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Post by Karene on Jul 29, 2014 13:37:49 GMT
We are heading out on Friday to Nova Scotia from Ontario for a family reunion. We decided that we would travel through New England this time.
I would like to go whale watching out of Gloucester, Massachusetts and wonder if any of you have tried it? I've found two companies that look promising and they seemed to be having luck finding the whales right now. Do you have a company that you recommend?
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Sarah*H
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,015 
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Post by Sarah*H on Jul 29, 2014 13:46:39 GMT
(This may be like one of those worthless Allrecipe reviews where they change all the ingredients.  ) We went 2 weeks ago out of Provincetown. They go to the same place though, the Stellwagen Bank marine sanctuary. And yes, there are many whales and calves out there right now, it was amazing. Your best bet is to look at the reviews on Trip Advisor and pick the highest rated company that goes out of Gloucester. I took hundreds of photos. We had a very rare bird sighting as well. I hope you have a great trip!  |
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Post by nesser01 on Jul 29, 2014 13:48:52 GMT
I live in Mass and have gone when I was teen with my mother and once again when I was teen on a class trip. Both were out of Gloucester. Both trips I remember being good. I don't know the company names or anything. It was so long ago.
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Post by Basket1lady on Jul 29, 2014 14:00:54 GMT
I have. I'll check and see if I can find the name of the company.
It was incredible. We saw whales right away and didn't get much farther out. There was a mama Right Whale with her calf Right whales are very rare and to see one with her calf was really something. You have to stay a certain distance from the whales, but ours kept moving underwater and would come up nearby. Right whales were the most hunted by New England fishermen because they fed close to shore and weren't afraid of boats. They also floated when killed because of the high blubber ratio. They think there are only 14 in the northern Atlantic, so it was a big deal!
It was still rough enough to make a lot of kids sick. I really recommend the non drowsy form of Dramamine. Take it at least an hour before you board. It will make you sleepy the next day, but it was worth it. Be sure to take a jacket--it's usually windy and cold out on the water.
There's a lot up in the Gloucester area. We went to a great beach that turns almost all to sand when the tide goes out. The kids had so much fun watching the crabs and clams when the tide went out. And there was a huge rock they climbed on when the tide was in.
ETA: the name of the company was t in any of the photos, but the boat name was Privateer IV. I would just look at the online reviews. The beach is called Wingaersheek beach.
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ChrisinCT
Shy Member
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Post by ChrisinCT on Jul 29, 2014 14:31:23 GMT
We love whale watching and highly recommend 7 Seas Whale Watch: http://www.7seaswhalewatch.com
We tried Cape Ann Whale Watch once, but didn't like it and will never go out with them again.
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Post by Karene on Jul 29, 2014 15:14:29 GMT
Thanks for the replies.
The two companies I have been considering are 7 Seas Whale Watch and Capt. Bill and Sons. They are pretty close to each other. Their blogs show lots of whales and I hope it continues for another week at least! We hope to go out next Monday. I have been on several whale watching trips in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. I have seen lots of humpback whale tails but never a head. I would love to get a humpback head photo or a breaching photo.
Neither of us have any problems with seasickness.
The Privateer IV boat is with 7 Seas Whale Watch. This is the one I am leaning towards. Last year in Newfoundland, we went with one company in the morning and then a different one in the afternoon. (You can tell I love whale watching!)
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Post by Basket1lady on Jul 29, 2014 15:22:53 GMT
It sounds like you know this, but the whales like cooler water. So they may be heading more north this time of year. You can call and ask the company you go with. They should know (and tell you) if there are whales in the area.
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