Cape Cod, a small hook-shaped peninsula of Massachusetts, is an excellent summer destination. It has the lovely sites of old, quaint villages, narrow seafood restaurants, historic lighthouses, historic fish shacks, and scenic ocean beaches. In the center of Hyannis, the famed John F. Kennedy Museum can be found on the grounds of the old lighthouse, while the fabled “Old Town Hall” is at the heart of the bustling town. Cape Cod offers many cultural activities, from antique shows to live theater and numerous museums.
If you are seeking whales or other ocean wildlife while vacationing in Massachusetts, you will find many organizations that specialize in Cape Cod Whale Watching Tours. If you have never been on a cruise through the Massachusetts peninsula, you may not know this, but there are guided whale watching tours that depart from various points in the townships each year. Some of these cruises depart from Hyannis and other townships, while others are day cruises. The cruises vary in length and itinerary and can last up to three weeks. Some even offer overnight accommodations.
One of the most popular whale-watching cruises in the country departs from Cape Cod and is facilitated by the National Marine Fisheries Service. This service operates a number of short and longboat tours throughout the year. You can select from short morning tours, afternoon excursions, and day trips. All boat tours depart from the parking lot in front of the Visitor’s Center in Hyannis.
Another option is the Cape Peninsula Whale Watch Charters. These tours provide an experience similar to being on a cruise but allow the vacationer to stay onboard the vessel. Unlike other tours, you do not have to make it to shore to go whale watching. Most of these Cape Peninsula whale watch charters depart from Portland, Maine.
For those interested in more aquatic life, there are numerous Cape Cod whale watching tours available. One option is to take a cruise through the marshes and along the coastline. These cruises usually include lunch, which is typically at a local waterfront hangout. There are also a number of campsites along the marshes where campers can relax by day and spend the evening swimming in the water.
The best time to go whale watching is from late May through October. These months are considered the best time because the migration season is going on. Many of the smaller whales make their way to the Cape Cod area during this time.
