Provincetown Whale Watch
Provincetown Whale Watch
Provincetown Whale Watch
4.5
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Provincetown, Massachusetts
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Provincetown Whale Watch
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
168 reviews
Excellent
135
Very good
27
Average
3
Poor
1
Terrible
2
chasmofromwisconsin
wisconsin87 contributions
Jun 2021
We took a cruise on the Dolphin X on the 12:30 departure. The ship was very clean as we boarded. Boarding was orderly with a line forming on the pier about 45 minutes in advance. The earlier you get there, the better the chance you get to sit where you want.
They say to bring a jacket and I agree. It was nice onshore but an offshore breeze made it chilly. We didn't have to travel far out of the harbor when we found our first whale. It was a mother, calf combination that gave us a good show. The captain did a great job of maneuvering the ship so all could get a chance to see. We were in the very front of the ship which gave us excellent viewing opportunities.
We have been on other whale watching tours and this boat was run at par with the best of them. I give the captain and crew 5 stars.
They say to bring a jacket and I agree. It was nice onshore but an offshore breeze made it chilly. We didn't have to travel far out of the harbor when we found our first whale. It was a mother, calf combination that gave us a good show. The captain did a great job of maneuvering the ship so all could get a chance to see. We were in the very front of the ship which gave us excellent viewing opportunities.
We have been on other whale watching tours and this boat was run at par with the best of them. I give the captain and crew 5 stars.
Written June 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John C
2 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
Wowee zowee what an experience! I’ve been whale watching several times but never like this. Our guide said he counted 15 whales but it felt like fifty coming from every direction some just a few yards from the boats. It was a feeding frenzy. The rude out was a little rough but it only added to the fun. I wish I could give the experience 10 stars. All involved were very professional and knowledgeable. I will definitely be back with friends. Awesome!
Written October 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
txsd
Houston, TX35 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
Nice boat and crew. Worked hard to find whales on our very choppy 3-hour trip. Captain chose alternate path back and finally had success! Snack area downstairs with nice tables out of the breeze. Clean restrooms and nice viewing areas. Not crazy about “P-town” but glad we chose this vendor for our whale watch. Would recommend.
Written May 27, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SpeckledChicken
New Oxford, PA24 contributions
Sep 2015
We were able to get out on one of the last boat tours before the storm, saw many whales and had a wonderful time. We had read the reviews before hand and we had to laugh because we did see them throw chili overboard but Im sure lots of sea critters were happy to eat it. They did get a little too close to the whales once or twice but then corrected for it-it was a wonderful time!
Written October 29, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DCos3
Baltimore, MD4 contributions
Aug 2015 • Couples
It appears people are writing reviews on this site for both Provincetown Whale Watch , and also another tour operator, Dolphin fleet. This review is for Provincetown Whale Watch.
To cut to the chase - this was an amazing experience. We saw several humpback whales, breaching (jumping) calves, and had a humpback calf swim up to the boat before diving under it. Awe inspiring. It's a great way to spend a day on the water and impart an appreciation and awareness of marine wildlife to kids and adults alike.
There is a marine biologist on board who greatly enhances the whole experience. We were lucky to get Krill, who as you read in other reviews, is simply fantastic!
I compared the online info of both operators and chose Provincetown Whale Watch mainly because of the size of the boat. They are a smaller operation and offer only one cruise a day, but the smaller boat made it easier to move around and get close up views without as many people on board. The boat captain was very good at manuevering so that you did not have to run from side to side.
I am not the most sea worthy of souls, but I didn't feel queasy, and the boat was overall a smooth ride. Some reviews have noted the free seasick meds on board cause drowsiness. If this may be an issue for you, think ahead and bring your own non-drowsy meds.
Likewise, some folks found the boarding procedure confusing. We purchased a ticket at the Commercial Street storeforont, and were directed to walk a short distance to Fisherman's Pier. At the pier, you exchange your receipt for the boarding ticket at a small shed, and wait in the adjacent area where there are a few shade trees and benches. The area does not have signage, but the pier staff were clear about where to wait. When the boat arrives, a crew member appears, introduces themself, and asks you to line up single file to walk down the pier to board the boat. It could confusing if you are looking for signage saying "Wait Here", but otherwise it wasn't bad.
