Whalewatching as a science and tourist attraction started on the East coast in 1975 when scientist Stormy Mayo from the Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies teamed up with charter fishing boat Captain Al Avellar to observe and study the three species of whales which are found in the waters around Provincetown: the fin, humpback, and right whale.

Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies

A nonprofit environment organization for research and education in the coastal and marine ecosystems, the Center is internationally known for its extensive research on the great whales found in this area. The Center is open year round offering fields walks, lectures and educational programs to the public. The Coastal Studies Institute offers college accredited courses while you are on vacation!

Visitors are encouraged to call the Center with sightings of injured or dead marine mammals or sea turtles. 59 Commercial Street, 508 487-3622.

www.coastalstudies.org

Fin and humpbacks are regularly seen from April to October, and scientists have discovered that Cape Cod Bay is an important breeding ground for the extremely rare North Atlantic right whale.

The spring and fall are excellent times to go whalewatching in addition to taking advantage of the restful off-season ambiance of Provincetown. All whale watching boats leave Provincetown from MacMillan and Fisherman's Wharf in the town center. Summer is a great time to whalewatch, too! Arrive early to ensure a parking space.

Alpha Whale Watch, Fishermen's Wharf (booth & departures) 508 487-1102

Dolphin Fleet Whalewatch of Provincetown, Box 243. USA/Canada: 800 826-9300, or 508 240-3636

Portuguese Princess Excursions, Inc. 508 487-2651, 800-442-3188

Photographs courtesy Dolphin Fleet of Provincetown