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

     

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)

Website

Captain John Boats Provincetown Whale Watch

     

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.

MacMillan Pier, Provincetown, MA, 02657

508 746-2643

[email protected]

Website

Center for Coastal Studies

           

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

E-mail

Website

Dolphin Fleet Whale Watch

           

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

E-mail

Website

Sea Salt Charters

         

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

E-mail

Website