Boat Tours & Cruises
Sunset sails, dinner cruises, and harbor tours at the Jersey Shore
Experience the Jersey Shore from the water with boat tours ranging from romantic sunset sails on historic schooners to fun-filled pirate adventures for the whole family. Most tours depart from Cape May, Atlantic City, and Wildwood.
Whether you want to watch the sunset over the Delaware Bay, cruise past historic lighthouses, or enjoy dinner with ocean views, there is a boat tour for every occasion and budget.
Types of Boat Tours
Sailing Cruises
Classic schooners and sailboats offering an authentic sailing experience
Harbor Tours
Scenic cruises past lighthouses, historic sites, and coastal landmarks
Sunset Cruises
Romantic evening sails timed to the setting sun
Dinner Cruises
Dining on the water with scenic views
Pirate Cruises
Family-friendly adventures with pirate-themed entertainment
Speedboat Tours
Thrilling high-speed rides along the coast
Featured Tours
Black Whale Pirate Ship
piratePirate adventure cruises for kids
Tours by Location
Cape May
Historic schooner sails, harbor cruises past the lighthouse, and sunset experiences.
Atlantic City
Skyline cruises, casino views, dinner cruises, and speedboat adventures.
Wildwood
Pirate cruises, family sightseeing tours, and back bay excursions.
Barnegat Light
LBI lighthouse views and bay cruises from Viking Village.
Choose Your Tour by Occasion
Romantic Evening
Book sunset sails 2-3 weeks ahead for weekend dates. Cape May schooners offer the most romantic setting.
Avoid: Pirate cruises, speedboats, crowded party boats
Family with Kids
Pirate cruises have interactive entertainment that keeps kids engaged. Keep first trips under 90 minutes for young children.
Avoid: Evening cocktail cruises, long dinner cruises, adult-focused sunset sails
Adventure Seekers
Atlantic City speedboats offer the biggest thrills. Morning trips have calmer water for better speeds.
Avoid: Slow harbor tours, formal dinner cruises
History Buffs
Cape May harbor tours pass Victorian homes and lighthouse. Look for tours with narrated commentary.
Avoid: Party boats, speedboats without narration
Photography Focus
Golden hour starts 1 hour before sunset. Atlantic City skyline tours offer dramatic cityscapes. Bring a zoom lens.
Avoid: Speedboats (too bumpy), enclosed cabin cruises
What to Expect on Your Tour
Sunset Sail(2 hours)▼
Atmosphere: Relaxed, romantic
Included: Wine/beer often included, light snacks on some
Dress code: Casual, bring layers - it gets cool on the water
Boarding: Arrive 20-30 min early, boarding starts 15 min before
Highlights:
- ✓ Watching sun set over water
- ✓ Historic schooner experience
- ✓ BYOB on some boats
Dinner Cruise(2-3 hours)▼
Atmosphere: Upscale, social
Included: Multi-course meal, often DJ or live music
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy, no flip-flops
Boarding: Check-in 30-45 min early for seating
Highlights:
- ✓ Full dining experience
- ✓ Dancing on some cruises
- ✓ Climate-controlled cabin
Pirate Cruise(1-1.5 hours)▼
Atmosphere: Loud, interactive, high-energy
Included: Face painting, water cannons, treasure hunt
Dress code: Casual, expect to get a little wet
Boarding: 15 min early, kids get pirate names at boarding
Highlights:
- ✓ Sword fights with crew
- ✓ Finding buried treasure
- ✓ Water cannon battles
Harbor Tour(1-2 hours)▼
Atmosphere: Educational, scenic
Included: Narrated tour, sometimes snack bar
Dress code: Casual, comfortable shoes
Boarding: 15 min early, choose seats for best views
Highlights:
- ✓ Lighthouse views
- ✓ Historic commentary
- ✓ Wildlife sightings
Speedboat(30-60 minutes)▼
Atmosphere: Thrilling, loud, wet
Included: Safety gear, sometimes music
Dress code: Clothes that can get wet, secure everything
Boarding: Sign waiver, stow loose items
Highlights:
- ✓ High-speed turns
- ✓ Spray and splashes
- ✓ Adrenaline rush
Preventing Seasickness
Anyone can get seasick, but those prone to car sickness are more susceptible. Children under 2 and adults over 50 are usually less affected.
Take medication 30-60 min before boarding
Dramamine, Bonine, or prescription options. Non-drowsy formulas available.
Choose larger, more stable vessels
Larger boats rock less. Catamarans are more stable than single-hull boats.
Stay midship and on deck
The center of the boat moves least. Fresh air helps more than enclosed cabins.
Watch the horizon
Looking at a fixed point helps your brain reconcile motion. Avoid reading or phone screens.
Eat light beforehand
Empty stomachs are worse. Eat crackers, bread, or light protein. Avoid greasy foods.
Stay hydrated
Drink water, avoid alcohol before and during early in the trip.
Try ginger or acupressure bands
Ginger candies or Sea-Bands work for many people without drowsiness.
Best conditions: Morning cruises typically have calmer water. Avoid days with small craft advisories or 15+ mph winds.
Photography Tips for Boat Tours
📷 Gear to Bring
- Camera with neck strap
Boats rock - secure your gear at all times
- Zoom lens (70-200mm)
Great for wildlife, lighthouses, distant landmarks
- Polarizing filter
Cuts glare on water, deepens sky colors
- Waterproof bag
Salt spray can damage electronics
- Extra batteries
Cold wind drains batteries faster
⏰ Best Timing
- Golden hour (1hr before sunset)
Warm light, dramatic skies, silhouettes
- Blue hour (just after sunset)
City lights, lighthouse beacons
- Midday
Water colors, visibility for wildlife
🎯 Must-Get Shots
- • Sun setting over water/horizon
- • Lighthouse as boat passes
- • Dolphins or wildlife
- • City skyline from water
- • Other boats/sailboats
- • Sunset reflections on water
- • Fellow passengers silhouetted
First-Timer's Guide to Boat Tours
Essential Tips
Book your preferred tour early
Sunset sails and weekend dinner cruises sell out 2-3 weeks ahead in summer.
Arrive 20-30 minutes early
Parking can be tricky at marinas. You need time to find the dock and check in.
Bring cash for tips
Crew members work hard - 15-20% tip is customary, usually cash only.
Dress in layers
Even on hot days, it is 10-15°F cooler on the water with wind chill.
More Tips
Wear non-marking shoes
Black-soled shoes can leave marks on deck. Boat shoes or clean sneakers work.
Secure loose items
Hats, sunglasses, phones - the wind will take them. Use straps or leave in pockets.
Use the restroom before boarding
Smaller boats may not have facilities. Larger boats do but with lines.
Check the weather forecast
Tours cancel for safety in bad weather. Have a backup plan.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✗ Wearing brand new flip-flops (they slip on wet decks)
- ✗ Bringing too much stuff (there is nowhere to store it)
- ✗ Skipping sunscreen (water reflects UV, you burn faster)
- ✗ Drinking too much before/during (increases seasickness risk)
- ✗ Not confirming departure location (some ports have multiple docks)
Tour Planning Tips
Best Times
- • Sunset sails: Book 2-3 weeks ahead for weekends
- • Calmest waters: Morning cruises have less chop
- • Best photos: Golden hour sunset cruises
- • Shoulder season: September offers warm weather, fewer crowds
What to Bring
- • Light jacket (it is cooler on the water)
- • Non-marking rubber-soled shoes
- • Sunscreen and sunglasses
- • Camera for photos
- • Cash for tips (15-20%)
Boat Tour FAQs
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