The nice thing about the cape is that you can quickly go from the atlantic ocean, with its rougher surf, to the calm cape cod bay and it is nice to experience both. About 3 miles north of hyannis in barnstable harbor, next door to mattakeese wharf restaurant, the hyannis whale watcher cruises run excursions across cape cod bay. A classic shop on the main street of provincetown, massachusets, selling various home. Measuring 604 square miles 1,560 km 2 below a line drawn from brant rock in marshfield to race point in provincetown, massachusetts, it is enclosed by cape cod to the south and east, and plymouth county, massachusetts, to the west. Hyannis whale watcher cruises, located in picturesque barnstable harbor sails from may through october. The species is the most endangered large whale in the world with population estimates around 500. Thousands of people flock to cape cod each year to go whale watching. Plymouth bay, is the western point of the entrance to cape cod bay. Step on board a chartered vessel and explore the open waters. Cape cod bay is a storied area with documented history going back to the days of samoset, squanto and the pilgrims.
Two rare, endangered blue whales were spotted by researchers in new england waters, about miles southeast of cape cod earlier this. Stellwagen bank, an area located between cape cod bay and massachusetts bay, is one of the most popular locations for whale watching in cape cod. A beautiful beach back by a steep glacial scarp just tell the kids they are not allowed to climb on the cliffdunes. Cape cod is a worldclass destination for whale and seal watching. Right whales spending spring break off cape cod the. The whales come to cape cod in the spring to feed before heading further north. First right whale calves of the season have arrived in. The cape cod national seashore is truly a national treasure. Psb interactive north atlantic right whale sightings map. These attributes make the whale watcher the largest, fastest, and safest whale watch vessel operating on cape cod. The approximately two month old calf of right whale harmonia playing alongside a channel marker in cape cod bay. Researchers from the center for coastal studies in provincetown on.
Monomoy outfitters provides charter fishing, wildlife seal tours, whale watching trips from our dock on pleasant bay in chatham. The last time we cruised that route, we saw a mother and baby whale feeding in cape cod bay just a. Take a voyage into cape cod bay with scientists from the provincetown center for coastal studies and get a good look at. Lindsay, a plymouth native, is a conservation advocate specializing in risk management for whales and dolphins. In the spring, these whales migrate north to feed, and cape cod bay is one of the first major feeding areas they get to. Whale watches on cape cod cape cod ma guide cape cod web. First right whales of the 2020 season have arrived in cape cod bay. Hyannis whale watcher cruises barnstable 2020 all you. Three north atlantic right whale tails break the surface in cape cod bay in april 2008. Cape cod artist specializing in hand carved wooden whale sculptures.
Record 112 endangered right whales in cape cod bay marthas vineyard, ma the north atlantic right whale is critically endangered. Cape scientists forge ahead with right whale research. For more information contact any of the following whale watch cruise companies. Cape cod the cape as its universally called is among new englands favorite summer vacation destinations and it thrives on tourism. The tip of cape cod is located only three miles from the southern end of the stellwagen bank national marine sanctuary, a prime feeding ground for whales. In cape cod bay, manmade noise has reduced right whales acoustic habitat by as much as 80 percent, says chris clark, director of cornell universitys bioacoustics research program. Whale watching on cape cod is the best way to experience the areas unique natural landscape, species diversity and nautical history all in one salttinged outing. Ap researchers have identified the first baby north atlantic right whales to arrive in cape cod bay for the spring. Go whale watching along stellwagen bank, one of the worlds finest whale feeding grounds located off cape cod bay. Daily whale and seal excursions are offered in season, led by experienced naturalists. We were able to see the hump back whales, elephant. The pilgrims first landed at provincetown where they wrote the mayflower compact and, due to lack of fresh water, eventually settled in plymouth. First right whales of the 2020 season have arrived in cape.
