whale watching tour provincetown

• Whale Watching

Whales have always been a part of Provincetown—you can catch glimpses from the beaches —so it’s not surprising that whale watching began here.

Whale Watching in Provincetown

Whales have always been a part of Provincetown—you can catch glimpses from the beaches —so it’s not surprising that whale watching began here. Whale watching started in 1975 when a fisherman named Al Avellar teamed up with Charles Mayo, a marine biologist from the Provincetown Center of Coastal Studies . A few people turned into thousands, and whale watching has since become one of the Town’s most popular activities.

A whale leaping out of the water near Provincetown. Photograph by Dave Silvia .

Types of Whales and Seasons

People can expect to see humpback, right, and fin whales off the coast. For those interested in whale watching, Provincetown is home to several businesses that offer excursions between April and October.

Book Your Whale Watch

During the season,we suggest booking your your excursion in advance. Visit Dolphin Fleet Whale Watch or  Captain John Boats Ptown Whale Watch for more information.

A common sight when you take a whale watching tour in Provincetown. Photograph by Dave Silvia .

Whale Watching Tips

Whale watching in Provincetown usually takes between two and three hours. Because of the cool waters of the Atlantic Ocean, it’s a good idea to dress warmly and even bring a dry set of clothes. Why? If you want to get the best views, you can count on getting splashed; after all, a whale has to come up for air, right? One final tip: if you get seasick, consider bringing medication so you can enjoy the whales instead of counting the minutes until you reach dry land. Have a great time, take photos, and make memories.

A humpback whale.

A Provincetown whale watching boat. Photograph by Dave Silvia .

A whale descending beneath the water off the coast of Provincetown. Photograph by Dave Silvia .

People on a whale watching tour in Provincetown. Photograph by Dave Silvia .

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Provincetown Whale Watch - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Cape Cod is a world-class destination for whale watching and seal watching. Go whale watching along Stellwagen Bank, one of the world’s finest whale feeding grounds located off Cape Cod Bay. Seal watching cruises are another fun on-the-water experience, putting you right up close with these adorable mammals. Daily whale watch and seal tour excursions are offered in season, led by experienced naturalists!

When is the Cape Cod whale watching and seal watching season?

Whale watching season on Cape Cod begins mid-April and runs through October. Peak migration period for the whales is from June through September.

Why is whale watching such a popular activity on Cape Cod?

Cape Cod is a world-class destination for whale watching because of Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, a rich feeding ground just off of Cape Cod that attracts a large percentage of the world's whale population annually. Stellwagen Bank consistently ranks among the top 10 places on the planet to see whales in their natural habitat.

How much does a whale watch on Cape Cod cost?

Rates range from $40 to $70, depending on passenger age. Tours typically last 3-4 hours and are led by professionally trained naturalists.

Where do whale watch and seal watch tours leave from?

Whale watch excursions leave from three local ports – Barnstable, Provincetown and just over the bridge in Plymouth. Seal watch tours operate locally out of Harwich and Chatham.

What should I bring with me on my Cape Cod whale-watching or seal-watching trip?

Suggested items to bring include sunglasses, sunscreen, a jacket, binoculars, a book for the downtime, and most importantly, a camera!

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The 3 top-rated whale watching tours in cape cod.

Marvel at New England's majestic mammals on one of these boat tours.

The Best Whale Watching in Cape Cod

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From mid-April through October, Cape Cod, Massachusetts , plays host to several whale species, including humpback, pilot and minke whales. For a memorable whale watching experience in Cape Cod, consider one of these tour companies, rated by experts and travelers alike as the best available. Many of the tours will travel to the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, which sits about 25 miles off the Massachusetts coast and serves as an important feeding ground for whales.

Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises – Barnstable

Price: Adults from $75; kids from $55 Duration: 3.5 to 4 hours

Offering whale watching tours since 1980, this company, which operates out of Barnstable Harbor, takes participants to Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary on a boat specifically designed for whale watching and maneuverability. There are three levels for viewing, as well as bench seating throughout the boat. Plus, a naturalist accompanies each trip to provide educational commentary. Reviewers report seeing lots of whales and say the captain is skilled at positioning the boat so everyone has a view. Tours often feature sightings of minkes, humpbacks and finbacks.

The company offers tours once or twice daily, depending on the month, at varying times between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Whale watching tours are available from May through early November. The company also offers chartered cruises.

Phone: 800-287-0374

Check prices & availability on:

Dolphin Fleet – Whale Watch

Price: Adults from $75; kids from $50 Duration: 3 to 4 hours

Don't let the company's name fool you: Dolphin Fleet is all about whales. And because it departs from Provincetown, Massachusetts – the closest port to Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary – whales are often spotted as soon as the boat leaves port. During the cruise, the onboard naturalist will help passengers identify whales and other animals like dolphins and sea birds. Tourgoers report seeing plenty of whales and say the guides are very informative. Along with two decks and an indoor heated and air-conditioned cabin, there is also plenty of educational material on board. If no whales are sighted, you can return for another tour.

Tours, which depart from Provincetown's MacMillan Pier, run mid-April through October at multiple times throughout the day, depending on the month and season.

Phone: 508-240-3636

Captain John Boats

Price: Adults $70 to $73; kids $45 to $53 Duration: 3 to 4 hours

Take a whale watching tour out of either Plymouth or Provincetown with Captain John Boats. The Plymouth tour heads to Cape Cod Bay and Stellwagen Bank in search of various species of whales, while the Provincetown tour departs from Macmillan Wharf on a quest to find right and pilot whales, among others. If no whales are spotted, you're invited to return on a future tour free of charge. Reviewers say they learn a lot about whales and see both whales and calves, as well as dolphins.

Plymouth tours generally run once a day early and late in the season, and twice daily at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. June through August. The Provincetown tour is only available in July and August Monday through Friday at 12:30 p.m. Captain John Boats also operates a few cruises on its paddlewheel boat, the Pilgrim Belle.

Phone: 508-556-1426

Frequently Asked Questions

Whale watching season in Cape Cod is from mid-April to October.

Temperatures can dip by 10 to 15 degrees out on the water, so be sure to dress in layers and bring a lightly insulated jacket to stay warm – even in the summer. Sneakers or rubber-soled shoes are recommended for safety on the ship deck, and sunglasses and sunscreen will protect from the sun. If you plan to wear a hat , be advised that it may be difficult to keep on your head if there is wind.

There is not a perfect time of the day to go whale watching. That is because whales' behaviors can differ daily. Most tour companies offer morning or afternoon whale watches lasting three to four hours.

Prices will vary through individual tours or travel companies. Expect to spend at least $50 to $75.

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Dolphin fleet Whale Watches are unique. Unlike many other whale watches, our trips offers a wide spectrum of educational tools that go beyond the “average whale watch”. 

We are the largest, most successful, and experienced fleet in the country. Our captains have more whale watching experience than any other company in the region!

Provincetown is the closest port to Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. We see whales quicker into our trip due to Provincetown’s location! 

All of our whale watching trips feature:

• 3-4 hour trip
• Professionally trained naturalist guiding the tour 
• Sundeck and viewing platform on the bow
• Central air and heating in our main cabin
• Multiple restrooms onboard
• Galley with food & drink
• Ample seating on upper and lower decks
• WHALE SIGHTINGS GUARANTEED (in the rare event that no whales are sighted, paying passengers will receive a 1% ticket to return for a future trip!)

Don’t be misled, not all whale watches are alike!

• Gloucester, Massachusetts
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• Whale Watching in Provincetown MA

Just three miles north off the shore of Provincetown, Massachusetts lies Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, a federally protected area rich with whales and other wildlife. Provincetown itself is a delightful place to visit, with miles of world class beaches and beautiful coastline, quaint shops, delicious seafood, unique galleries and landmarks, and tons of events. There’s always something going on here – but more importantly, it’s one of the best places in the world to go whale watching.

