meet the captains & crews

100 Ton USCG Master’s License – The father of the Cape May Whale Watcher. Went to work in 1973 aboard the sightseeing boat Big Flamingo with Captain Ron Sinn in Wildwood Crest. Got married in 1976 to Mary. Became a licensed captain in the late 1970s. Learned the business of sightseeing and marine mammal watching as well as fishing. In 1990 he started whale and dolphin watching aboard the Big Flamingo. In 1993 he started the Cape May Whale Watcher out of the Miss Chris Marina. In 2001, purchased the Miss Chris Marina. In 2007, Captain Jeff and the Stewart Family purchased and rebuilt the Spirit of Cape May. Captain Jeff Stewart Sr. has logged over 10,000 marine mammal watching trips, more than any other active Captain in New Jersey.

100 Ton USCG Master’s License – Son of Jeff and Mary Stewart. Jeff has been out boating with his father for his entire life, at 2 months he made his first trip 4-hour fishing. He has spent every summer since age 8 aboard the boat with his father as a mate. In 2003 he became one of the youngest 100-ton captains in the area. He is a graduate of Richard Stockton College of NJ with a B.S. in Business Management. Jeff enjoys everything about the outdoors, but in particular enjoys the wildlife which he has come to know closely over the course of his life- the dolphins, whales, and fishes which are so frequently found in the waters around Cape May. Captain Jeff Jr. has logged over 8,000 whale and dolphin watching trips.

100 Ton USCG Master’s License – In the 1980s Captain Jim went to work at Sinn’s Dock in Wildwood Crest, NJ. In 1993, Captain Jim assisted Captain Jeff Sr. deliver the Cape May Whale Watcher from Port Clinton, Ohio to Cape May, NJ. Captain Jim is a member of the faculty at Lower Township High School. Captain Jim is a member of United States Coast Guard Reserves. Captain Jim was a speed boat captain on board the Shore Shot and currently remains a captain aboard the Silver Bullet. Currently, Captain Jim can be found aboard for evening, weekend and special events. When Captain Jim takes a break, he still works as the finest bartender afloat. Captain Jim has logged at least 7000 dolphin watching trips.

100 Ton USCG Master’s License – Having spent many a summer in Cape May, NJ, Captain Jack is the man to talk to about history in Cape May. He has done his homework when it comes to both why things are the way they are and how things used to be. A history buff to the core, Captain Jack enjoys his winters now in the Palm Beach area of Florida, and his summers aboard ship on the Cape May Whale Watcher and Spirit of Cape May. He keeps things shipshape and running smoothly. Captain Jack has logged over 4000 marine whale and dolphin watch trips.

100 Ton USCG Master’s License – In 1982, Robert Lubberman was abandoned at 6006 Park Blvd Wildwood Crest. Ok, Robert was not abandoned, that is just how the story starts for some. The truth is that Bob’s grandmother told us to take him fishing at a young age, so he would stop taking out a rowboat to catch large sharks in Delaware Bay. Ever since then “Bobby” as many call him, has climbed the ranks from mate to captain. He has seen his share of variety come up from the depths and he is highly knowledgeable in all local and some not so local sea creatures. He is the manager of the Miss Chris Marina and one of our top educators.

The Glue that holds the Crew together. Mary started the Cape May Whale Watcher with Captain Jeff Sr in 1993. She married the Captain in 1976 and she has been involved in the adventures of the sightseeing business in Wildwood Crest and Cape May since 1973. She raised three children while helping support the family through good times and bad. She is an outstanding mother and wife. She created the Lighthouse Buffet and Admirals Buffet and she is an excellent chef and baker. She has a green thumb and brings the Miss Chris Marina its flowers each year for the patrons to enjoy. The Dancing Dolphin Gift shop is stocked with Mary’s keen eye for must-have merchandise. Captain Jeff and Mary recently celebrated their 40th Anniversary in 2016.

Jim has been a mate aboard the Miss Chris since 2000. His expertise in boating and fishing are a huge asset to the Cape May Whale Watcher. He has a vast knowledge of all fish and their biology. He has known the waters of Delaware Bay since he was a young man growing up in Millville, NJ. His Passion for fishing continues as he pursues his 100 ton Masters license. His knowledge of the vessels in our fleet is second to none when it comes to ships systems. He is also great with kids and adults on both fishing and whale and dolphin watching trips alike.

Stephen Wolf is an exceptionally talented diesel mechanic, a fabricator, a welder, an electrician, a plumber and an all-around family man who takes his job seriously and his laughs often. He is the back bone of Captain Jeff’s enterprise and never afraid of heavy lifting. He is also Camera shy.

Mary E. Stewart is a graduate of Drexel University with a Masters in Computer Science. She has experience in marketing, high tech computer systems, phone systems, and laughs. She is heavily involved in Video Production and Improv in Pittsburgh, PA. She is a musical genius with the ability to play seven instruments, including the trombone and the French horn. Sister of Brigid and Jeffrey, she can be seen aboard the boat and around the dock throughout the year.

Brigid brings a plethora of experience to Cape May Whale Watcher. Her background includes graduating from Temple University with a BS in Hospitality. She has interned at hotels in Philadelphia and cruise lines in South Carolina. Having traveled the United States including Colorado and Vermont as well internationally to Switzerland, she has notable expertise in Snow Boarding as an instructor. She most recently spent two months becoming a certified Yoga instructor in Thailand. Her specialty is Vinyasa. She is the communications expert on staff. She is in charge of hiring and training both on land and on dinner cruise crew. She has a knack for Special Events coordination and organization. She is also a fine Paddle Board Instructor and Crew Outing coordinator. She is the machine behind the machine.

Leeann, wife of Captain Jeff Jr, is helping shape the future chapter of the Stewart Family, the Cape May Whale Watcher and their new business, Cape May Cruises. With experience in marketing and customer service, her skills range from reservations to photoshop and include human resources, telephone assistance and even bartending. She is a great asset as well as an amazing mother.

Crew Member since 2015, Matt is one of the friendliest you will meet. He has experience in both construction and bartending. He exceeds at picking things up and put things down. With a new interest in marketing and marine biology, Matt is available throughout a trip to answer many of your ocean questions. As a junior Crew Member, he is quickly learning what it takes to be a First Mate.

Crew Member since 2005. Dacota or Congo, as his brothers call him, was the first of Darin’s sons to work aboard Cape May Whale Watcher. He joins us again in 2017 before he enters basic training in the United States Army.

Another of Darin’s three sons back for another season aboard Cape May Whale Watcher. He is very well spoken and a thinker. He is one of the fastest runners you will ever meet. He also makes an awesome big red boat. Crew since 2011

Crew Member since 2004. Darin is a longtime resident of the Jersey Shore. He has worked jobs both on and off the islands of the Wildwoods and Cape May. He was a successful campground owner at one time. He spends his Summers in Cape May and the winters in Missouri. All of his sons are crew members for the 2017 season so, on any given trip, you will be talking to them throughout the season.

Crew since 2013. Reno joins his family aboard Cape May Whale Watcher while attending college.