Dolphins Spotted in Large Numbers off Cape May and Wildwood Shores
If you’ve been on the beaches of Cape May or Wildwood this past week, you may have noticed a significant increase in dolphins swimming just beyond the waves.
Large pods have been moving close to shore, prompting many to wonder where these dolphins are coming from, why they’re in the area, and how long they might stay.
To get a closer look at their recent activity, we’ve included a video at the bottom of this article showing the dolphins swimming just offshore.
Dolphins Spotted in Large Numbers off Cape May and Wildwood Shores
Where Do These Dolphins Come From?
Most of the dolphins seen off the South Jersey coast are Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. These dolphins live in temperate and tropical waters across the globe, but the population in the western Atlantic Ocean is especially active during the warmer months.
Many pods migrate north from Florida and the Carolinas during spring and summer, following schools of fish along the coastline.
Cape May and Wildwood are located where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Delaware Bay which is a heaven for dolphins.
This area provides a rich food source for dolphins because warm and cold water currents mix here, attracting large numbers of fish and other prey.
This makes it a key stop during their seasonal migrations.
Why Do Dolphins Swim So Close to Shore?
Every year we see dolphins swim much closer to the beach and many ask why.
This is often tied to feeding patterns. Schools of small fish such as menhaden, mullet, and anchovies frequently gather in shallow water near the coast.
Dolphins will follow these fish, sometimes driving them toward shore to make feeding easier.
Also See: What Are Those Strange Red Worms At The Jersey Shore? Meet the Cinder Worms
Dolphins are also social animals that hunt cooperatively. Working together allows them to catch more fish, and it often brings the entire pod within view of people standing on the beach.
In some cases, pods with young calves may stay closer to the coast because the shallow water offers more protection from larger predators. These areas also provide calmer conditions that are easier for young dolphins to navigate.
How Long Will the Dolphins Stay?
The dolphins currently off the South Jersey coast are here because food is plentiful and water temperatures are favorable.
They generally remain in the region through the end of summer and into early fall, moving farther south once the weather and ocean temperatures begin to drop.
How long they will stay in the Cape May and Wildwood area depends largely on the availability of fish.
If food remains abundant, dolphins may continue to pass through the region in large numbers for the next few weeks.
Spotting Dolphins at the Shore
Dolphins are a natural part of the ecosystem in Cape May and Wildwood. Their presence is a sign that local fish populations are healthy and that the coastline is providing an environment rich in food sources.
While they may come close to the beach, it’s important for boaters and beachgoers to give dolphins plenty of space.
Marine experts recommend maintaining a safe distance if you encounter them while boating, as approaching too closely can disrupt their feeding and traveling patterns.
If you really want to get a good view of them, we suggest going on some of the boat tours down here such as the Silver Bullet in Wildwood or the Cape May Whale Watching.
Watching The Dolphins Via Drone in North Wildwood
For now, anyone visiting the beach has a good chance of seeing dolphins swimming past the shoreline, especially if you go to the beach in Cape May Point. This is where our video was filmed.
Whether you’re walking the sand in Cape May or watching the ocean from the Wildwood Boardwalk, keep an eye on the horizon for fins breaking the surface.
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