When it comes to whale watching in American it doesn’t get much better then whale watching off of Cape Cod. The stellwagen Bank Marine Preserve is very close (closer if you leave from Provincetown) and incredibly active. Now you don’t always see what I may see. I have gone out and gotten hosed before. I’ve been whale watching in the brutal sun, high winds, cold, rain, freezing rain and a combination of three of those. All were unique and different. I have seen whales every time and only once walked away without seeing a single marine mammal. Keep in mind that was when the boat was all over the place, freezing rain, 30mph winds in frigid temps already at 40 degrees Fahrenheit (rated without the wind.) Enough about that. How about some pictures!
Seeing a humpback whale breach is a real privilege. My good friend Carlos will tease me as I have never had one in my files before. The weather wasn’t ideal as It was heavy clouds and the boat was rocking 15ft side to side, but I made it work (there are beautiful days too, honest.) See my friend spends most of the year with them or at least in their habitat getting numerous chances. I try and get it a week or less at a time once ot twice a year. Who has better odds? 
They truly did put on a show. A show I haven’t witnessed yet. Countless breaching from both adults and calves. I will tell you if a whale breaches they tend to repeat so keep watch! Don’t let your guard down for a second, shoot fast, have a fast shutter speed and stabilize the best you can. Avoid polarizers as you lose 2 stops of light and in turn lose valuable speed.
This is how close you can get people! There is nothing like seeing some of the largest animals EVER right next to you. It gives you a real connection and instantly shows you why they are so valuable and worth protecting. They are a RENEWABLE resource that brings in countless money for the economy and you don’t have to kill them. Go figure huh? (True) rant aside it is worth the time and effort to go. Go twice if you can to increase your odds. Also ideal times are spring and fall due to abundant food resources, but they stick around throughout the summer and truly don’t disappoint.
Keep in mind you are liking at the top of their head and don’t even see their dorsal fin and fluke (tail.)
We often think of them as these slow moving gentle giants. And while extremely intelligent and gentle do not mistake their sheer power. They are massively strong. They must be right? To move their bodies massive distances for migration. This whale is thrusting his fluke out of the water and smashing it to the surface. Typically known as tail lobbing. It can aid in helping to stun their prey.
If you get the chance to whale watch out of Hyannis or Privincetown, MA port take it!
. Here’s hoping!
