Seal, Whale, and Shark Tours Cape Cod and the Islands

November 09, 2023

Embark on an exhilarating marine adventure along the scenic shores of Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, and Plymouth. Join us as we dive into the world of seal, whale, and shark tours Cape Cod.

Cape Cod seal, whale or shark tours offer you a unique opportunity to explore the abundant marine life that graces these coastal waters. From playful seals on Cape Cod to majestic whales in Nantucket Sound and even the elusive Cape Cod sharks, these guided expeditions promise unforgettable encounters with some of the ocean’s most captivating creatures.

The Best Seal, Whale or Shark Tours Cape Cod

1. Chatham Shark Tours

Chatham Shark Tours stands as the trailblazer in the Cape Cod region for seal, whale, and shark tours. As the first of the private Great White Shark Tours on Cape Cod, they offer unparalleled experiences on a custom-designed vessel with a tower, ensuring an exceptional adventure. With Captain Darren at the helm, who has led more white shark tours than any private business, their advanced local knowledge guarantees the finest and safest tours in the world.

2. Down Cape Charters & Boat Rentals

Address: 2173 Route 28
City/State/Zip Code: Harwich, MA, 02645

Down Cape Charters & Boat Rentals offers an extraordinary wildlife adventure along the picturesque Cape Cod coast, including Chatham, Monomoy Island, and Nauset Beach. Renowned as “Shark Alley,” this region provides a unique opportunity to observe majestic Cape Cod sharks in their natural habitat. Knowledgeable naturalist guides educate passengers about white shark anatomy, conservation efforts, and the increased sightings of Cape Cod sharks in recent years.

The experience also includes observing the local seal colony, highlighting the delicate balance between seal conservation and public safety. Whether you choose a Private Charter or Group Tour, their experienced team, including a spotter pilot, ensures an unforgettable encounter with these remarkable marine creatures.

3. Freedom Cruise Line

Address: 731 Rte 28
City/State/Zip Code: Harwich Port, MA 02646

Freedom Cruise Line offers an array of exciting seal, whale, and shark tours Cape Cod, including Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, and Plymouth. They provide a 2.5-hour whale watch in Nantucket Sound and a 1.5-hour private seal tour in Chatham Harbor.

For a more immersive experience, guests can join lobstering or oyster farm tours, actively participating in the catch and learning about the local ecology’s significance. With small group sizes and interactive elements, Freedom Cruise Line ensures unforgettable adventures, making it the perfect choice for marine enthusiasts seeking educational and thrilling excursions in these coastal waters. Advance booking is essential for offshore tours.

4. Beth Ann Charters

Address: MacMillan Pier
City/State/Zip Code: Provincetown, MA 02657

Beth Ann Charters is a renowned excursion provider operating in the Cape Cod region, offering thrilling private seal, whale, and shark tours from Provincetown Harbor. Their tours run from May through October, providing an intimate alternative to larger companies.

Known for their exceptional reputation, Beth Ann Charters boasts the only 360-degree views on Cape Cod. Experience endangered right whales in Cape Cod during the spring and majestic humpbacks and finbacks throughout the season.

For families, their Kids Sea Creature Cruise offers an opportunity to discover Cape Cod Bay’s diverse marine life while creating cherished memories. Comfort, adventure, and wildlife await on their top-notch vessels.

5. Blue Claw Boat Tours

Address: 69 Barley Neck Rd
City/State/Zip Code: Orleans, MA 02653

Blue Claw Boat Tours offers unforgettable seal and wildlife excursions in Cape Cod. Their Seal Watch Adventure Cruise departs from Orleans, taking guests to Chatham Harbor, where they can observe seals on Cape Cod in their natural habitat. The small boat ensures up-close encounters with these marine mammals.

For a more immersive experience, the Beachcomber Expedition and Seal Tour provides 1.5 hours onboard and an additional 1.5 hours on Tern Island in Chatham Harbor. This uninhabited island offers opportunities for relaxation, picnics, swimming, beachcombing, and soaking up the sun. Both tours are private, requiring reservations for an exceptional wildlife adventure.

6. Monomoy Island Excursions

Address: 731 Route 28, Unit 3
City/State/Zip Code: Harwich Port, MA 02646

Monomoy Island Excursions offers thrilling seal, whale, and shark excursions in the Cape Cod region, including Nantucket and Plymouth. Their tours explore Monomoy, a Barrier Island near Chatham, teeming with gray seals.

Besides these adorable creatures, passengers may spot seabirds, fish, whales, or even sharks. The tours also showcase Cape Cod’s rich maritime history through expert naturalist guides, and the high-speed catamaran ensures a comfortable small-group experience. With tours running throughout the day from late April, Monomoy Island Excursions promises an unforgettable wildlife adventure in the scenic waters of Cape Cod.

7. BlueWater Entertainment

Address: 436 Old Queen Anne Rd
City/State/Zip Code: Chatham, Ma 02633

BlueWater Entertainment offers an exceptional marine adventure in the Cape Cod region, specializing in intimate and educational wildlife excursions. Their renowned whale watch tour, limited to just 6 guests, promises an up-close encounter with majestic whales.

