Provincetown Whale Watching Cruise

Learn about humpbacks and other whales as naturalists guide a 3-hour cruise through Cape Cod Bay.

From$78/ person

Duration

3 - 3.5 hours

Includes

3.5-hr cruise, naturalist, toilets

Highlights

Set sail from Provincetown for a 3–3.5 hour whale watching cruise through Cape Cod Bay and Stellwagen Bank. Knowledgeable naturalists share insights as you search for humpbacks, finbacks, minkes and endangered right whales.

Cruise alongside humpback, finback, minke and right whales
Hear live commentary from knowledgeable naturalists
Depart from convenient MacMillan Wharf in Provincetown
Use onboard restrooms and cash-only galley service
Capture memorable wildlife photos from open decks

What's Included

3.5-hour narrated whale watching cruise
Onboard naturalist guide
Men's and women's restrooms

Things to know

Passengers may not bring alcohol or glass bottles aboard, and should arrive at the dock at least 60 minutes before departure for ticketing and boarding.

FAQs

What happens if we don’t see whales on our trip?

You will receive a complimentary pass for a future tour; no cash refunds.

Are there restrooms on the boats?

Yes, each vessel has regularly cleaned men's and ladies' restrooms.

What should I bring?

Dress 10–15 degrees cooler than land, pack a jacket, camera, binoculars, sunglasses and sunscreen.

How long are the tours?

Tours typically last 3–3.5 hours, depending on whale location.

Can we buy food and beverages on board?

Cash-only galley offers snacks, meals and alcoholic drinks; outside alcohol is not permitted.

Cancellation policy

Tickets are nonrefundable. You may reschedule for another trip with at least 24 hours' notice, subject to availability.

Meeting location

MacMillan Pier in Provincetown, MA

Experience provided by Captain John Boats

Handpicked for you, so you can book with confidence

Best local prices
Flexible cancellation
Private and secure

Each booking directly supports small businesses in our community.

Provincetown Whale Watching Cruise

Learn about humpbacks and other whales as naturalists guide a 3-hour cruise through Cape Cod Bay.

From$78/ person

Duration

3 - 3.5 hours

Includes

3.5-hr cruise, naturalist, toilets

Highlights

Cruise alongside humpback, finback, minke and right whales
Hear live commentary from knowledgeable naturalists
Depart from convenient MacMillan Wharf in Provincetown
Use onboard restrooms and cash-only galley service
Capture memorable wildlife photos from open decks

What's Included

3.5-hour narrated whale watching cruise
Onboard naturalist guide
Men's and women's restrooms

Things to know

Passengers may not bring alcohol or glass bottles aboard, and should arrive at the dock at least 60 minutes before departure for ticketing and boarding.

FAQs

What happens if we don’t see whales on our trip?

You will receive a complimentary pass for a future tour; no cash refunds.

Are there restrooms on the boats?

Yes, each vessel has regularly cleaned men's and ladies' restrooms.

What should I bring?

Dress 10–15 degrees cooler than land, pack a jacket, camera, binoculars, sunglasses and sunscreen.

How long are the tours?

Tours typically last 3–3.5 hours, depending on whale location.

Can we buy food and beverages on board?

Cash-only galley offers snacks, meals and alcoholic drinks; outside alcohol is not permitted.

Cancellation policy

Tickets are nonrefundable. You may reschedule for another trip with at least 24 hours' notice, subject to availability.

Review summary

4.6

Excellent

1.2K reviewsGoogle Maps

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.

What people are saying

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