We visited Massachusetts this summer on our way to Newport, Rhode Island. While staying in Plymouth, Massachusetts we took a whale watching excursion with Captain Johns Boats. Our ultimate goal was to see humpback whales. While visiting Alaska, we saw Orcas in the wild. Though amazing, we still wanted to see a Humpback breach. We have seen the many Pacific Life commercials of the gorgeous mammals. Though we did not see humpbacks on our tour, we had a “whale of a time” in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Here is my review of Captain John’s Whale Watching Tour.
Related: Orcas, A Zodiac, in Canada, Oh My!
The boat
We booked our tour in advance online. I received my tickets by email so we needed only to arrive at the dock and board the boat. The boat, Tails of the Sea, was a large boat with open air seating as well as indoor seating. The boat had a large capacity and was packed on the day we went out. The weather was initially foggy and overcast. There was a chill in the air, but as we left the harbor the weather warmed up and the sun was out. The boat had a galley on board which served food and drinks and there was a restroom available.
What is included?
There is a naturalist on board that gives commentary as you travel from the harbor. You pass several lighthouses and beaches. The boat ride to the whale watching area of Cape Cod Bay takes approximately 1.5 hours. We felt the trip was enjoyable. Though it seemed to take a bit long there is quite a bit of sightseeing and information given to make the trip seem short. My son was not bored.
Whale of a time
After looking for spout spray on the service of the water, we first spotted a Finback whale. The boat would speedily attempt to catch up with the whale as it would surface and then follow it as it dove down and resurfaced. Having never heard of a Finback whale, it was very impressive to see how massive they were.
The Finback whale is the second largest whale on Earth, only smaller to the Blue Whale. It is a baleen whale and loves the plankton rich waters of New England.
Check out this video of our experience.
Unfortunately, yet again on this excursion we did not see humpback whales and yet again we did not see a whale breach the water. So disappointed. This was not the fault of Captain John’s Whale Watching tour as they took us into the ocean to see whales and we did see whales. We did, however, get to see several Finback Whales. Who can say they have seen the second largest whale on Earth in the wild?
The excursion was a total of four hours. Three of the four hours was spent traveling out to waters to see the whales and then back. The journey to find the whales was exciting. The 1.5 hour trek back to the docks was not. My son was definitely bored on the journey back.
We had hoped to go to Stellwagen Bank, a marine sanctuary and primary feeding area for whales. We did not make it to this location as we ran out of time. Maybe this is where the elusive Humpback Whales were hiding?
In summary:
I would recommend Captain John’s Whale Watching excursion. The price was reasonable, the boat was large, and the naturalist was interesting. We had a “whale of a time” in Plymouth, Massachusetts seeing the second largest whale on Earth!
Have you been whale watching? Where did you do it and what type of whales did you see? Drop me a comment. I would love to hear from you.
Disclosure: I did not receive any compensation from Captain John’s Boats for this review. I paid full price for this tour. The opinions presented in this review are honest and real.
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I have only been able to go whale watching once, in Alaska. It was an absolutely magical experience. Nothing like being up close to something so gigantic to remind us humans just how small we are in our big, amazing world!
Sage,
So true. We did whale watching while on an Alaskan cruise but did it in Victoria, B.C. Both times, we have just loved it.
–Chris
I’ve been whale watching in Alaska and Los cabos. I’ve never heard of a finback whale. I’m sure it was cool to see. Whale watching is so fascinating!
Kelly,
We have a trip planned to Las Cabos in March. I saw there was whale watching however I do not think I can talk my husband into doing it again.
I had not heard of a finback whale either!
–Chris
I’ve always wanted to go on a whale watching tour but I get extremely sea sick. I’ve always been concerned that I might not be able to make it because of that. Judging by your video, this area doesn’t look so bad though?!
Hi!
I took a Bonine (motion sickness pill) prior to the tour to be on the safe side, however the boat was very large so there was little rocking.
I did not see anyone on our tour that was sick.
I hope this helps!
Chris
I’ve heard that seeing a whale up close is amazing! We’re an always on the go family, so this could be a good break between sightseeing if we plan a trip to New England.
Darla,
It was amazing. I was impressed at how huge they appeared!
–Chris
We recently went on a humpback whale watching tour in the South Pacific region of Costa Rica. I can totally feel your excitement of this amazing experience. We have not been to the Alaska yet – may be will check this out when we do. Not quite sure about the 1.5 hour trek back though, hehe.
Pubali,
This tour was in Cape Cod. Yes, the 1.5 hour trek out to sea and then back was definitely the downside!
Did you get to see the Humpback breach in Costa Rica?
–Chris