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.
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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.
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Choose Your Tour by Occasion
Romantic Evening
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
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.
Wear non-marking shoes
Black-soled shoes can leave marks on deck. Boat shoes or clean sneakers work.
More Tips
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
- • 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
What types of boat tours are available at the Jersey Shore?
The Jersey Shore offers sunset sails on historic schooners, scenic harbor cruises past lighthouses and Victorian homes, dinner and cocktail cruises, pirate-themed family adventures, and speedboat thrill rides. Most tours run from May through October.
How long are typical boat tours?
Most boat tours last 1.5 to 2.5 hours. Sunset sails typically run 2 hours, timed to the setting sun. Dinner cruises may run 2-3 hours. Shorter harbor tours of 1-1.5 hours are perfect for families with young children.
Do I need to make a reservation?
Dinner cruises require advance booking. Some harbor tours accept walk-ups if space is available.
Are boat tours appropriate for children?
Most tours welcome children. Pirate cruises are specifically designed for kids with interactive entertainment. Harbor tours and daytime sails are family-friendly. Sunset cocktail cruises may be better suited for adults. Check individual tour descriptions for age recommendations.
What should I wear on a boat tour?
Wear comfortable, casual clothing and non-marking rubber-soled shoes. Bring a light jacket even in summer as it gets cooler on the water. Sunglasses and sunscreen are essential. For evening cruises, smart casual is appropriate.
Is food and drink included on boat tours?
It varies by tour. Sunset sails often include complimentary wine and beer. Dinner cruises include a meal in the price. Many tours have a cash bar or snack bar. Some sailboats are BYOB for daytime sails.
What if it rains or is bad weather?
Tours are weather-dependent and may be cancelled for safety. Most operators will reschedule or offer a full refund if they cancel due to weather. Check the tour operator website for their specific cancellation policy.
Can I book a private boat tour?
Yes, many operators offer private charters for special occasions like birthdays, proposals, weddings, and corporate events. Private charters are priced per boat rather than per person. Contact operators directly for custom arrangements.
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