

The Wetlands Institute is pleased to announce our 9th Annual Spring Shorebird and Horseshoe Crab Festival.
Located between the Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, the Cape May Peninsula plays host to one of the world’s greatest natural spectacles. Moving to the pulse of ancient rhythms, tens of thousands of shorebirds leave their winter homes in South America and fly north, dropping down onto the beaches of Delaware Bay just as horseshoe crabs climb out of the water to lay millions of eggs in the sand. For two weeks, the hungry shorebirds feed on these energy-packed eggs, doubling their weight before making their last migratory push north to breeding grounds on the Arctic tundra. Our shores host the largest concentration of spawning horseshoe crabs in the world, and the shorebird migration – nearly 10,000 miles end to end – is one Nature’s most epic journeys. This is the only place on Earth to witness this incredible drama.
Come join The Wetlands Institute for a festival that celebrates this great wonder – the shorebird migration and horseshoe crab spawning season. Proceeds from the event help support our critical research, conservation, and education programs focused on shorebirds and horseshoe crabs.
Festival Tickets
Non-Member: $25 Adult, $20 Child
Member: $20 Adult, $15 Child
Purchase tickets online or call us at 609-368-1211.
Ticket prices include your choice of two festival programs* plus general admission to The Wetlands Institute on both Saturday and Sunday.
* Please note: Skimmer birding cruises are not included in the festival ticket price.
Spring Shorebird and Horseshoe Crab Festival Programs
Join us Saturday, May 21 for special festival programs occurring around Seven Mile Island and on the Delaware Bayshore that highlight the natural wonder of the spring shorebird migration and horseshoe crab spawning. All programs are guided by The Wetlands Institute’s staff or volunteers.
Pre-registration is required for all Spring Shorebird and Horseshoe Crab Festival Programs. Registration for the reTURN the Favor walk is limited.
General Admission Schedule
Join us at The Wetlands Institute anytime Saturday and Sunday between 9:30-4:30 to enjoy our elevated walkway, exhibit space, and naturalist-led visitor programs.
General admission is included in the festival ticket price, so feel free to join us as frequently as you like throughout the weekend.
Special Birding Cruises on the Back Bay
Skimmer Tours again offers their highly acclaimed eco-cruises on board The Skimmer to view wildlife in the beautiful back bays of Stone Harbor. Highlights include birds and wildlife of the salt marsh and marine life touch tanks. Trips depart from The Wetlands Institute.
Pre-registration and an additional program fee are required. Call 609-884-3100 or visit skimmer.com for reservations.
Special COVID Considerations
As you prepare for your visit, just a little guidance to ensure your visit is safe for your family and ours. We continue to follow CDC and state COVID-19 recommendations and guidelines to set policies for the safety and protection of our visitors, volunteers, and employees.
-
- Masking is optional at The Wetlands Institute and we respect individual choice related to mask wearing.
- To the extent possible, please adhere to social distancing guidelines (6 feet apart or more for The Wetlands Institute staff and/or other program participants) in all areas of The Wetlands Institute both inside and outside.
- We recommend face coverings be worn when social distancing is not possible and/or when interacting with The Wetlands Institute staff and/or other visitors.
- For the safety of others, please do not visit The Wetlands Institute if you are feeling ill or running a fever.