A sunset dinner cruise aboard the Spirit of Cape May offers practical value for families seeking a memorable meal. The 2-hour excursion combines wildlife viewing – often featuring dolphins and occasional whales – with a straightforward buffet dinner. The menu caters to basic American tastes: chicken, short ribs, pizza, and hot dogs, with special pricing for children.
I especially love this cruise for its dual purpose: you’re getting both dinner and sightseeing for one price, and the sunset views are reliably spectacular. While the buffet setup could use better organization, the attentive crew and reasonable prices make this worthwhile.
Check out my favorite Cape May dining experiences below.
Key Points
- The Cape May Whale Watcher offers a scenic dinner cruise with a buffet-style menu featuring local cuisine and stunning sunset views.
- Guests frequently spot dolphins during the cruise, with occasional whale sightings, creating memorable family experiences.
- The Spirit of Cape May vessel provides a 2-hour cruise with a family-friendly atmosphere, suitable for all ages.
- The dinner buffet includes gluten-free and vegetarian options, as well as an affordable children’s menu with pizza and hot dogs.
- The cruise is highly rated for its transportation, value, and friendly crew, with the majority of guests expressing overall satisfaction and recommending the experience.
Dinner Cruise With Dolphin and Whale Watching From Cape May
A popular activity for visitors to Cape May is the Dinner Cruise with Dolphin Watching. Offered by Cape May Whale Watcher, this 4.4-star rated experience takes guests on a scenic cruise along the water, with the possibility of spotting dolphins and other marine life.
Priced from $89.95 per person, the cruise includes a buffet-style dinner with options like chicken, short ribs, pizza, and hot dogs. Many travelers report seeing dolphins during the excursion, and some even catch glimpses of whales.
The cruise departs from and returns to the Cape May Whale Watcher meeting point, with wheelchair-accessible transportation available. Guests can redeem their vouchers at the ticket booth and enjoy the included parking, gratuities, and stunning sunset views.
While some reviewers suggest improvements to the buffet organization and clearer menu communication, the majority praise the friendly crew and memorable family experiences.
Read our full review: Dinner Cruise With Dolphin and Whale Watching From Cape May Review
Book now: Check availability
Cape May: Sunset Dinner Cruise on the Spirit of Cape May
Travelers can embark on a captivating Sunset Dinner Cruise aboard the Spirit of Cape May, a 2-hour experience that offers stunning views of the New Jersey shoreline and the chance to witness the area’s vibrant marine life.
Priced from $83.79 per person, the cruise operates daily from mid-May through September, providing a family-oriented atmosphere suitable for all ages.
The cruise features a dinner buffet with gourmet food prepared by local caterers, as well as the opportunity to purchase alcoholic beverages.
Dietary options, including gluten-free and vegetarian choices, are available. Children can opt for a more affordable pizza and hot dog menu, with an upgrade to the full buffet.
The cruise departs at 6:30 PM, with parking provided at the Miss Chris Marina.
Accessible to wheelchair users, the cruise has garnered positive reviews, with high ratings for its transportation and value for money.
Guests can look forward to a memorable evening filled with scenic views, local cuisine, and the possibility of encountering dolphins or other marine life.
Read our full review: Cape May: Sunset Dinner Cruise on the Spirit of Cape May Review
Book now: Check availability
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Dress Code for the Dinner Cruises?
The dress code for dinner cruises is typically casual, though some may prefer smart casual attire. Passengers are advised to dress comfortably for the boat trip and weather conditions, but avoid overly formal or revealing outfits.
Are Vegetarian or Dietary-Restricted Meal Options Available?
Most dinner cruises offer vegetarian and dietary-restricted meal options to accommodate guests’ needs. Passengers should inquire about the available choices when booking their reservation to ensure their dietary requirements are met.
Can I Bring My Own Alcoholic Beverages on the Cruises?
Passengers can’t bring their own alcoholic beverages on cruises in Cape May. Cruise providers typically have strict policies prohibiting outside alcohol to ensure a safe, enjoyable experience for all guests. Alcoholic drinks are usually available for purchase on board.
Are the Dinner Cruises Wheelchair Accessible?
The dinner cruises in the area are generally wheelchair accessible, with ramps and accommodations to ensure those with mobility challenges can fully enjoy the experience. Guests should check with the specific cruise operator for details on accessibility features.
How Long Do the Dinner Cruises Typically Last?
The dinner cruises typically last around 2-3 hours, depending on the specific cruise. They provide a scenic and relaxing experience on the water, with options for dining and entertainment throughout the cruise.
Recap
Cape May’s dinner cruises provide a unique opportunity to savor delectable cuisine while enjoying stunning views of the coastline and the chance to spot majestic marine life. Whether it’s the Dinner Cruise with Dolphin and Whale Watching or the Sunset Dinner Cruise, these experiences offer a memorable and picturesque way to dine in Cape May.