Each spring, whales travel to their summer feeding grounds off Cape Cod, and watching these giants is always a favorite family adventure. Boats leave from Provincetown, Hyannis and Plymouth, traveling to Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary, one of the primary feeding grounds for humpback whales, finback whales, pilot whales, minke whales and endangered right whales.
Trained naturalists on the boats tell passengers about the whales and describe their habits, pointing out distinguishing characteristics and helping children identify the whales they see. Cruises last between 2.5 and four hours, depending on weather and the location of the whales.
Whales feed on fish around the Stellwagen Bank from April until the end of October,with sightings good throughout that time; some cruises guarantee whale sightings and give a second trip free if none are sighted.
Departing MacMillan Wharf in Provincetown during July and August, Captain John Boats have a professional marine biologist on board to talk about whales and other sea life. They’re also available to answer questions. Boats have two open decks and a cabin, where food and drinks are available. Captain John Boats also has whale watch cruises leaving from Town Wharf in Plymouth.
Dolphin Fleet of Provincetown is the only fleet offering sunset whale watching cruises along with a daytime schedule, a favorite way for couples to spend the evening after a day at the beach.
Departing from the southern shore of Cape Cod, Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises sail daily through September and three times a week in October. As you sail through the Atlantic along the southern shore of the Cape, you’re also likely to see seals and dolphins.
For a shorter cruise to watch seals along the southern shore, go on a seal watch with Beachcomber Cruises in Chatham. On a 1.5-hour cruise through Chatham Harbor waterways, along with seals, you’ll also see beaches, small harbors and Chatham Light.
Whale watching is one of the top things to do in New England, and seeing these giant mammals, which may be up to 70 feet long and weigh 65 tons, is an experience your family will never forget.
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