Take a safari through the salt marsh

The Jersey Cape’s premier wildlife tour boat, the Skimmer, in conjunction with the Nature Center of Cape May, is offering “Salt Marsh Safari” tours all summer long.
These special tours of Cape May’s beautiful coastal wetlands will take place each Monday at 10 a.m. and again at 1:30 p.m., now through August 31.
The comfortable, 40-foot Skimmer can navigation through waters that are only two feet deep, bringing participants nose-to-beak with the world’s largest colony of nesting Laughing Gulls.
The pristine salt marshes also contain one of New Jersey’s densest populations of nesting Ospreys. Nearly a dozen nests are visible at once.
The striking Black Skimmer offers even more proof that some of our planet’s most exotic wildlife lives right here in New Jersey.
Other recent bird sightings include peregrine falcons, northern harriers, tri-colored herons, green herons, black and yellow crowned night herons, glossy ibis, marbled godwit and whimbrel. Other wildlife such as diamondback terrapins and various species of crabs and fish abound as well.
Those that suffer from seasickness will find these trips on placid inland waters an enjoyable alternative to ocean waves. All tours are narrated by Captain Ginny and her staff of experienced naturalists.
Trips aboard the Skimmer run rain or shine. Wonderful wildlife viewing occurs on days that are not fit for the beach.
The boat is covered for protection from sun and rain and a marine restroom is located on board. The Skimmer is partially handicapped accessible.
“Salt Marsh Safaris” are fun and educational for all ages. The tour fee is $26 for adults, discounted to $15 for children. Pre-registration is recommended at 609-884-3100.
The Skimmer leaves from Dolphin Cove Marina, across from the Two Mile Beach Unit of the Cape May National Wildlife Refuge on Ocean Drive between Cape May and Wildwood Crest.