Regular whale-watching tours operate out of Boston Harbor. km), is located 25 mi (40 km) east of Boston. The sanctuary, which occupies the area of 842 sq. In the summer, it is home and nursing territory for several whale species. This underwater 19-mi (31-km) plateau attracts over 100 fish species, including the Atlantic cod, bass, blue-fin, and yellow-fin tuna, and even the great white shark. We recommend these lodging options near Newport, RI.Most whale-watching cruises head to Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, one of the biggest feeding grounds for whales. Depending on the tour operator, Rhode Island's whale watching season can extend slightly later into the fall, as whales migrate south to the Caribbean for the winter. Finback whales as long as 70 feet have been spotted off the coast of Rhode Island, along with humpbacks and right whales. This small state might not be so commonly thought of as a place to see giant sea creatures, but whale watching in Rhode Island is top-notch. In addition to whale watching, we recommend visiting one or more of Maine's famous lighthouses and tapping into the state's burgeoning craft beer scene. Rock formations along the shoreline make for unique sightseeing, and you can expect slightly cooler air temperatures. You can expect to see similar numbers of whales here as on a Cape Cod trip - the main differences are on land. Whale watches leave from the Bar Harbor and Boothbay Harbor areas. Mid-coast Maine is home to an exceptionally beautiful coastline, with islands, bays, and small peninsulas throughout. You can also hop a high-speed ferry 30 miles offshore to Nantucket, where cobblestone streets lead visitors to the renowned Nantucket Whaling Museum. Further toward the mainland, you'll find an array of family resorts in Hyannis, with whale watches leaving from the harbor there as well. Famed Race Point Beach, where the tides rush around the end of the peninsula, is a great place to see seals and even the occasional humpback whale right from shore. We recommend staying in Provincetown for more than just a day at sea. Provincetown, at the very tip of the Cape, is one of the most popular hubs. Massachusetts: Cape Cod & IslandsĬredit: Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises Cape Cod Chamber of CommerceĬape Cod's geography lends itself well to whale watching - its famous "arm" reaches out into the ocean and toward whale territory, so you're never far from the action. Where to Go New England Whale WatchingĬoastal New England hosts a wide variety of excellent whale watching operations - use our list as a starting point to explore and plan your adventure. Around the year 1850, the emergence of crude oil caused interest in whale oil to plummet, and whale hunting became a part of history. Every year, hundreds of ships headed out to sea, chasing whales all over the globe. We love these gentle giant neighbors along our coasts today, but during the 18th and 19th century, whale hunting and harvesting was one of the most lucrative businesses in New England. Last but not least, don’t forget the sunscreen, binoculars, and the camera! New England’s Whaling History You’ll also want an extra layer - coastal breezes can often be surprisingly chilly, even in the summer. If you haven’t grown sea legs just yet, be sure to bring something to take for motion sickness and a bottle of water. Call ahead to your tour company and make sure everything is running as expected. If you choose a day when the weather is going to cooperate with your seafaring plans, there's a good chance you'll be back in time to catch some rays on the beach, too. Weather is seriously important for a fun New England whale watching experience. Photo: Kim Hojackni, Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce Before You Go Whale Watching If you’re thinking of setting out to see them, here are some tips for New England whale watching. Many individual humpback whales return to the area each year, with some familiar enough to have names like Bungee, Squiggle, and Echo. Visitors enjoy humpback, finback, right, and minke whales all along the feeding grounds up and down the New England coast. May through October is the best time to go New England whale watching, so there’s still time to capture one of these majestic creatures with your camera.
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