From
US $149
per person
5 Rating
Choose Date
Check Availability

Discover the Grand Lighthouse Tour from Cape May, New Jersey

You’ll fall for the romantic coastal lighthouses of New Jersey, lone beacons that celebrate humanity’s triumph over the sea and played vital roles in the success of major ports like Philadelphia; their strategic value in times of war and the countless lives they’ve saved - both historically and daily - make them powerful sights to include in your plans. Dotted along the shoreline and standing on pedestals surrounded by water, many of these lights also mark the treacherous mid-channel of Delaware Bay, where a series of 19th- and early-20th-century lighthouses were constructed; most remain operating today and are fully automated, offering a striking contrast of history and enduring maritime utility. For a focused, Water-Based experience that highlights these extremely historic structures, the Cape May Whale Watcher has been sailing to these lighthouses since 1994, giving you a direct way to see these iconic navigational aids up close.

About this activity in Cape May

Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Highlights

  • Cruise past historic coastal lighthouses that have guided ships into major ports and safeguarded lives along the Delaware Bay and Cape May shoreline.
  • See automated 19th- and early-20th-century lights that still operate today, perched on pedestals amid the water and out of sight of land.
  • Enjoy a narrated history on board that brings each lighthouse’s role in maritime trade and wartime strategy to life.
  • Experience a long-running Cape May maritime tradition aboard the Cape May Whale Watcher, operating lighthouse cruises since 1994.

Important Information

  • This destination’s lighthouse route takes you into Delaware Bay waterways where several mid-channel lights were built to aid navigation.
  • Tours include narrated historical commentary and are suitable for all fitness levels; stroller- and wheelchair-accessible options are available throughout the vessel and boarding areas.
  • Public transportation and accessible transit options are available nearby for easy access to the boarding point in Cape May, New Jersey.
  • Families are welcome - infants and small children may ride in a pram or stroller, and the experience is appropriate for guests of all ages.

Meeting Point

Board at the Cape May Whale Watcher boarding dock in Cape May, New Jersey - check your booking confirmation for the exact dock address and recommended arrival time.

Includes

  • Included meals: enjoy breakfast and lunch as part of your experience in Cape May, New Jersey
  • Hear a narrated history of each lighthouse during the tour, bringing the region's maritime stories to life

Excludes

  • Items marked as available for purchase are not included in the base offering

Other

  • Wheelchair accessible: the experience and all areas are wheelchair accessible to ensure easy access here
  • You can bring infants and small children in a pram or stroller; surfaces and routes are suitable for strollers
  • Public transportation options are available nearby, and transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels, making this a comfortable choice for families and mixed-ability groups

Customer Reviews

10/10
Based on 7 Reviews
M2604EAsharonf
Aug 24, 2025 11:50:17 AM
Summary: Staff were great and all the lighthouses were amazing to see. Come hungry as they feed you whole trip. Captain gets close to the lighthouses and goes around them so both sides of boat can see it. We loved it!
38tf
Aug 17, 2024 02:55:03 PM
Summary: Excellent experience. We saw 9 historic lights, each came with a knowledgeable narration. Ticket price includes a light breakfast and several options for lunch. Picky eaters should be able to find something, but vegetarians might want to bring along a lunch. Parking is right across the street. I recommend anyone who likes lighthouses take this six hour cruise.
Victoria_B
Jun 24, 2024 08:42:10 AM
Summary: Excellent excursion to enjoy the historical Delaware Bay and its lighthouses. Fabulous crew and delicious luncheon.

Discover Cape May's Beaches, Tours, Dining and Family Events

Discover the charming coastal Events and activities in Cape May, New Jersey where Art & Culture, Water-Based excursions, and Outdoor & Nature experiences come together for memorable stays. You’ll find curated options for Tours & Sightseeing, Family & Kids fun, Food & Drink tastings, Romantic & Couples moments, and Workshops & Learning that make the area ideal for booking Group-Friendly or multi-day Events. Use Varoom to quickly match accommodations with the Events and Services you want so you can focus on enjoying this destination’s top activities and local atmosphere.

10.0
Exceptional
(1 Review)
18 Guests 4 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms
Ocean View House
  • Oceanfront
  • Fireplace/Heating
  • Ocean View
US $539/Night For 7 Nights US $3,771
10.0
Exceptional
(93 Reviews)
16 Guests 8 Bedrooms 8 Bathrooms
Bed & Breakfast
  • Ocean View
  • Balcony/Terrace
  • View
US $480/Night For 7 Nights US $3,360
10.0
Exceptional
(2 Reviews)
1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom
Family Friendly House
  • Fireplace/Heating
  • Pet Friendly
  • Kitchen
US $857/Night For 7 Nights US $5,999
New
24 Guests 9 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms
Family Friendly House
  • Private Pool
  • Fireplace/Heating
  • Pool
US $3,035/Night For 7 Nights US $21,245

Know more about Cape May

You’ll experience romantic coastal lighthouses that stand as historic sentinels along the shoreline and waterways. The narrated lighthouse tours highlight their roles in the success of major ports like Philadelphia and their strategic value during times of war, making them a compelling Cape May, New Jersey sightseeing choice.
Absolutely-these family-friendly lighthouse excursions include a narrated history of each lighthouse and allow infants and small children to ride in a pram or stroller, so you can enjoy a multi-generation outing exploring coastal history.
Tours are wheelchair accessible with transportation and all areas designed for accessibility, and public transportation options are available nearby, so you can easily join a lighthouse excursion regardless of mobility level.
Yes-you can board the Cape May Whale Watcher for Water-Based tours that sail to historic lighthouses built to aid ships in the treacherous mid-channel of Delaware Bay, giving you close-up views of pedestals surrounded by water and out-of-sight-of-land locations.
For romantic couples, the iconic 'lonely light' ambiance combined with scenic boat passages to historic Delaware Bay beacons creates an intimate coastal experience-perfect for sunset views, shared history, and memorable photo opportunities.
When you book, you can expect a narrated history of each lighthouse plus provided meals such as breakfast and lunch, while other items may be available for purchase, ensuring a comfortable and informative Cape May lighthouse experience.