Cape Cod’s waters, influenced by the nutrient-rich Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, attract a diverse array of cetaceans and other marine mammals. This region offers a unique opportunity to witness these creatures in their natural habitat.
The Most Common Whale Species
Several whale species frequently visit the waters off Cape Cod, offering consistent viewing opportunities.
Humpback Whales
Among the most commonly sighted are humpback whales, known for their distinctive long pectoral fins, up to 15 feet. They often display acrobatic behaviors such as breaching (leaping out of the water) and tail slapping (striking the surface with their flukes). Humpbacks also engage in bubble-net feeding, a cooperative technique where they blow bubbles to corral fish. They are present from March to November, feeding on small fish and krill.
Fin Whales
Fin whales, often called the “greyhounds of the sea,” are the second-largest whale species, reaching up to 85 feet. They are recognizable by their streamlined bodies and a unique asymmetrical coloration, with the right side of their lower jaw and baleen plates being white, while the left side is dark. Fin whales are fast swimmers, reaching speeds of up to 35 miles per hour. These baleen whales are frequently observed, often traveling alone or in small groups as they feed on schooling fish and krill.
Minke Whales
Minke whales are the smallest baleen whales commonly found in Cape Cod, typically 25 to 35 feet long. They are characterized by a sleek, dark body with a distinct white patch on their flippers. Minke whales are known for their curious nature and may approach boats, sometimes frequenting shallower waters. Often seen individually, they are a regular presence in Cape Cod Bay.
The Critically Endangered Right Whale
The North Atlantic Right Whale has a significant, yet precarious, presence in Cape Cod waters. These whales lack a dorsal fin and possess distinctive rough, white patches called callosities on their heads, forming unique patterns for individual identification. Their V-shaped blow, created by two blowholes, is another identifying feature. With an estimated population of only around 356 individuals, they are among the most endangered large whales globally.
Cape Cod Bay serves as a crucial feeding and calving ground for these whales, with a large percentage of the remaining population visiting annually during winter and spring. Conservation efforts are underway to protect them, including strict vessel speed restrictions mandated by the North Atlantic Right Whale Conservation Act. These measures aim to reduce threats such as ship strikes and entanglement in fishing gear, leading causes of mortality for the species.
Other Notable Marine Mammals
Beyond the most common species, Cape Cod’s marine environment occasionally hosts other mammals.
Sei Whales
Sei whales are sometimes seen, characterized by their sleek bodies and an upright dorsal fin that distinguishes them from fin whales. They are among the fastest cetaceans, reaching speeds up to 31 miles per hour. These whales typically inhabit deeper offshore waters but have been observed in Cape Cod Bay.
Pilot Whales
Pilot whales, large members of the dolphin family, are also encountered. They are known to travel in large, social pods, sometimes numbering 30 to 50 individuals. Both long-finned and short-finned pilot whales occur off Cape Cod. Occasionally, these social animals experience mass strandings on the Cape’s irregular and shallow shorelines, prompting complex rescue efforts.
Dolphins and Porpoises
Dolphins and porpoises are frequent sightings during whale watching excursions. Common species include the Atlantic white-sided dolphin, known for its distinctive coloration and energetic behaviors. Harbor porpoises are also present, typically smaller and more elusive, but regularly observed in the area.
Optimal Whale Watching Opportunities
Cape Cod offers excellent whale watching opportunities during specific times of the year. The peak whale watching season generally runs from mid-April through October, with the highest activity occurring between June and September. During these months, whales migrate to the nutrient-rich feeding grounds of Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, making sightings common.
Whale watch tours typically depart from various points across Cape Cod, including Provincetown, Barnstable, and Hyannis. Provincetown, located closer to Stellwagen Bank, is a popular departure point. Tours generally last between three to four hours and are often led by trained naturalists who provide insights into whale behavior and marine conservation.
Selecting reputable tour operators is recommended for a responsible and educational experience. Such operators adhere to wildlife viewing guidelines, often operating under principles endorsed by WhaleSENSE, and contribute to conservation efforts. The Marine Mammal Protection Act, enacted in 1972, prohibits harassment or harm to marine mammals and sets guidelines for safe viewing distances to protect these animals and their habitats.