Humpback whales feeding. Photo courtesy of the Center for Coastal Studies CoastalStudies.org
Center for Coastal Studies under NOAA permit # 16325
Humpback Whale ~ Drawing courtesy Dolphin Fleet of Provincetown
WHALES PLAYED AN IMPORTANT PART in Provincetown’s economy in the 19th century and this tradition is carried on today as thousands of whalewatchers depart from Provincetown each year to observe, rather than kill, these now endangered mammals in their natural habitat.
Whale watching 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.
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 Harbor from MacMillan Pier and Provincetown Marina (old Fisherman’s Wharf) in the Town Center. Summer is a great time to whale watch, too! Arrive early to ensure a parking space.
Right Whale ~ Drawing courtesy Dolphin Fleet of Provincetown
Gray seals swimming
Everybody loves watching whales!
For more information about businesses listed below
simply click on the business name.
Boston Harbor Cruises
Captain John Boats Provincetown Whale Watch
A first class on the water experience narrated by our talented naturalists who provide exciting commentary about each marine habitat and species you may encounter on the trip. Food, beverage and bar service available on board.
Our boats ensure optimal comfort and enjoyment for all passengers. Departs daily at noon daily in July and August.
Tickets can be purchased online at captjohn.com or visit us at our ticket booth on MacMillan Wharf.
Center for Coastal Studies
The Center is a pioneer in marine animal disentanglement, regional water quality monitoring, high resolution seafloor mapping, seal and fisheries research, marine debris and marine plastics studies, and some of the earliest and ongoing studies of land-sea interaction.
The Center’s newly renovated Hiebert Marine Laboratory is open year-round and features the only large whale skeleton on Cape Cod, that of Spinnaker, a 37-foot humpback whale who died of entanglement in 2015, as well as specialty books on marine science for sale. We also offer field walks, educational programs, beautifully designed apparel at our kiosk on MacMillan Pier in season, and the popular winter lecture series at Napi’s the last Wednesday of the month, October—May.
Dolphin Fleet Whale Watch
Sea Salt Charters
