Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
We get views of the wildlife of the salt marsh that people almost never have an opportunity to see. We sail daily from April until October so we always know where we are likely to see the most interesting birds and with 25 years of experience running these tours we know where we are likely to have the best trip. Our route varies daily depending on conditions.
Additional Info
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Service animals allowed
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Wheelchair accessible
What To Expect
Daily from April through October Cruising through the coastal Salt Marsh behind Cape May and Wildwood viewing the birds and marine life that live there. We get up close to many different species of birds with views that people rarely get to see of some of the secretive birds of the wetlands. Being out in the wetlands every day for six months gives us a unique ability to find and closely visit with many different species of birds. cruises on Saturday Sunday and Monday mornings are sponsored by the Cape May Bird Observatory and have a higher price but are also either 2 1/2 or 3 hours depending on the season.
Options
Birding By Boat on the Osprey
What‘s Included
Binoculars
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
856 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
The best boat ride in Cape May
J7986EIlaurenr,Jun 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We absolutely love birding and cruising on the Osprey! It is the perfect family experience — fun and educational for all
Birding by boat on the Osprey.
johngD2704WT,Jun 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I was very excited to take this tour with my girlfriend, as I am a advanced photographer specializing in wildlife,nature,and birding. Booking was extremely easy and took less than five minutes on line. A day later a got an email conformation that we were booked with info on the time and meeting place to leave the dock. Captain Bob met everyone after helping them park their cars and we boarded the Osprey platoon boat and left the dock about 10:05. It was a fairly big boat and held the 15 to 18 people comfortably along with everyone's belongings and mostly their camera equipment. We were allowed to move around the boat from one side to another and take photos of the birds which were pointed out by captain Bob and our nature guide. There were times he stopped the boats so everyone could get photos of all the birds. We saw Ospreys and their baby chicks,herons,Ibris,and different species of sea gulls. It was a great two hour adventure in the back bays of Cap May, NJ and the marshes and open areas going out from the back bay and marshes. We also saw a lot of horse shoe crabs trying to climb up the banks from the water. For those who didn't bring binoculars they let you borrow a pair free . They also had birding t-shirts for sale at the end of the tour. This was such a exciting trip to see birds in there natural habitat and photographing them from close up with a telephoto lens. This trip made my day and it was not rushed as captain Bob took his time explaining and showing exactly where the birds were. If you are in Cape May, please book this tour on the Osprey. You will not be disappointed and you will also get great professional photographic results,and a great experience with nature.
Bird watching
M249KQdennisc,Jun 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent experience. Great crew. Good time
Bird watching
wendycA1108ZY,Jun 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My husband Dennis & I had a wonderful time. Captain Bob & Naturalist Patty were very knowledgeable. Captain Bob knew the best places to see birds & babies. Patty was so kind & able to keep everyone engaged. We would highly recommend this boat tour to everyone young & old that has an interest in NJ birds. Thank you for an enjoyable trip.
Great birding experience
deborat51957,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It's a wonderful experience with very experienced birders who know all of the places to see some amazing different species. The boat is great and we enjoyed it a lot. The owners are very accommodating for photos of birds and seeing as much as possible.
A Family Fun and Informative Experience!
dianegallagher228,Jun 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is an amazing experience for the whole family. Everyone gets binoculars. They even have kids versions for little ones. The captain and his assistant are incredibly informative and go out of their way to make sure you see lots of cool birds and have a great time. They also share hands on information about area wildlife. The sunset cruise was sold out but I'm sure that's an added bonus. I highly recommend this activity for all ages.
Inspiring and informative
X2675DWkateg,Jun 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was an inspiring and informative experience! The interactive discussion with the crew made things educational for both adults and children. The close views of about 20 different bird species, nests, chicks and behaviors was impressive. Its obvious that they care about your experience, and are interested in teaching in order to develop awareness abd understanding of local species and migrating birds. Highly recommend!
Amazing sights in the salt marshes!
Go812470,Jun 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a beautiful cruise on a day. Patti Heisler was so knowledgeable and made the salt marshes come alive. Captain Bob found the perfect spots to get close views of over 17 species of birds. I will definitely take this trip again to see the seasonal visitors during migration! I also want to take the sunset cruise.
A fantastic adventure at Cape May!
Scott K,Jun 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.002 1/2 hours on the water discovering all different kinds of shore birds (even turtles and dolphins!). A great way to spend a morning at Cape May! The guide was extremely knowledgeable and very personable. A fantastic adventure!
Great Birding Experience in Cape May!
staceydK2620PH,Jun 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a wonderful time Birding by Boat on the Osprey. Captain Bob and his leader were very knowledgeable. They knew exactly where to go to get the most birding out of our time on the water. They shared a ton of information about the birds we spotted. I highly recommend this boat trip for new birders as well as experienced birders. It was a great day; we really enjoyed it.
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Operated by Cape May Back Bay LLC