Since 1946 Captain John Boats has welcomed travelers onto the sparkling waters of Cape Cod Bay. Departing from historic Plymouth and Provincetown, their seasoned local captains and onboard naturalists turn each whale watch, fishin...
Captain John's whale watching tours out of Plymouth consistently deliver memorable experiences, with crews earning particular praise for their knowledge and friendliness. Passengers regularly spot multiple whales during trips to the sanctuary, and the naturalists, especially Kelly, receive kudos for their engaging commentary. The boats are clean and comfortable, and the route itself offers beautiful coastal scenery passing beaches, dunes, and lighthouses. Several reviewers mention successful trips even when other companies canceled due to weather, suggesting a reliable operation. Be prepared for the reality of ocean travel though. Multiple guests mention rough seas can make the journey challenging, so consider seasickness medication if you're prone to queasiness. Most passengers find the experience well worth any choppy waters, especially when whales surface close to the boat. Dress warmly since temperatures drop significantly on deck, even on nice days. A handful of visitors noted particularly rough conditions that overwhelmed kids and adults alike, which seems more about ocean unpredictability than the company itself. One long-time customer felt the captain approached feeding whales too aggressively on their recent trip, though this appears to be an isolated concern.
Our whale watching experience here was absolutely fantastic! The crew on the boat were a pleasure to be around and they made the experience educational and fun. Our reservation time got changed due to the location of the whales, but they informed us early enough to make reasonable accommodations and it worked out even better for us. We got to see so many animals, and we even saw a fin whale and her calf. The food on board was surprisingly good as well, although if you want to save a couple bucks, you can always bring snacks with you. I highly recommend giving Captain John Boats a shot if you're interested in seeing whales
Marvin Martelly (Mobbinator)
August 20, 2025
Our whale watching experience here was absolutely fantastic! The crew on the boat were a pleasure to be around and they made the experience educational and fun. Our reservation time got changed due to the location of the whales, but they informed us early enough to make reasonable accommodations and it worked out even better for us. We got to see so many animals, and we even saw a fin whale and her calf. The food on board was surprisingly good as well, although if you want to save a couple bucks, you can always bring snacks with you. I highly recommend giving Captain John Boats a shot if you're interested in seeing whales
Marvin Martelly (Mobbinator)
August 20, 2025
