dolphin tours provincetown

Dolphin Fleet

Review Highlights

“ I've been going on these whale watch trips every year since I was 3 (I'm now 25) and I've never been disappointed. ” in 20 reviews

“ We saw over 30 finback, humpback and minke whales close to the boat and I counted over 100 separate sightings. ” in 18 reviews

“ The naturalist that educated us about the local area and sea life was very knowledgeable and interesting . ” in 14 reviews

Location & Hours

Suggest an edit

307 Commercial St

Provincetown, MA 02657

Other Boat Charters Nearby

Trinacria Fishing & Cruising Boston

Boston's Best Captain, Riccardo Buzzanga & Trinacria Fishing & Cruising will take you on an adventure of a lifetime or a breathtaking cruise. Boston Harbor and the waters just outside the harbor offer sights and excitement without… read more

in Boat Tours, Boat Charters, Fishing

Amenities and More

About the business.

Whale watching out of Provincetown we are the closest port to Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. Originators of whale watching on the east coast. …

Ask the Community

Ask a question

Yelp users haven’t asked any questions yet about Dolphin Fleet .

Recommended Reviews

• 1 star rating Not good
• 2 star rating Could’ve been better
• 3 star rating OK
• 4 star rating Good
• 5 star rating Great

Select your rating

Overall rating

140 reviews

This fleet is amazing. We seen multiple whales and dolphins! The crew was great! The tour guide was very knowledgeable and with a side of a comedic personality. We loved this entire experience. It was epic.

This was an experience I'll never forget. At first when it was mentioned that you can go whale watching at the tip of Cape Cod, I wondered what even are the chances of seeing one. Dolphin Fleet had such a strong guarantee that you'll see one or your next ticket is 1% of what you paid for the first time during migration season (June - October). With such a guarantee, I decided to say yes to my partner's suggestion. The parking is pretty steep at Macmillan Pier at $4/hr, so if you can find flat rate parking for $10 about a half mile away, all the better. Onboard, there will not be seating for everyone, but if you're patient when everyone is along the ledge looking out for whales, you can catch a break. Our naturalist Carolyn was so engaging and she really knew her whale knowledge as well as her bird facts. We saw a few whales - A+ which is the mother of Munchkin (newborn whale this year), 3.14, and two other whales. Putter was the most memorable as he made a full breach only once during our trip. You had to be at "3:00" of the boat to see it and I'm so glad we were at the right spot at the right time. Not even the naturalists know why the whales fully breach, but it is most likely a communications thing. The waters were a bit choppy so if you get seasick, take Dramamine before you set sail. Bring cash if you want to buy any food on board! Highly recommend Dolphin fleet / whale watching in general if you're in Provincetown from June-October! It's worth every dollar.

Putter, the fun male humpback male, fully breaching

I have never been on a Whale watch. This was great We saw so many humpbacks that it was pretty unbelievable

4 humpbacks breaching to feed at the same time

AMAZING WHALE TOUR. We saw 20-25 whales and they were right up next to the boat. Really awesome experience - I'd highly recommend it! I didn't even want to do this, but my wife really wanted to... I'm really happy we went.

We saw a number of humpback whales. Enjoyed the information shared by the narrator including the names of the whales. Easy to buy tickets and board the same day.

Such an incredible trip and saw an unprecedented 20+ whales! We thought we'd be fighting for railing space when whales showed up but there was plenty of space and the adults let the kids in front of them so everyone was able to see perfectly! Much better views than my photos but too busy taking it in than getting the perfect shot.

Cannot say enough great things about this tour! I was not expecting the whales to be this close to our boat. Very informative and makes the 3 hours worth every penny. Disclaimer waters can be choppy and cause you to get wet if you so outside. If you get sea sick vet easily I highly suggest Dramamine beforehand so it kicks in prior to. Also snack and refreshments available, cash only!

I had a great experience going whale watching with Dolphin Fleet. Their online booking process was straightforward. They kept everyone on the boat safe and entertained, and we especially loved our naturalist who provided really excellent information and commentary about the animals and the area. We saw several whales and they make a point to stop, turn the boat around, and let everyone on board see!

We had a great time on our whale watch! We saw whales, dolphins, seals, and one jelly fish. I loved how the crew recognized some whales and were table to tell you their names and story. They have a recap at the end so you remember what creatures you saw. Bring your binoculars!

This was probably the best whale watching tour I have ever been on. I have been whale watching in Alaska, Hawaii, and now Cape Cod. Dolphin Fleet had the best variety and closest encounters (while still staying a safe distance away from the whales). I assumed we were going to have to head out to sea for miles in hopes of seeing a few whales, but right off Provincetown we saw tons. In all, we saw grey seals, humpback whales, minke whales, fin whales, and dolphins. The crew was nice and informative as well. I highly recommend taking a tour with Dolphin Fleet next time you're on The Cape.

See all photos from Connor C. for Dolphin Fleet

13 other reviews that are not currently recommended

Collections Including Dolphin Fleet

Cape-ing and Cod-ing

Cape Cod Favorites 🦪🐋

By Chelsea A.

Cape Caaahd

By Catherine A.

By Shannon C.

Provincetown

By Nicole C.

