Discover Marine Life Up Close with Seastreak Wildlife Cruises

By Stella Mueller, American Littoral Society Education Program Intern ​

Many may not know it, but just off New Jersey's sandy beaches are a host magnificent marine creatures. It's never been easier for you to see them in their natural habitat!

Thanks to a partnership between the American Littoral Society and Seastreak, a ferry service that carries people from New Jersey to Manhattan on a daily basis, anyone can now embark on an adventure to witness whales, dolphins, seals and other wildlife in the waters around Sandy Hook, NJ and the New York/New Jersey Bight.
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The Bight is a triangular region of ocean between New Jersey and New York, stretching from Atlantic City, NJ, to Montauk, NY, with New York City at its center. This area is more than just a scenic coastal expanse — it is a pristine ecosystem and an important habitat for countless marine species.

Despite being adjacent to one of the largest ports in the world, the bight serves as a breeding and feeding ground, as well as a common migration path, for various species of birds, fish, dolphins, and, of course, whales.

Not long ago, whale sightings in the waters around New York City were rare due to pollution, lack of food, and heavy ship traffic. However, thanks to conservation efforts and new regulations aimed at protecting marine life and their habitats, whale populations in the area have been steadily increasing.

The recovery provided a perfect opportunity to give people a chance to see these majestic creatures without having to travel to places such as New England. It also offered the Littoral Society another avenue to help people learn more about local wildlife and responsible viewing practices.

Seals on rocks near Officer's Row on Sandy Hook.

Seastreak offers whale watch cruises from June through September, coinciding with the whales’ migration patterns as they move north. Then, through the fall and winter, the ferry hosts regular seal and bird watching trips.

Led by expert naturalists, the tours offer a guided journey through local waters, pointing out wildlife, marine activity, and coastal landmarks along the way. Volunteers from the American Littoral Society join the trips, collecting data on whale sightings to contribute to the ongoing research efforts of Gotham Whale, a citizen science organization advocating for marine conservation in the New York Harbor.

As a volunteer on one of these cruises, I was captivated by the peacefulness of the ocean as we ventured into open water. Although no whales made an appearance on my trip, we were lucky enough to encounter a massive pod of over 100 bottlenose dolphins, gracefully swimming and feeding near the boat. The captain maintained a respectful distance to avoid disturbing the dolphins, but they were close enough that we could see their dark dorsal fins and lighter underbellies as they leapt through the waves, much to the delight of everyone on board.

Of course, the wildlife watching trips are not just about seeing these incredible creatures, but also  about learning how we can play a role in protecting them. By participating in whale watch cruises, visitors not only enjoy an unforgettable experience but also support vital research and conservation efforts. The data collected by volunteers helps scientists track whale populations, behavior, and health, all of which contribute to better protections for these animals and their habitats.
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While the whale watching trips are wrapping up for the season, seal and bird eco-tours should begin around the start of the new year. Learn more on the Seastreak website.

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