You’re on an exciting NYC trip with your child who’s obsessed with whales or dolphins, and nothing else seems to interest them. Where do you go? There are a few sites in and around New York City where you can see whales and dolphins up close. All you need is to take a cruise on the Atlantic Ocean and get ready to catch your favorite mammals in action. If you’re a surfer, you’ll be surprised at the amazing wave action right here in NY, host to many big name surf events, and home to 2016 surfer of the year, Will Skudin. You’ll find surf, kayak, and stand up paddle board lessons waiting for you at our NY beaches. If it’s fun in the sun and a great tan you’re looking for, then grab a beach blanket and come relax at a beautiful NY beach! Don’t miss the thrilling prospects of NYC tours on the water.
Here’s a list of places in and around NYC to go whales and dolphins watching:
Breezy Point, Rockaway Queens and Long Beach
Find an operator for your outing and spot your favorite sea creatures frolicking in the water. Cruises are available from May through the first part of December (check your carriers dates and times and definitely plan on purchasing tickets in advance). Ferry’s depart from Pier 11 (Wall St.) East River to Riis landing in Breezy Point, Rockaway Queens. You can also take a car trip or hop aboard the Long Island Railroad (LIRR) from Penn Station to beautiful Long Beach, where you can rent bikes and ride or walk the boardwalk or learn to surf at the renowned Skudin Surf Camp. Long Beach is also host to a yearly Polar Bear Plunge each year (this is not for the faint-hearted).
Montauk, Long Island
Whale watching cruises on the Atlantic Ocean are a great outing for the entire family. With experienced naturalists on board, you won’t find much of a problem spotting a whale breaching or a school of friendly dolphins. Ferries run from July through August. Be prepared, Montauk is at the tip of Long Island, so make sure you plan for an extra long trip. Sea turtles have even been spotted in these waters! You can take multi-day trips to for whale wNew York City toursatching to get one of the best ever New York City tours.
Wildwood, New Jersey
Theses oceanic excursions not only take you to spot mammals but are great fun for the entire family, with an immense amusement park, piers, a world class roller coaster, waterparks, parasailing, surfing and speed boat rentals. You can choose from daily whale and dolphin trips from Wildwood, the kids will love you for it. It’s roughly a 3-hour drive by car or use NJ Transit and enjoy the scenery.
Cape May, New Jersey
Get ready to go some ten miles into the Delaware Bay Estuary for spotting mammals. About 3 hours away by car, sightings of whales and dolphins are almost guaranteed. In case you don’t spot these mammals, you are offered a free trip. Complimentary on-board meals are also served-you can’t beat that! Cape May offers a sweet idyllic town with great restaurants and pristine beaches-fun for the whole family!
Long Island Sound
Long Island is home to whales, porpoises, and seals. Take a cruise from Freeport and catch a seal expedition on a heated cruise ship. Ports are in both Nassau and Suffolk Counties and are only a short train ride from Penn Station (a little less than an hour). Whale excursions run from June through to Labor Day. You’ll find great seafood and lots of photo opportunities. It’s hard to believe these beaches are this close to NYC.