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Whale watching season and best time of year to go, best whale watch tours in provincetown, more things to do, provincetown bucket list, getting here.

Whales spend most of their time in the spring, summer, and fall months feeding off the coast of Massachusetts, so the best time to go whale watching in Provincetown is from mid-April through the end of October . No matter what time of day you head out on a whale tour, there’s a very good chance the whales will be active in these waters.

Humpback whales feed off the coast of Provincetown from April to October. In the spring months of April and May, there are often critically endangered North Atlantic Right Whales passing through the area. During this time, the waterways around Cape Cod place speed restrictions to protect these visiting right whales. Fin whales, Sei whales, and Minke whales are seen for the entire season. Pilot whales are sometimes seen from August to October. In addition to whales, you may see dolphins, porpoises, ocean sunfish (Mola Mola), seals, several types of sea turtles, blue sharks, white sharks, bluefin tuna, and jellyfish.

All whale watching tours from Provincetown go out to Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. This area of the Atlantic is a haven for marine mammals, and whales spend their summers here feeding and socializing. The sanctuary is so busy with ocean life that tour operators sometimes guarantee you’ll see whales when you’re there. This prime Atlantic location coupled with the magical warmth of Provincetown makes it one of the best places for whale watching in the United States. Here are the top whale watching tours you can choose from:

Sea Salt Charters

Sea Salt Charters offers both private and shared whale watching tours. The tours travel to Stellwagen Bank and last 3-4 hours. A private tour takes your group of up to six people and ranges in price from $725-$825 depending on when you go, with July and August being slightly more expensive. You also have your choice of boat: a 32-foot or 47-foot boat, with the larger costing at the higher end of the price range. Private tours start May 1 and run through October 13, 2024. These private tours actually end up being cheaper per person when you have at least five people, so they’re a great option if you’re traveling with friends or family.

The shared tours cost $175 per person and run May 15 – October 13, 2024. These tours have a max of six people but it allows you to share the cost of the boat with another group. This is ideal if you are going by yourself or have four people or less in your group. The downside is that if there are less than four people booked for a tour, they will cancel the trip and notify you the night before that it’s been cancelled.

Beth Ann Charters

Beth Ann Charters has private four-hour whale watching tours for groups of up to six people. This year’s tour season runs from April 15 to October 22, 2024. Prices range from $625-$750 plus tax, depending on how many people are in your group and which boat you choose. 

There are two boats to choose from – Bethie (29-foot Dyer; $625-$700) and Beth Ann (38-foot Wesmac; $675-$750). In our opinion, Beth Ann is the superior option because she has more room to walk around, and the cabin is larger with bigger windows in case you want to lounge inside during the ride out. Whichever you choose, be sure to book in advance to make sure you get the time and boat you want.

Many tour operators won’t let you bring your own snacks, alcohol, or other beverages, but Beth Ann and Sea Salt both let you. They have ice coolers you can use as well as dry storage areas onboard for your personal items. 

Provincetown is known for its eclectic vibe and friendliness towards the LGBTQ+ community. It’s a free and safe space where everyone is welcome to enjoy the coastal lifestyle. There are an abundance of shops, galleries, restaurants, landmarks, old lighthouses, and walkable streets to explore. When you’re not whale watching, get a taste of the town and its stunning coastline with any of these unique local tours:

• Catch the sunset from Race Point Beach. 
• Walk along Commercial Street in downtown Provincetown. The street is packed with neat little shops, restaurants, and art galleries that capture the essence of this unique place.
• Visit a lighthouse. There are three in Provincetown, but the Race Point Lighthouse is the oldest. It was built in 1816 and is still active today.

• Whale Week 2024 (August 4-10, 2024). Learn all about marine wildlife, conservation, and protecting the coastline.
• Sea Space Marine Discovery Center has staff onsite ready to educate about the surrounding ocean wildlife.
• Check out their event calendar to see what’s going on while you’re in town.

