Sole sentinels or lonely lights, whatever your idea of a lighthouse these romantic icons of the coast stand as a testament to our conquering the mighty sea. The coastal lighthouses of New Jersey are famous for a number of reasons, including their roles in the success of major ports like Philadelphia and their strategic value during times of war. The lives saved by these lighthouses are countless both in history and on a daily basis. These lighthouses are not only dotting our shoreline, but also our waterways. To aid ships sailing the treacherous mid-channel of Delaware Bay, a series of lighthouses were constructed in the 19th Century and the early 20th Century. Most of these lighthouses are still operating. All are automated. They stand on pedestals surrounded by water out of sight of land. The Cape May Whale Watcher has been sailing to these extremely historic lighthouses since 1994.