Sheepshead Bay may not seem like an ecological haven at first glance, but it provides a beloved connection to the natural world through American Princess Cruises’ whale watching expeditions.
For 16 years, American Princess has given New Yorkers the opportunity to meet the whales and dolphins of the New York Bight, the aquatic region that stretches from the eastern end of Long Island to southern New Jersey.
Once fairly devoid of marine life, the bight in recent decades has gotten cleaner and more hospitable to whales and dolphins, which can be seen off New York City shores in the hundreds from the spring through early winter.
American Princess’ whale and dolphin-watching season stretches from April through November, with regularly-scheduled 3.5 hour cruises departing from Pier 8 in Sheepshead Bay.
In peak season, visitors are all but guaranteed to see marine life during their trip. American Princess boasts a 95% sighting rate, and keeps track of its sightings online. In August 2025 alone, the vessel’s occupants saw dozens of whales, including Humpback and Minke whales, and pods of bottlenose dolphins numbering at least 100.
The American Princess is staffed with experienced captains and crewmembers, including professional naturalists who help spot and identify whales and dolphins. At least once each fall, the boat hosts a 24-hour excursion to see migrating marine birds and mammals.
The boat itself is a 95-foot aluminum vessel certified to hold up to 250 people and outfitted with top-of-the-line navigation and safety features, and serves some food and drink onboard. Adult tickets go for $69 each, while tickets for children ages 5-12 cost $50, and kids under 5 sail free. The American Princess recommends buying tickets online ahead of time, but some tickets can be purchased day-of, space permitting.