There is an interior air conditioned area with a snack bar, neither of which we used for this particular trip. There are also bathrooms on board.
Each trip will be one of a kind. You will hopefully get to see some whales up close, and you'll definitely get a wonderful water view of the Provincetown coast to boot. Enjoy!
To cut to the chase - this was an amazing experience. We saw several humpback whales, breaching (jumping) calves, and had a humpback calf swim up to the boat before diving under it. Awe inspiring. It's a great way to spend a day on the water and impart an appreciation and awareness of marine wildlife to kids and adults alike.
There is a marine biologist on board who greatly enhances the whole experience. We were lucky to get Krill, who as you read in other reviews, is simply fantastic!
I compared the online info of both operators and chose Provincetown Whale Watch mainly because of the size of the boat. They are a smaller operation and offer only one cruise a day, but the smaller boat made it easier to move around and get close up views without as many people on board. The boat captain was very good at manuevering so that you did not have to run from side to side.
I am not the most sea worthy of souls, but I didn't feel queasy, and the boat was overall a smooth ride. Some reviews have noted the free seasick meds on board cause drowsiness. If this may be an issue for you, think ahead and bring your own non-drowsy meds.
Likewise, some folks found the boarding procedure confusing. We purchased a ticket at the Commercial Street storeforont, and were directed to walk a short distance to Fisherman's Pier. At the pier, you exchange your receipt for the boarding ticket at a small shed, and wait in the adjacent area where there are a few shade trees and benches. The area does not have signage, but the pier staff were clear about where to wait. When the boat arrives, a crew member appears, introduces themself, and asks you to line up single file to walk down the pier to board the boat. It could confusing if you are looking for signage saying "Wait Here", but otherwise it wasn't bad.
There is an interior air conditioned area with a snack bar, neither of which we used for this particular trip. There are also bathrooms on board.
Each trip will be one of a kind. You will hopefully get to see some whales up close, and you'll definitely get a wonderful water view of the Provincetown coast to boot. Enjoy!
Written August 28, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael O
Orange, France136 contributions
Aug 2017 • Family
This boat ride exceeded all my expectations. That's when I give a 5 rating.
We did see many whales, almost all the time (the captain said we were lucky that
we found them while they were feeding, meaning they get out
of the water more often).
The captain also gave many details not only on whales themselves
(he recognized even some specific individuals) and their ecosystem,
but also on geology, history, economy or climate, which made the whole
trip extremely interesting. He even went through the whole boat
asking each group of passengers whether they had any questions.
A truly fantastic and unforgettable experience.
There was also a person filming the experience with professional equipment.
For $25 you can download a video of what was seen during your ride.
The video is very well made, captures details that may hard for you
to capture with your own equipment. They even include sequences with you
(you can even comment your experience), and therefore each video is
unique. That's definitely worth the extra 25 bucks!
Recommendation: the last ride of the day is very nice as you also
enjoy the sunset on Provincetown.
We did see many whales, almost all the time (the captain said we were lucky that
we found them while they were feeding, meaning they get out
of the water more often).
The captain also gave many details not only on whales themselves
(he recognized even some specific individuals) and their ecosystem,
but also on geology, history, economy or climate, which made the whole
trip extremely interesting. He even went through the whole boat
asking each group of passengers whether they had any questions.
A truly fantastic and unforgettable experience.
There was also a person filming the experience with professional equipment.
For $25 you can download a video of what was seen during your ride.
The video is very well made, captures details that may hard for you
to capture with your own equipment. They even include sequences with you
(you can even comment your experience), and therefore each video is
unique. That's definitely worth the extra 25 bucks!
Recommendation: the last ride of the day is very nice as you also
enjoy the sunset on Provincetown.
Written September 13, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marcela D
Indianapolis, IN10 contributions
Jul 2017 • Couples
We used the whale and dolphin watch company. We took the boat leaving at 2 p.m and we saw plenty of whales. The crew was very knowledgeable about the biology of the whales and it was very interesting. The ride takes about 3 hs. And they offer food and drinks on board. They only take cash. I would suggest bringing a sweater since it usually feels about 10-15 degrees cooler with the wind. I would highly suggest doing this activity!
