Go whale watching in Nantucket

Go whale watching in Nantucket

If you’re planning a trip to Nantucket, one activity you won’t want to miss is whale watching. Nantucket is known for its diverse population of marine mammals, and whale watching is a popular way to see them up close. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best places to go whale watching in Nantucket, as well as what you can expect to see on your trip.

Where to go whale watching in Nantucket

There are several companies in Nantucket that offer whale watching tours, but not all are created equal. Here are some of the best options for whale watching in Nantucket:

Shearwater Excursions: Shearwater Excursions is a family-owned business that has been offering whale watching tours for over 30 years. Their boat, the Shearwater, is a 50-foot catamaran that can hold up to 49 passengers. They offer daily tours from May to October and have a high success rate of spotting whales.

Nantucket Whale Watching: Nantucket Whale Watching is another popular company that offers daily tours from May to October. They use a state-of-the-art boat called the Aurora, which has indoor and outdoor seating and can hold up to 100 passengers. Nantucket Whale Watching also offers a guarantee that you’ll see whales on your trip, or you’ll get your money back.

Shearwater Excursions II: Shearwater Excursions II is another family-owned business that offers whale watching tours. Their boat, the Shearwater II, is a 34-foot catamaran that can hold up to 18 passengers. They offer daily tours from May to October and have a success rate of over 90% in spotting whales.

What to expect on your whale watching trip

On your whale watching trip, you’ll have the chance to see a variety of marine mammals, including humpback whales, fin whales, minke whales, and Atlantic white-sided dolphins. You may also see seals and other wildlife. Your tour guide will provide information about the whales and their behavior, as well as the local ecosystem.

It’s important to note that whale watching tours are heavily regulated to ensure the safety of the whales and the passengers. You’ll need to follow certain rules, such as keeping a safe distance from the whales and avoiding sudden movements or loud noises that could startle them.

What to bring on your whale watching trip

To make the most of your whale watching trip, there are a few things you should bring:

Warm clothing: Even if it’s warm on land, it can be chilly out on the water, so be sure to bring layers.

Sunscreen: The sun can be strong out on the water, so protect your skin with sunscreen.

Binoculars: While the whales will likely be close enough to see with the naked eye, binoculars can enhance your viewing experience.

Camera: You’ll definitely want to capture photos of the whales and other marine life, so bring a camera with plenty of storage space.

Snacks and water: Some tours may offer snacks and drinks, but it’s always a good idea to bring your own as well.

In conclusion, whale watching is a must-do activity if you’re visiting Nantucket. With several reputable companies to choose from and the chance to see a variety of marine mammals up close, it’s an experience you won’t forget. Just be sure to bring warm clothing, sunscreen, binoculars, a camera, and snacks and water to make the most of your trip.