Birding by Boat on the Osprey is a birding and wildlife tour of the coastal salt marsh behind Cape May and the Wildwoods. All of our trips depart from the Miss Chris Marina at 1212 Wilson Dr. in Cape May.

Birding By Boat On the Osprey is the premier nature cruise in Cape May.  Nowhere else can you get such a close-up look at the birds and marine life that inhabit the salt marsh that lie behind the barrier islands. Trips are led by Captain Bob who has 45 years of experience in these back bays and operates these trips daily for up to 8 months of every year.  Along with our crew of highly experienced naturalists we will show you the marsh like no one else can. Every single trip is different as the birds are continually changing through migration and as the new chicks start to mature. We will take the time to show you birds feed, nesting and any other activities that we may come across. We aren’t just out there for a few days a week and for a couple  of months of the year. These cruises are highly interactive and adapted to the group that we have aboard. This is a great activity for children of all ages and we have many items that we carry onboard to check out during our trips. I hope that you will come out and join us for a trip so that we can show you this area that is not frequently visited, but is a huge part of the coastal ecosystem of the Jersey Shore. We look forward to seeing you onboard.

For more information on what we are seeing currently, call 609-898-3500 for a direct line to the Captain.

All of our cruises are BYO, so feel free to bring your favorite food and drinks. Alcohol is permitted for guests 21 and over. Our boats come fully equipped with coolers, speakers, comfortable seating, and even a bathroom on two of the boats for ultimate convenience.

With accommodations for groups as small as 1-2 people or as large as 49 (or more if you book multiple boats), there’s no better time to set sail. Book your cruise today and make unforgettable memories on the water!

Book now at info@jerseyshorecruises.com or call us at 609-200-6656 for more information

On these eco-cruises, you will be amazed by the amount of wildlife that a salt marsh can support. Over 400 species of birds, more than 300 species of fish, and even more marine invertebrates inhabit New Jersey and many of them call the salt marsh their home. Whether you are observing and photographing a “life bird” to add to your list or holding a blue claw crab for the first time, you will discover why these ecosystems are vital, not only to the survival of the animals and plants that live there, but also to ourselves.

Our trips are fun, educational, and led by experienced crew members with backgrounds in Ornithology, Marine Biology, Ecology, and Environmental Education.

If you are looking for the highest caliber boating excursion to experience in New Jersey, you have arrived. Come aboard the 110 foot long, 400 passengers, all aluminum triple diesel powered the super ship, Spirit of Cape May. With a partially enclosed sky lounge and open-air dance floor, the Spirit of Cape May is a unique venue for any event.

Dinner Cruises

Enjoy dinner, sight dolphins, drink an ice cold beverage, enjoy the company of loved ones and see one our beautiful sunsets over Delaware Bay. No other Dinner Cruise in the world can offer top quality food (from a Restaurant, not a microwave), unparalleled views and dolphin sightings in a single evening. We have the most to offer in Southern New Jersey. We offer the finest food available a float (see Menu and Ship), the largest and cleanest vessel, and a family-oriented atmosphere.

Must reserve in advance of the trip by 12:00 pm the day of.

Fishing trips aboard the Miss Chris and the Lady Chris include fishing license, parking, bait and fishing instructions. Rental rods are available with penn reels and gull rods. Whether you’re looking for an afternoon excursion, a morning family adventure or something special like a family reunion or birthday party, we’ve got the gear and expertise to help you enjoy the great outdoors.

The Miss Chris and the Lady Chris have been in the Cape May area providing half day and full day fishing excursions for decades. Started by Frank Speigel in 1973, then owned by Capt Fred through the late 80s, 90s through 2014, and now owned by Captain Jeff Stewart and Son, owners of the Cape May Whale Watcher and Miss Chris Marina and operated by Captain Mike Scanlan and Mate Jim. Captain Mike has been at the helm for 25 years and knows his way around Cape May, New Jersey and its plentiful fishing grounds.

Private charters also available.

Enjoy a relaxing cruise through the harbor to see our marinas, the US Coast Guard base, waterfront homes, wildlife, and more! We offers sunset cruises and half-day (4 hour) beach trips.  Grab your crew and fill the cooler!  The Tiny Tiki Too, Tiny Tiki and the Tiny Cruise Line are all available for private functions.

Private Charters

Next, we created the Bivalve Center – BCB’s Maurice Riverfront home where the restored 1904 Bivalve Shipping Sheds and Wharves serve as a maritime center of national significance, homeport to the Meerwald and the Delaware Bay Museum & Folklife Center. Now we are an established educational institute, with programs on the schooner, at the Bivalve campus and in the community – Commercial Township, Cumberland County and throughout South Jersey’s Bayshore region.

The Meerwald’s spacious wooden deck, 23 feet wide by 85 feet long, provides a unique setting for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, reunions, fundraisers, company picnics, and other special occasions. The ship is available for 2 1/2 hour sails to a full day.  Bring your own refreshments or have a catered event.  Beer and wine are permitted onboard.

For information on accommodations for people who use wheelchairs, please contact the Bayshore Center.