Provincetown is located on the far north tip of Cape Cod in Massachusetts. It’s about a 2.5-hour drive from Boston if you don’t make any stops – which is hard to do with all the cute towns and iconic coastline. If you decide to drive, give yourself at least a half day to make the trip out here. Check out Plymouth, where the Pilgrims first settled in 1620, or head down to New Bedford to visit the whaling museum to learn about whale conservation, the history of whaling, and also to see some real whale skeletons which are pretty spectacular. Finally, don’t miss the Mass Audobon Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary in South Wellfleet, where you’ll find salt marshes, hiking trails and an aquarium.

If you want to fast-track your travels and just relax, opt for the sleek and luxurious catamaran ferry from Boston. It takes 90 minutes and costs around $65 per person. It will often sell out on weekends, holidays, and during peak season, so be sure to book tickets in advance.

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Whale watching along the East Coast originated in Provincetown, Massachusetts in the 1970s and the most common destination for those vessels was an area that is now Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. Watch this Story from the Blue video to learn more. Whale watching has become a major industry and recreational activity with the primary focus on humpback whales due to their reliable presence and dramatic behaviors.

USA Today’s 2016 Top10 survey for “ Best Places in the US to See Aquatic Life ” put Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary in the top spot. Other lists from environmental organizations, magazines, and newspapers have ranked the sanctuary among the world’s premier whale watching locations.

Whale Watch Operators

Several whale watching operators, from Newburyport to Provincetown, Massachussettes, make regular trips out to the sanctuary and adjacent waters. Schedules vary, but most companies offer trips from the beginning of May until the end of October, although several may start earlier or end later in the season. Check the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism’s Whale Trail website for links to daily whale watch operations, and visit individual companies’ websites to learn more about specific trip details.

Whale SENSE recognizes whale watching companies committed to responsible practices. The program originated with NOAA Fisheries, Whale and Dolphin Conservation, and Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. In recognition of their commitment to protecting whales, participating companies are approved to display the Whale SENSE logo. This logo indicates to passengers that a company follows responsible whale watching practices.

Visit Whale SENSE , to learn about responsible whale watch operators and tips for your whale watching experience.

Whale Watching Tips for Boaters

Some boaters spend time whale watching during their on-the-water excursions or fishing trips. If you decide to stop and enjoy the spectacular show, please take these precautions:

• Do not chase or harass whales. That is against the law and can lead to serious fines. Learn about safe boating around whales through See A Spout , an education program developed by NOAA Fisheries, Whale and Dolphin Conservation, and the sanctuary or visit the New England marine life viewing guidelines from NOAA Fisheries.
• Post a lookout to watch for whales. These animals may not sense your approach when feeding and may pop up right in front of you. Look for hovering birds; they know when whales are approaching the surface.
• Keep a slow speed in areas where there are whales or other vessels watching whales. If there is one whale present, there may be others. A collision with a vessel can be life-threatening for the whale and may do significant damage to a boat. Use the free Whale Alert app to receive notifications of right whale sightings, regulations, guidelines, and other timely information.
• Do not discard litter overboard. It may be ingested by the animals and cause harm.

What Species Will I See?

Learn about the wide range of species you could encounter during a whale watch.

Recognizing Humpbacks

Learn how researchers distinguish one humpback from another by identifying their unique “fluke prints.”

Whale Behaviors

Find out what different whale actions mean and what they are called.

Tips for a Successful Whale Watch

Make the most of your whale watch experience with these comprehensive tips.

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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 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

For more information about businesses listed below simply click on the business name.

Everybody loves watching whales!

Beth Ann Boat Excursions

Beth Ann Boat Excursions operates off of MacMillan Pier, has two spacious boats, and offers a variety of types of trips. Our two boats can accommodate up to six passengers, have sound systems, refrigerators for your food and drink, and full size bathrooms. Choose between the 38 foot Beth Ann, our flagship, which has multiple relaxation areas and an upper deck, or the 29 foot Bethie, a boat reminiscent of the old cruising boats of Newport, Rhode Island.

