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.
High speed passenger ferry service between Boston & Provincetown May-October. Check our web site for ferry schedule and pricing, whale watching and private events information.
MacMillan Pier, Provincetown, MA, 02657
877 SEE WHALE (733-9425)
You’ll be thrilled at the sight of the great whales of North Atlantic: Humpback, Finback, Minke, Right and Pilot whales. 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.
10 Town Wharf, Plymouth, MA, 02360
508 746-2643
CHARTER fishing trips for adults and kids: Stripped Bass, Tuna. CRUISES: Sunset, Lighthouse, Whale Watch
MacMillan Pier, Provincetown, MA, 02657
917 440-0934
For over 40 years, the Center for Coastal Studies has served as Provincetown’s hometown organization for coastal and marine environmental awareness, research, and education, yet enjoys an international reputation for its extensive research on the humpback whale that is the basis of the town’s whale watching industry, and the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale that visits our waters January-May.
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.
5 Holway Avenue, Provincetown, MA, 02657
508 487-3622
Dolphin Fleet started whale watching on the East Coast in 1975 taking passengers of all ages to see magnificent whales. Today all trips are designed to enhance awareness of whales, marine life and habitat that surrounds Cape Cod. We have highly trained Captains and Naturalists. The cabins are heated and air-cooled with food service; breakfast, lunch, snacks, soda, beer and cocktails available.
307 Commercial Street, Provincetown, MA, 02657
800 826-9300, 508 240-3636
We are the longest running 6 pack charter boat on MacMillan Pier in business for 17 years. The Ginny G is a very comfortable with a heated cabin and full size head (bathroom) and full galley with wash up sink. You are welcome to bring your Captain approved pet with you. You need only bring whatever you want to eat or drink. Don’t forget the sunscreen, sunglasses, camera. Be sure to dress accordingly with extra clothing for the weather when on a boat. Ask about our Combo fishing and whale watching trips and Lobster trips by request. For fishing trips we supply all of the finest gear for your fishing needs. You will need a cooler to put the fish in after we fillet and bag the fish for you. Our catch rate is very high! If the fish are there and biting … we will get them! Private Whale Watching: If you do not want to fight the crowds on the bigger boats we offer private whale watching trips. The whales are usually in the Provincetown area from early spring to October. You may see humpback, finback, minke, right whales and pilot whales. Be sure to see these wonderful creatures.
MacMillan Pier #7, Provincetown, MA, 02657
508 246-3656
Sightings guaranteed. You’ll be thrill at the sight of the great whales: Humpback, Finback, Minke, Right and Pilot whales from our open decks lounge. A climate controlled main cabin. Food and beverages serve. A first class on the water experience. Departure time is at noon daily July and August. Tickets can be bought at Art’s Dune Tours, 4 Standish Street, Provincetown or online. Departs from the end of MacMillan Wharf.
MacMillan Pier, Provincetown, MA 02657
508 746-2643
Sea Salt Charters offers private Whale Watching and Fishing trips and operates off of the Dolphin Fleet dock in Provincetown, MA, in Cape Cod. SeaSalt Charters provides a unique opportunity to explore the whales’ feeding and nursing grounds of Stellwagen Bank (just a few miles north of Provincetown) on a private, comfortable boat with just you, your family, and friends. Operated by some of the most experienced, licensed whale watch Captains in the world, you are assured of a memorable and meaningful experience. SeaSalt Charters is owned and operated by the Avellar Family, pioneers of Whale Watching on the East Coast.
MacMillan Pier, P.O. Box 908, Provincetown, MA, 02657
508 444-2732