The center for coastal studies ccs runs dedicated aerial surveys to cover ccb from december to may, and collects water samples to monitor habitat conditions. I had expected to see whales in the distance and enjoy a nice cruise on the ocean during a hot summer day. No need to worry about booking your own transport as hotel pickup and dropoff is included. Lindsay hirt writes about right whales in cape cod bay. Portuguese princess 800 4423188 or 508 4872651, all of which leave from provincetown, or hyannis. Two great whites that were captured on video swimming off cape cod this week didnt have to do much work to snag a tasty meal.
Finest whale watching on cape cod hyannis whale watcher. Hyannis whale watcher cruises on scenic cape cod, ma offers worldclass whale watching adventures to visitors of all ages from around the world. Blue whale spotted miles off cape cod on wednesday. This is a great advantage if it is foggy, windy or cold the day you want to go.
Depending on the species and location, the whales may fast this entire time. Whale watching on cape cod, ma, is one of the most incredible sights to see on your getaway to the northeast. Thanks so much for sharing your cape cod whale watch experience with us, aimee. Large numbers of finback whales have been feeding in cape cod bay over the last week. The cruise from barnstable harbor out to stellwagen bank really is scenic, isnt it. Cape cod humpback whale rescued barnstable, ma patch. If youre in provincetown there are alternatives, but i love the trip out on this fast jet boat no propellers to. Over the past 5 years, the appearance of these rare mammals has become more common in the waters around cape cod. The best way to watch whales from shore on cape cod. The hyannis whale watcher sails out of barnstable harbor, just minutes from the bayside resort, every day and sails across beautiful cape cod bay to the whale feeding grounds in the stellwagen bank national marine sanctuary.
To the north of cape cod bay lie massachusetts bay and the atlantic. Provincetown stock photos download 2,044 royalty free photos. The climatecontrolled interior cabins feature tables with. Vacationers come in dribs and drabs in the offseason, and in hordes in the warmer months to lose themselves amongst endless miles of windswept seashore. A blue whale was photographed off the coast of cape cod wednesday. Extremely rare whales make big showing in cape cod bay. Whale watcher cruises, 800 2870374 or 3626088, leaves out of barnstable harbor on cape cod bay. Many whales migrate to breeding grounds further south or offshore during the winter. The whales foraged in the bay for centuries, but their numbers sharply dropped when whalers hunted them for.
The endangered whales increasingly are frequenting the bay, enticed by. Hyannis whale watcher cruises 269 millway, po box 254, barnstable, massachusetts 02630 rated 4. Truro cbs there was a rare and majestic sight off cape cod on wednesday afternoon an enormous blue whale not far from the coast. A team from the nonprofit center for coastal studies in. Provincetown is also one of the coolest, craziest places on cape cod. The 112 sightings sunday are roughly a quarter of the entire population. Whale watcher is a stateoftheart, highspeed, waterjet driven ship thats designed and built especially for whale watching.
Spring in new england means right whales feast upon large blooms of zooplankton in cape cod bay ccb and the nearby great south channel, which allows data hungry research teams to get a lot of work done. Swap the hustle and bustle of cape town for a peaceful day of scenic views and a whale watching boat trip. Interactive north atlantic right whale sightings map. The aquarium says cape cod bay has rich blooms of zooplankton to attract the whales. Captain john boats now runs whale watching trips, deep sea fishing trips, a fast ferry run to provincetown, harbor cruises, and private charters departing from the historic waterfront on both the town wharf and state pier in plymouth, ma, as well as the macmillan pier in provincetown, ma. Cape cod bay is sort of grand central for this rare animal. Whale watching on cape cod yarmouth restaurant association. The whale watch will take you to stellwagen bank national marine sanctuary, which is the center of the whale feeding grounds in massachusetts bay, just. In january of 2014, right whales were spotted in cape cod bay. It is also the approach to cape cod canal, which connects cap e cod bay.
