The Lee Strasberg Theatre &amp; Film Institute is the only school that teaches Lee Strasberg's work in its complete and authentic form. The Institute's goal is to provide students with a craft that will help them create a reality and respond truthfully in imaginary circumstances, regardless of the style or form of material being used. LSTFI is proud to have award-winning alumni from around the world working as writers, directors, and actors in all mediums.