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November 2023 by L L.
Just $24pp + tip for Carlos, gets you a 2h leisurely cruise along the Maurice (pronounced "Mawr-iss") River with Captain Dave providing a wealth of information about local nature and history. Captain Dave offers cruises at 6pm Wednesdays (sunset cruise), or 1pm & 4pm on Fridays and Saturdays. The web info said we'd see eagles, bluffs, historic sites, and wild rice growing. I did see an eagle. I was talking with the couple next to us, so I didn't hear the whole tour from Captain Dave, so I'm not sure what historic sites were or where wild rice was, but I know a lot of local marshes have wild rice growing and it just looks like straw grass. It was a fun tour. In summer months, many locals out enjoying the riverside mini beaches, or boating around. It was a little rough for my child (then 4) to handle the full time with adult talk, so maybe bring a few fidget toys that won't blow away in the wind or annoy other passengers if you have young kids. Parking was free in the municipal lot directly across the street from the boat dock. I hesitated because municipal vehicles were parked there, but it's completely normal for them to expect passenger parking.
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September 2022 by Vicki B.
A lovely peaceful educational 2 hour cruise where we enjoyed herons, turtles, egrets, an otter and the great eagles and their nests. We will definitely return.
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September 2021 by Jeff H.
The Maurice River in Down Jersey outside Philadelphia en route to the Jersey Cape is a true treasure. Fortunately the US Department of the Interior also recognizes this and has granted parts of it scenic and wild protection status. It is also full of nature and relatively devoid of human beings - except those present to enjoy its allures. One way to get closer to this free flowing river into the vast Delaware Bay and then the Atlantic Ocean is to go on a boat ride with the legendary Captain Dave Scherer who has been guiding people down the river in his tour boat for decades. The cruises are based out of Millville NJ - the principal city on the Maurice. It's a wonderful way to spend an afternoon (or even an evening cruise.) You are guaranteed to see Bald Eagles because you will. Everyone is friendly on these trips and it is like you have entered a more peaceful and harmonious world. Highly recommended!
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September 2017 by Nancy C.
Had a wonderful ride. Day was a little cloudy and cool but it was still great. Saw many Bald Eagles more than the time a couple of years ago. So nice to see eagles make a come back. Also saw several Ospreys. So relaxing.
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September 2014 by M B.
The new location is Ware Ave in Millville at the Municipal Marina on the Maurice River. The town of Millville is undergoing a renaissance, and a great way to learn the history of the area and the part it played in the building of New Jersey is to spend a couple of hours with Captain Dave and First Mate Tom on this comfy and stable pontoon boat. The advertisement says "eagles guaranteed" and the ad does not lie. We saw at least 6 eagles, some roosting in trees and some wheeling overhead, or swooping through the air above the river. The river itself is quite beautiful. Nature Conservancy purchase a huge piece of riverfront land which will always be wild. We plan to go back with our kayaks and explore at our leisure. Nature lovers and history buffs will find a lot to do in the area. You definitely want to make this cruise part of your day trip plan
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July 2012 by Gayle T.
Last weekend, I took my cousin (visiting from out of state) on this cruise, and what a wonderful time we had! The scenery is beautiful, we learned so much interesting information about eagles, other wildlife, and local history, and most of all, Captain Dave & first mate Tom are so friendly & personable that you truly feel you're out for the day with friends! I actually believe that this tour is even MORE enjoyable for us locals than for visitors, because you learn so much about our area's fascinating history. Even if you've lived in South Jersey all your life & think you've heard it all, don't hesitate to spend an afternoon enjoying this great activity - you'll see things you've probably never seen before, and learn facts you never knew!
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June 2011 by Kevie N.
I agree with the other 2 reviewers. This is a real find. Capt Dave is knowledgable (and so is the first mate) and tells you some of the history around the river. There are photo albums that have eagle and osprey pictures as well as Millville in 1961 and back when there were schooners. The weather was great, and the trip down the Maurice very picturesque. I highly recommend it!
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September 2010 by Bob S.
Wow. I can't believe no one else has rated this really fun activity yet. My wife and I had such a great time on the cruise, we invited family and friends to go with us a second time. Captain Dave is knowledgeable of the area, and gives interesting tid-bits of local sight-seeing as you cruise down the Maurice during this two hour tour (one hour down the river, one hour back). The trip takes you within sight distance of the Mauricetown bridge. You get to see a side of the area that otherwise you'd probably totally ignore -- even if you lived here. And I'm not promising anything, but on both trips we got really great pictures of Bald Eagles (with the help of pretty good telephoto lenses). Just to see these birds "up close" in the wild was well worth the $20 per person fee (cheaper for seniors and kids -- kids under 10 are FREE). I'd say the only "down side" of the trip is that it isn't longer. You can get Captain Dave's contact information here: The boat dock is right on Ware Avenue, and departs three times a day on Saturday, twice on Friday. The trip doesn't run on Sunday, but you can reserve the boat on those days -- so if you're thinking about something out of the ordinary to do with 25 of your closest friends, this is it! There is a small bathroom on-board, and water/soda is available for purchase. Otherwise, we had no problems bringing some light snacks with us. Also, if it's cooler outside remember you'll be on the water -- which makes it cooler still, so bring along a light jacket. Don't forget to tip the first mate!