Written July 7, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
vitagrl
Martinsburg, WV262 contributions
Jun 2016 • Friends
Took a whale watching tour,very nice boat. Tour guide was very informative with facts about all the sea life. Saw 11 whales and 2 sharks. What a good time would def do it again.
Written June 16, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kakolie B
Boston, MA23 contributions
Aug 2015
They guarantee sightings, and take you close enough to see the whales in action. It was a grand experience. we saw whales and calves breaching and frolicking around. They also have names for them! Overall a fun time
Written January 14, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stephen G
Jersey, UK329 contributions
Oct 2015
Had a very enjoyable trip on the sighting side of things. Unfortunately the sea got rough on the way back and a fair number of punters were ill so be warned. In fairness the booking lady did advise going on the earlier trip (which this was) before it blew up and sea sickness tablets were offered. Also, impression was given that free parking would be available which is not the case. Closest (next door) parking was $3.50 per hour or part therof but within 5 minutes walk you can park for $10 no limit.
Written October 20, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Which day, tomorrow Sunday or Monday? Thinking about surf and sea sickness
Written September 10, 2022
what is the whale sighting like in summer, more specifically end of june to early july? thanks!
Written February 1, 2020
Excellent - saw a calf and her mom right in the harbor for a long time. Great experience as they were so close. Headed to ocean and saw a couple from a distance. If the ocean was our only sighting, review would have been different. Highly recommend watching fireworks on the 4th.
Written February 2, 2020
Is there a season for whale watching ?? Can we expect to see them in Sept??
Written September 10, 2017
how is whale watching in June? are they around this time of year?
Written May 25, 2017
What is the website for this company? I am starting to do research, and saw the reviews for them, but the link to their website will not load. The one that keeps popping up is Dolphin Fleet whale Watch, we just want the best and the one most likely to see whales.
Written May 18, 2017
First, let me say that there are many reputable whale watching companies, and it's often more of an issue of the season, the weather, the sea conditions, and the location of bait food for the whales (a moving target), which makes the difference between an OK and a great experience. The Dolphin Fleet IS the biggest and most active whale watching company in Provincetown. It's really a question of how much you want to drive, how much time you want to spend getting to the whales (again a moving target), and the time you have to spend. I've also been on great whale watches out of Plymouth, Boston downtown, Gloucester, Newburyport, Hampton, Rye, NH, etc... The boats vary in size and speed, and they all go to regions of Stellwagon and Jeffrey's Ledge, and often keep in touch with each other, working the whales cooperatively, safely, and with respect for not crowding a few whales with several boats at the same time. That said, if I have the time, I like P-town in the spring because it's not so crowded, active whales, and less boat travel time to see whales. Negative is it's a bit of a longer car drive, not a day trip easily. Every whale watch is different... even with the same company and even from day to day, and even morning to afternoon trip. If I have only a day, any of the others are fine. Most whale watching companies have a "guarantee" policy which gives you another free trip should you not see whales. that very rarely happens in spring, but does occasionally happen in mid and late summer.
Written May 19, 2017
What is the cost per person? Do they offer food and drinks for purchase on board? I cannot open the web page.
Written April 24, 2017
Hi Dale, The cost is around $45 per person, a little less for seniors or with discount coupons, and for kids. Some hotels in the area offer packages for hotel stays which include the price of whale watching... check them out. Yes, grill type food, hotdogs and burgers, lots of chips, snacks, and drinks too. Some people bring a picnic lunch on board, which is fine too, or eat out at one of P-town's great restaurants right close to the dock. I use the Dolphin Whale watch, website opens right up for me.
Written April 24, 2017
Adults=$45.00 I'm sorry I don't know the fee for children.
Written August 12, 2016
Hi, as I only can stay in Provincetown from 8 to 12 April. Therefore, I would like to join a whale watching tour during this period.
However, I have found from the internet that many tours will only start from 16 April 2016. Is it possible that any whale tour will start on 8 April 2016.
Thanks a lot!
Cindy
Written February 11, 2016
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