The 2023 Whale Watching Season is going to be a splash!!
Have you ever heard about the opportunity to witness the magnificent whales on Long Island? Whale watching on Long Island is an incredible experience for people of all ages.
Come aboard the Atlantic Pearl during the summer and fall months to witness the fascinating migration patterns of whales along the New York coast. Our captain is an expert at locating prime whale and dolphin-watching spots, so ensure your cameras and binoculars are ready for an unforgettable experience. Don't miss the chance to witness these majestic creatures as they gracefully move through the waves and leap from the water. Keep an ear out for the crew's insights on whales and other local wildlife - you might learn a thing or two along the way!
All tickets purchased have VIP access to The Bayview on the Water, entitling you to 15% off your total bill. Offer good through 2023.
What kind of whales can you see on one of our Whale Watching Cruises?
Most of the whales you will see on our trips will be Humpback Whales and Bottlenose Dolphins, but there are lots of other whales that live in the Atlantic Ocean. Below you will find information on the species we see most frequently.
Bottlenose Dolphin
Bottlenose dolphins are found throughout the world in both offshore and coastal waters. They get their name from their short thick snouts and are generally gray in color. These dolphins can be between 6-13 feet in length and weigh between 300-1,400 pounds. They have a lifespan of 40-60 years and enjoy a diet of fish, squid, and crustaceans like crabs and shrimp
More Information on Bottlenose Dolphin
Short-Beaked Common Dolphin
Common dolphins are one of the most abundant dolphins in the world. Adults reach about 6 feet in length and weigh up to 170 pounds. These dolphins have very distinctive body coloration. They have a dark gray cape that extends from their head to their dorsal fin where a "V" is visible on both sides. Starting behind the head is a yellow/tan panel followed by a light gray color at the rear of the body. Common dolphins eat a diet of fish and squid.
More information on Short-Beaked Common Dolphin
Humpback Whale
Humpback whales are found around the world. They travel very long distances each year and have one of the longest migrations of any mammal on the planet. Some swim 5,000 miles between breeding and feeding grounds. These whales can grow to be 60 feet in length and weigh up to 80,000 pounds! Humpbacks feed mostly on krill and small fish and can eat up to 3,000 pounds of food per day. Distinctive features of humpback include their large front flippers and their flukes. The underside of a humpback whales fluke is like a fingerprint that is unique to each whale.
More information on Humpback Whale
Fin Whale
Fin whales are the second-largest whales in the world reaching lengths of 75-85 feet and weighing up to 160,000 pounds. These giants feed on small fish such as herring and capelin and also eat squid. Fin whales have a sleek, streamlined body with a V-shaped head. Many fin whales have light gray V-shaped "chevrons" behind their heads. The coloration of their lower jaw is very distinctive. The lower jaw is a dark gray color on the left and white on the right side. This coloration is the other way around on their tongue.
More information on Fin Whale
North Atlantic Right Whale
North Atlantic right whales are one of the most endangered large whale species in the world. There are only estimated to be about 400 individuals left. These whales can reach lengths of 52 feet and weigh up to 140,000 pounds. Their characteristic feature is raised patches of rough skin called callosities. Each right whale has a unique pattern of callosities which is used to identify them.
More information on North Atlantic Right Whale- For more information on what kind of marine animals live in the waters off of Long Island, you can visit the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation's website!