Beachgoers flocked to sandwich, massachusetts tuesday morning to capture a devastating sight a deceased, overturned whale off cape. The endangered whales increasingly are frequenting the bay, enticed by the fine. Record 112 endangered right whales in cape cod bay. The first recreational whale watching trip in cape cod dates back to 1975. The northeast coast boasts a variety of unique beaches as well as some unforgettable sightseeing opportunities. The bowhead whale that was spotted in 2012 off the coast of cape cod has been seen again in cape cod bay the farthest south that the species has ever been documented prompting excitement. A red and blue small fishing boat in provincetown, cape cod massachusetts recalls the days when the town was the hub of small empty pathway with fence to the beach on a clear summer day in provincetown, cape cod, massachusetts.
The massachusetts division of marine fisheries extended fishing and speed limit restrictions in cape cod bay through may 7. Coastal center researchers would normally be out on cape cod bay in a vessel conducting plankton surveys this time of year, with potentially hundreds of feeding right whales as much as 65% of. Hyannis whale watcher cruises barnstable all you need. Midcape hyannis whale watcher cruises barnstable harbor 508 3626088, 800 2870374. Video shows great whites feasting on dead whale off cape cod. Hundreds of right whales are returning to cape cod smart. Provincetown whale watching from gorgeous provinctown to the stellwagon whale grounds is a short 12 hour boat ride on most days. First right whale calf of season spotted in cape cod bay news. To our knowledge, this is the first time that either of these two new moms have brought their calves into cape cod bay, noted dr. Its a goodsized vessel measuring in at feet in total length, with comfy interior cabins, a wellstocked galley, and outdoor decks for upclose viewing. Both whales were last seen in cape cod bay during the 20182019 right whale season. This is harmonias third known calf and the only one that she has been documented with in cape cod bay. Cape cod sighting of rare whale raises concerns the.
The local whale watching season lasts between midapril and late october, providing you with the most ideal weather for observing the largest mammals on earth. Today the plymouth and duxbury areas celebrate their history and heritage with many museums and reenactments depicting pilgrim and. On each cruise you are provided with a naturalist who provides commentary on the whales, the local ecology and the history of the area. Death of whale on cape cod under investigation necn.
Most watch whales from boats, but in the spring, you can visit the cape and watch whales from shore. Endangered baby whales arrive in cape cod bay for spring. The whales migrate to the cape cod area to feed on schools of fish there. You will be amazed and awed at the sighting of a 40ton whale off the bow of your boat. In this april 10, 2008 file photo, a north atlantic right whale dives in cape cod bay near provincetown, mass.
Why do right whales keep dying off cape cod and canada. Rare north atlantic right whales return to cape cod bay. We offer two and three hour whale watch tours in the waters just east of chatham. Hundreds of right whales are returning to cape cod decades have passed since the endangered species regularly frequented cape cod bay a right whale spotted off the coast of new brunswick, canada. Our trip on friday april 22 had sightings of over 14 finbacks working the southern waters of the bay. Endangered baby whales arrive in cape cod bay for spring the right whales are among the most endangered marine animals on the planet, and they number only about 400. Whale watching package for your vacation on cape cod.
In an alarming trend for one of the most endangered large whales in the world, a north atlantic right whale carcass was found monday on nashawena island, south of cape cod, according to a. Researchers spot high number of right whales in cape cod bay. Cape cod life is the regions premier lifestyle magazine showcasing the stunning natural beauty and historic charm of cape cod. Within the limits of cape cod bay are several harbors, including those of plymouth on the western shore, sandwich and barnstable on the southern shore, and wellfleet and provincetown on the eastern shore. Right whale mothers and calves spotted in cape cod bay. Extremely rare whales make a big showing in cape cod bay. Charles stormy mayo, director of the right whale ecology program. Cape cod bay is a large bay of the atlantic ocean adjacent to the u. Truro, ma a humpback whale tangled in fishing gear off the coast of cape cod was cut free by rescuers tuesday. Whale bay villa offers accommodations in fish hoek, 25 mi from cape town. How to have the best time whale watching on cape cod, ma. Top 10 things parents should know about whale watching off. With only 510 right whales in existence, it is believed that around 50% of the population has made their way to cape cod bay over the past few years. She holds degrees in marine biology and veterinary biology, and is currently earning her m.
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