If you have gone to the beach in Southern New Jersey it is hard to miss the occasional big whale and dolphin watching vessels go by for their sunset cruise. For years I always thought the “whale” portion of the activity was an exaggeration. Are there really whales right off the Jersey Coast? I have discovered the answer is a resounding Yes, and now going out on the whale and dolphin watch cruises is one of my favorite summertime activities. The main type of whale spotted from one of the three boats that make up the Starlight Fleet (based out of Wildwood and Cape May) are humpback whales. Other sea creatures I have seen on cruises are dolphins, hammerhead sharks, bald eagles, sea turtles, and the ocean sunfish.
One boat in particular is my favorite, and that is the American Star with Captain Matt Remuzzi and Marine Biologist Melissa Laurino. The boat is part of the Cape May Whale Watch and Research Center and they have interns that photograph and document the activity of the dolphins and whales observed on the tours. They are involved in real research and I think they want to find a whale as much as their passengers. Both Captain Matt and Melissa possess passion, a trait that I look for in people. They definitely do not dial it in and each and every time I have gone out with them I could tell that they were working to find a whale like it was the only trip of the season. I have had fun every time I have gone out with them and each time is different. Passionate people are rare and special, so I intend to take as many trips with them this summer as I can.
The American Star is moored at Utsch’s Marina (1121 Route 109, Cape May NJ 08204). You can see their daily successes on twitter (Cape May Whale Watch @CMWWandRC1987) and Facebook (Cape May Whale Watch and Research Center Inc.) and the internet at http://www.capemaywhalewatch.com. And no, I am not on the payroll, haha, just a very satisfied customer. Here are some pictures I have taken on the 1PM whale watch cruise on the American Star with Captain Matt and Melissa.