Thrill-seekers can opt for the Shark Tour, conducted either from the sea or a spotter plane, offering a unique Cape Cod experience. With Coast Guard-compliant boats, BlueWater ensures safety and comfort.

Guests are encouraged to bring essentials like sunscreen, snacks, layers for varying weather, sunglasses, and anti-motion sickness medication. The company provides safety gear, fishing equipment, and licenses for fishing trips.

8. Selkie Charters- Cape Cod Sunset Private Charter

Address: 100 mountain ash Rd
City/State/Zip Code: Hyannis, MA 02648

Selkie Charters offers a unique experience with their Cape Cod Sunset Private Charter. This excursion combines the best elements of various tours, providing an intimate and crowd-free adventure on the water.

While the main focus is on enjoying the breathtaking Cape Cod sunset, passengers often spot seals and occasionally even whales during the journey. With guaranteed spectacular sunset views, this private charter promises an unforgettable experience, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a relaxing and scenic outing on the waters of Cape Cod.

9. Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises

Address: 269 Millway
City/State/Zip Code: Barnstable, MA 02630

Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises is a renowned excursion provider in the region, offering captivating seal, whale, and shark tours Cape Cod. Their vessel, “The Whale Watcher,” features three levels for optimal wildlife viewing. With expert naturalists guiding the tours, guests receive both educational and entertaining insights into the marine world.

For those seeking an exclusive experience, the company offers charter tours for private groups. The scenic journey to the Atlantic Ocean includes views of saltmarshes, a lighthouse, and potential sightings of critically endangered right whales in Cape Cod Bay. Tours run daily from mid-May to September, typically lasting 3.5-4 hours, providing ample time for whale watching.

10. SeaSalt Charters

Address: PO Box 908,
City/State/Zip Code: Provincetown, MA 02657

SeaSalt Charters is owned by the founders of Dolphin Fleet, but brings visitors a more personalized experience in a smaller vessel. Getting up close to whales in Cape Cod is the adventure of a lifetime, and the boat you’ll journey in will give you just that experience!

On a private or semi-private charter tour, you’ll have the chance to ask all of your questions and have a fun time learning from the whale watching captain. A smaller vessel enables the boat to get nearer to the animals (in a manner safe to humans and animals, of course) so you can observe their magnificence up close. The maximum capacity is 6 guests, and tours last 3.5-4 hours.

11. Dolphin Fleet

Address: 309 Commercial St
City/State/Zip Code: Provincetown, MA 02657

Dolphin Fleet, based in Provincetown, stands as one of Cape Cod’s pioneering tour operators, renowned for its whale watching excursions. Their seasoned naturalists enhance the experience by providing in-depth insights into the region’s marine life.

These tours prioritize education, ensuring that passengers not only witness breathtaking sights but also leave with a wealth of newfound knowledge. Dolphin Fleet even guarantees whale sightings, offering future use tickets in the rare event of no sightings.

With four vessels, including two-level viewing decks, they operate from April to October, offering 3-4 hour trips. Additionally, their Sunset Whale Watch in June, July, and August adds a touch of magic to the experience.

Town of Plymouth

1. Captain John Boats- Cape Cod and Plymouth

Address: 10 Town Wharf
City/State/Zip Code: Plymouth, MA 02360

Captain John Boats offers exhilarating seal, whale, and shark excursions departing from both Provincetown and Plymouth. These four-hour tours, led by marine biologist guides, provide an opportunity to witness the captivating marine life off Cape Cod.

The spacious vessel features two open viewing decks and a climate-controlled indoor lounge, ensuring a comfortable experience. While onboard, passengers can indulge in food and drinks, including alcoholic beverages.

With a remarkable 99% success rate in spotting whales, Captain John Boats even offers complimentary passes for future trips in the rare event of not encountering these majestic creatures. Excursions operate exclusively in July and August, departing from MacMillan Wharf in Provincetown.

1. Nantucket By Water

Address: Slip 1011 Straight Wharf
City/State/Zip Code: Nantucket, MA 02584

Nantucket By Water, formerly known as Shearwater Excursions, is a family-run eco-tour company founded in 1999, offering unique seal, whale, and shark excursions to individuals and families of all ages. Located on Nantucket, their tours cater to various tastes for adventure, from leisurely harbor tours to wildlife sanctuary explorations.

Rachael Perkins, the founder, coordinates reservations, event planning, and serves as a personal concierge. Captain Max Perkins, a licensed captain with over 15 years of experience, guides the tours. Alex Perkins, another licensed captain, shares his love for Nantucket’s waters. Captain John Stobaugh, well-acquainted with Nantucket, pilots the Minke, and Renee Perkins assists with marketing and branding, contributing to the company’s growth.

Final Sighting

These seal, whale, and shark tours Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, and Plymouth open doors to an underwater world filled with awe-inspiring wildlife. Whether you’re seeking the playful antics of seals, the majestic presence of whales in Cape Cod, or the thrill of spotting sharks in the ocean, these guided tours provide an intimate connection to the ocean’s wonders. So, don’t miss your chance to create lasting memories and witness these incredible marine creatures in their natural habitat.

Learn more about the rescue work of marine animals on Cape Cod.