Whales

Whales are found in the coastal waters near Gloucester primarily to feed, taking advantage of the massive schools of herring, sand lance, mackerel, copepods, and krill that migrate through these nutrient-rich waters. Some of the larger species can consume over 3,000 pounds of fish per day! Newborn calves must be born in warmer waters, which is why most whales migrate south in late Fall to mate and give birth. These migratory journeys can span thousands of miles, fueled by the rich feeding grounds of Stellwagen Bank and Jeffrey’s Ledge.

The extremely productive waters of Stellwagen Bank mean whales are almost always present, and whales have been seen on over 99% of trips since 1983. Common species include: Humpback whales (seen on 75–99% of trips), Finback whales (60–80%), and Minke whales (about 75%), with occasional sightings of Right whales, pilot whales, harbor porpoises, and Atlantic white-sided dolphins. Rare sightings can include Blue whales, Sei whales, Sperm whales, Belugas, and other dolphins.

Every trip is unscripted and unpredictable, making each encounter with these magnificent, endangered creatures a rare and unforgettable experience.