In Cape May we don’t just have beautiful beaches and colorful Victorian houses to look at. There is also plenty of wildlife to keep your eye out for as well. Discover where to view wildlife in Cape May with our guide below.
Whale watching
If you’re in town during whale watching season, a boat ride to witness whales and dolphins is a great way to experience Cape May. There are a few companies in the area which offer whale watching in Cape May.
Cape May Whale Watch and Research Center, Cape May Whale Watcher and Thunder Cat Dolphin Watch Speedboat offer a variety of services for viewing whales, dolphins, birds, and enjoying the sea breeze. Don’t forget to bring your camera for those incredible moments where whales breach the surface and dolphins playfully jump through the waves!
Cape May Bird Observatory
One of the most popular places to view wildlife in Cape May is at the Cape May Bird Observatory. Cape May is known as one of the best destinations in the world for birding due to its location on a small peninsula. Join in on one of their weekly walks, each led by a naturalist and professional staff. The walks last anywhere from two to three hours and welcome beginners and expert birders. The observatory and several other popular migratory areas nearby, make birding in Cape May a favorite activity for both locals and visitors alike.
Cape May Zoo
The Cape May Zoo is free to visit, open year-round, and located just 15 minutes from our lodging in Cape May. See over 200 different species across the zoo’s many acres, all in natural settings, created with safety and education in mind.
You may stop by for the morning and end up spending the whole day: areas like the World of Birds aviary, Reptile House and special African Savannah invite you to discover their residents for yourself. Giraffes, zebra, alligators, flamingos, and more can all be found here, along with the rare snow leopard.
Cape May Wildlife Refuge
The Cape May National Wildlife Refuge is one of the largest in the National Wildlife system. It was established to protect migratory birds along New Jersey’s coastline. The refuge is currently at 11,000 acres and is made up of three units; the Delaware Bay Division, the Great Cedar Swamp Division, and the Two-Mile Beach Unit, and there are plans to expand the Refuge to 21,200 acres. Over 300 bird species, 42 mammal species, 55 reptile, and amphibian species, and the large variety of marine life visit the refuge every year. Now, that’s a lot to see!
Salt Marsh Safari on the Skimmer
Hop aboard the Skimmer for one of the Back Bay Birding or Wildlife Boat Tours. Explore the back bays of Cape May County with their highly experienced crew and discover the pristine nature of the protected salt marshes, all part of the Cape May Coastal Wetlands Wildlife Management Area. Trips depart from the South Jersey Marina in Cape May. Tickets can be bought through their website.
Stay at Stockton Inns
Complete your Cape May experience with a stay at Stockton Inns. Located along Beach Avenue, we offer beachfront accommodations at our Victorian mansion, the Stockton Manor, and our budget-friendly hotel at the Stockton Inn. The Stockton Manor is Cape May’s only oceanfront Victorian Inn with a pool, plus it offers plenty of charm and character for a truly unique experience.
Or if you are looking for a more budget-friendly option for the entire family, book a room at our oceanfront motel. The Stockton Inn offers an ocean-view sundeck, outdoor lounge chairs, and rooms with your basic modern amenities.
Stay with us from September 12 through October 7, 2021, and receive a special discount on your fall getaway to Cape May!