Provincetown is the closest port to access the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, a federally protected marine habitat, and a perennial feeding ground for many whale species. Each trip is guided by a trained naturalist who points out and identifies the different types of whales that you’ll see breaching and rolling around in the ocean’s waves. Inside the ship kid’s can listen to whale vocalizations, track the vessel’s movement on a chart plotter, or have a hot dog from the full-service galley. You’re more than likely to see a few of these gentle giants breaching. In fact, they’re so confident that if there are no whale sightings on a regular trip, all paying passengers receive a free ticket for a future trip.
Kids receive a great brochure that details the different types of whales and has a checklist for them to check off what they see, from the various whales to marine birds, seals and fish.
Bring sunblock for these three- to four-hour tours, sunglasses and a jacket. Arrive early in Provincetown to assure a parking spot and make sure you leave enough time to catch the boat. Sailings do sell out. Get in the boarding line at least 15 to 20 minutes prior to sailing for a better selection of onboard seats during the height of summer season. Book in advance online for discounted tickets. $39 per adult, $31 for children age 5 to 12, and under 5 sail free with family (AAA discounts and online coupons available). Sailings run from April through late October.
