My boyfriend and I have been wanting to check this out for a year. We went yesterday for my 50th birthday. The boat is about what you would expect (good size, has some snacks and drinks for sale, a few decks, etc. Nothing fancy but wouldn't expect it to be) We did see quite a bit of dolphins (about 4 schools, 3-4 dolphins each time.) We didn't see whales, but of course that is not guaranteed. Several reasons for the less than stellar reviews:
1. I emailed them 2-3 weeks before the trip for some info and never got a response.
2. I finally called and got vague and uninterested responses from the person who answered the phone. I booked in spite of these things instead of the competing Dolphin and Whale Research Center because I had a gift certificate.
3. I called again the day of the trip since where we live 60 miles north it was cloudy with a forecast of high wind and possible rain, but Cape May weather forecast was a little better. Not sure if it was the same woman who answered as in #2, but she whoever did was snark, rude and sarcastic when I asked her about the wind and whether they thought the ride would be rough because of it. (Sorry, I didn't want to spend my 50th bd vomitting on a boat)
4. We decided to take a chance and go. Well, the Captain's rudeness put the receiptionist to shame. From my boyfriend asking whether there was a bathroom on board (because I went to use it and the boat was leaving, he wanted to make sure I wasn't off the boat) to berating the group of children on board, his attitude and behavior was atrocious. I understand safety is a concern and because of the rough waters he had to tell them to keep their seats...but telling them if you fall off you are "goners" and "done?" Never mind countless other sarcastic comments. My boyfriend is usually VERY laid back, but he also could not believe the attitude.
C'mon people, this is a TOURIST attraction. You are supposed to be NICE!!!!! NOBODY WAS. They were all either very rude, or completely stone faces or disinterested.
4. We couldn't go too far into the deeper waters where whales are typically sought out because the water was choppy and people up front were complaining. (Exactly why I called to ask about this!!!!) The same people who wouldn't move upstairs where it was much more bearable. I understand not going for safety, but we weren't thrilled about turning back for a vew complainers. the captain took up the time with an informative tour of the harbor, but I didn't drive 90 mintues for tour the harbor/marina where the boat was docked.
If it werent for the staff's rudeness I would still recommend it Instead, I'd say check out the other place..it seems impossible they wouldn't be nicer, and their boats were in the same spots we were (except for the habor tour) Overall we are glad we went. The captain was knowledeable about dolphins and my boyfriend and I both liked that he pointed out to passengers what we arleady knew but not everyone does - that dolphins in captivity live short, miserable lives (5 years, go blind from chlorine and a host of other things). In the wild they live for 40ish years in groups of famililes often spanning multiple generation. In shorty, that they belong in the wild, not a hotel or swim with dolphins program.