Wildwood Live

About

Thunder Cat is a 49-passenger catamaran speedboat that goes dolphin watching along the Wildwood and Cape May beaches. It leaves from the Cape May Inlet Marina in Wildwood Crest, which puts you in the ocean about five minutes after you leave the dock. Trips last around 75 minutes, and the crew shares the history of local landmarks and marine life as you go.

Seating is open-air benches, first come, first served, with the back bench kept for children. The boat cruises at roughly 25 to 30 mph. Bottlenose dolphins are the draw; the company says whales are rare off New Jersey, so don't count on one.

When to go

Thunder Cat runs in the warm months, with departures seven days a week in season, and it is closed for the winter. The website lists a summer schedule running from morning to late afternoon, plus a one-hour 8 AM trip in July and August. Times change, so check the online booking calendar or call.

The company says the dolphins stay near the coast all day, so any departure works. It generally doesn't run in rain, and it can cancel for lightning, high wind or too few passengers. If it cancels, you can reschedule or get a full refund.

Check today's hours →

Good to know

Arrive 30 minutes before departure; the boat leaves on time. Don't rely on GPS, which can send you to North Wildwood. Use Google Maps and look for the small yellow office between the Two Mile Landing restaurant and the Cape May toll bridge. Parking is free, and there are portable restrooms on the dock. Reservations aren't required but are strongly suggested, since the boat fills up. Drinking alcohol on board isn't allowed.

Price

• Adults (13 and up)$40.00
• Children (3–12)$32.00
• Infants (0–2)$22.00

Private charters are available; call for details.

Prices checked November 2026 on the website of Thunder Cat Dolphin Watch. They can change, so check before you go.

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