We offer a number of fishing trips – for striped bass, bluefish, and even tuna. We supply all the equipment you need, help you along if you are new to fishing, and fillet your catch for that nights dinner. We have all day, half day and a shorter condensed trips so we can fit into whatever your schedule dictates.

Whale watching, Beth Ann Boat Excursions, and Provincetown go hand in hand, and we offer you the opportunity to see these tremendous mammals up close and personal, but without the 250 other people you contend with on the big boats. We go where the whales are, and if we have to go a little further and stay out a little longer to give you a fantastic experience we will.

Looking for something different? Try our two hour Harbor or Sunset cruises, or thrill your kids with the Kids Sea Creature cruise. Or go bigger, and join us on our quest to find and watch the predator of the sea, the Great White Shark!

Our half day Fun in the Sun trip lets you enjoy the water and the beach without the crowds. Jump aboard, and before you know it we will be anchored within wading distance to the beach of your choice. Stay on the boat basking in the sun and taking the occasional refreshing dip in the sea, and listen to the tunes with your favorite drink and cuisine of choice.

Capt. Ralph & F.V. Odysea

Come aboard with Capt. Ralph to ride the Odysea.

Take a Boat Ride or Fishing Trip with Captain Ralph on the famous FV Odysea as seen on seasons 1, 2, 3 and 8 of National Geographic’s hit TV Show Wicked Tuna.

Provincetown Boat Rides for Fishing, Whale, Great White Shark and Seal Watching and Sightseeing and Sunset Cruises. Bring the whole family! Kick up your Summer vacation with a Cape Cod boat ride aboard the Odysea.

No vacation is complete without Provincetown boat rides. Schedule a stop in beautiful Cape Cod for an exciting trip across the beautiful waters of the Atlantic. At the helm is Brooklyn native Ralph Wilkins, the Captain of the Odysea, a Cape Cod fishing and charter boat in Provincetown, Massachusetts.

The Odysea offers families, kids and small groups a memorable trip aboard the Odysea, including charter fishing trips, whale watching expeditions, sunset cruises, and sightseeing trips out of Provincetown, Massachusetts. Booking trips everyday starting in spring, through summer, and ending late in the fall season.

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.

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

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

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Provincetown Whale Watching

This place that I saw, was very a terrain of mirages and wonders – Henry David Thoreau

Provincetown is an excellent place to go whale watching. The climax of the visit to Provincetown, for children as well as adults, is “meeting” the whales – which will remain as one of your most memorable experiences here. This town, at the tip of the earth – the closest to the ocean , is where the whales stop for several months during their route to the Caribbean and finally to South America. Here, one doesn’t need to spend hours looking for the whales. Once they arrive, you may sometimes see ten, twenty, or even thirty whales during one whale watch. Humpback whales, right whales, the list goes on…

On t he Eco Fleet Excursion boat s (A family enterprise based in Provincetown for 38 years, biologists present the whales they have followed for several years with the Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies. They report, photograph, observe, and help these whales. In summer, think to reserve your tickets in advance on the website.  (more:   http://www.whalewatch.com/dolphinfleet/ ).

The Provincetown Center for Coastal Studie s, a marine organization, has a renowned reputation for its own research program directed by Dr. Carole Carlson, leader in the conservation of marine mammals. The Center, located conveniently in the heart of Commercial Street, is open to visitors to learn about the threats towards these whales and other marine animals thanks to their classes, visits, documentation and informative research.  (more,  http://www.coastalstudies.org )

Here is a great film that will convince you to see these acrobatic whales!

Provincetown Whales from kakounet on Vimeo .

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• Speaking of Art with Jim Austin
• Speaking of Art with Olivier Jamin Changeart
• Speaking of Art with Marisa Geraghty

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