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.
Whale Watching in Provincetown
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.
