A Whale of a Time!
Great Day on the Water
Looking for a memorable summer activity for the whole family? Watching the gorgeous sea creatures breech the water’s surface, playing or feeding, is an awe-inspiring experience. Whale watches are the perfect, budget friendly summer day trip. But where to go?
You can find options from Nova Scotia all the way down through New York and beyond. The further south you go past New York, the less whales you will see but the more dolphins are prevalent. It all depends on what you wish to see.
$45 at AmazoWhaling was a major industry during colonial times, with whale oil used as a lighting fuel and energy source and whalebone used in art and other functional tools. Once crude oil became available, the whaling industry virtually faded into history around 1850. Today, these majestic creatures are honored by all and protected by government regulations.
Beginning with New York, one of the best whale watching tours is American Princess Cruise, Whale & Dolphin Watch Adventure Cruise. Leaving out of Breezy Point, NY, this tour will take you areas frequented by humpback, minke, and orca whales as well as sea lions and seals. The average price is $45 per adult for a four hour cruise to see these spectacular marine mammals. The whale watch season usually runs from April to November in New York.
Moving north up to Massashusetts, 7 Seas Whale Watch is one of the top of a plethora of options in the Bay State. Sailing out of Gloucester, MA, this cruise takes you out to Stellwagen Bank Maine Sanctuary where you can see humpback, finback, pilot and blue whales. You may also have the honor of spotting seals, sea turtles, and sharks! Tickets run about $48 per adult for a 3-4 hour cruise, operating May through October.
Heading on down to Maine, check out Cap’n Fish’s Whale Watch, the original whale watch that began three generations ago out of Boothbay Harbor. It is the longest running whale watch in the area, with extremely knowledgeable and skilled captains. In addition to the humpback, pilot and finback whales, you may have the chance to see sperm whales as well. Average price for a tour is $54 per adult over 15. The season in Maine is a touch shorter, running from the end of May through September.
No matter where you want to go, taking a cruise to see the majestic whales of the Atlantic ocean will be an experience for you and your family to treasure for years to come.
by LA DiNardi
Follow Us!