People Also Viewed

Hindu Sailing Charters

Cape Cod Catamaran

Moment Sailing Adventures

Beth Ann Charters

Reel Deal Fishing Charters

Cape Tip’n Charter Fishing

Captain Curley Sailing Charters

Pilgrim Belle Cruises

Schooney Fishing Charters

Outer Cape Sailing

Browse Nearby

Sunset Dinner Cruise

Restaurants

Things to Do

Personal Chefs

Find more Boat Charters near Dolphin Fleet

People found Dolphin Fleet by searching for…

Deep Sea Fishing Provincetown

Water Fun Provincetown

Whale Watching Cruise Provincetown

Boat Tour in Provincetown, Massachusetts

Sunset Cruise in Provincetown, Massachusetts

Top 10 Boat Cruise in Provincetown

Related Cost Guides

Boat Charters

Boudoir Photography

Bounce House Rentals

Event Photography

Valet Services

Videographers

• Whale Watching

Whales have always been a part of Provincetown—you can catch glimpses from the beaches —so it’s not surprising that whale watching began here.

Whale Watching in Provincetown

Whales have always been a part of Provincetown—you can catch glimpses from the beaches —so it’s not surprising that whale watching began here. Whale watching started in 1975 when a fisherman named Al Avellar teamed up with Charles Mayo, a marine biologist from the Provincetown Center of Coastal Studies . A few people turned into thousands, and whale watching has since become one of the Town’s most popular activities.

A whale leaping out of the water near Provincetown. Photograph by Dave Silvia .

Types of Whales and Seasons

People can expect to see humpback, right, and fin whales off the coast. For those interested in whale watching, Provincetown is home to several businesses that offer excursions between April and October.

Book Your Whale Watch

During the season,we suggest booking your your excursion in advance. Visit Dolphin Fleet Whale Watch or  Captain John Boats Ptown Whale Watch for more information.

A common sight when you take a whale watching tour in Provincetown. Photograph by Dave Silvia .

Whale Watching Tips

Whale watching in Provincetown usually takes between two and three hours. Because of the cool waters of the Atlantic Ocean, it’s a good idea to dress warmly and even bring a dry set of clothes. Why? If you want to get the best views, you can count on getting splashed; after all, a whale has to come up for air, right? One final tip: if you get seasick, consider bringing medication so you can enjoy the whales instead of counting the minutes until you reach dry land. Have a great time, take photos, and make memories.

A humpback whale.

A Provincetown whale watching boat. Photograph by Dave Silvia .

A whale descending beneath the water off the coast of Provincetown. Photograph by Dave Silvia .

People on a whale watching tour in Provincetown. Photograph by Dave Silvia .

Explore Provincetown

• Arts & Culture

• Restaurants, Bars, Cafés & Confections

• Beaches & Parks

Family Friendly

Dog Friendly

• Visitor's Guide
• History & Legacy
• Arts & Culture Legacy
• Sustainability
• Media Mentions & Videos

Plan your visit

• Transportation
• Where to Stay
• Provincetown Map
• Restrooms & Water Filling Stations
• Accessibility
• Provincetown By Season

Things to do

• Hiking, Biking, & Beyond
• Attractions
• Spa & Wellness

• Visit Family Vacation Critic on Facebook!
• Visit Family Vacation Critic on Twitter!
• Visit Family Vacation Critic on Instagram!
• 1 Subscribe to stay up to date!
• Destinations
• Florida Attractions

Whale Watch Dolphin Fleet of Provincetown

Chamber Building, Lopes Square, Provincetown, 02657, MA

• Infants 0-2
• Little Kids 3-6
• Big Kids 7-9
• Tweens 10-12
• Teens 13-17

Provincetown is the closest port to access the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, a federally protected marine habitat, and a perennial feeding ground for many whale species. Each trip is guided by a trained naturalist who points out and identifies the different types of whales that you’ll see breaching and rolling around in the ocean’s waves. Inside the ship kid’s can listen to whale vocalizations, track the vessel’s movement on a chart plotter, or have a hot dog from the full-service galley. You’re more than likely to see a few of these gentle giants breaching. In fact, they’re so confident that if there are no whale sightings on a regular trip, all paying passengers receive a free ticket for a future trip.

Kids receive a great brochure that details the different types of whales and has a checklist for them to check off what they see, from the various whales to marine birds, seals and fish.

Bring sunblock for these three- to four-hour tours, sunglasses and a jacket. Arrive early in Provincetown to assure a parking spot and make sure you leave enough time to catch the boat. Sailings do sell out. Get in the boarding line at least 15 to 20 minutes prior to sailing for a better selection of onboard seats during the height of summer season. Book in advance online for discounted tickets. $39 per adult, $31 for children age 5 to 12, and under 5 sail free with family (AAA discounts and online coupons available). Sailings run from April through late October.

Family Hotels Near Whale Watch Dolphin Fleet of Provincetown

Crowne Pointe Historic Inn & Spa

White Wind Inn

Surfside Hotel & Suites

Provincetown Inn Resort & Conference Center

Harbor Hotel Provincetown

Cape View Motel

Family Attractions Near Whale Watch Dolphin Fleet of Provincetown

Commercial Street, Provincetown

Arts Dune Tours

Provincetown Library

Pilgrim Monument & Provincetown Museum

Herring Cove Beach

Race Point Beach

Family Restaurants Near Whale Watch Dolphin Fleet of Provincetown

The Lobster Pot

The Squealing Pig

Front Street Restaurant

The Mews Restaurant & Cafe

Moby Dick’s

Your personal family vacation planning starts now

Get expert advice, handpicked recommendations, and tips for your family all year round!

Get family travel & tips from our experts

By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use .

Thanks for signing up!

Dolphin Fleet Whale Watch

• Purchase Gift Certificates
• Photo Gallery
• 360° Virtual tours
• Electronic Brochure (PDF)
• COVID-19 Policies
• Naturalists
• Weekly Sightings
• Our Commitment
• Professional Affiliations
• Terms & Conditions

Information

• Boat Photo Gallery
• Dolphin Photo Gallery
• Finback Whale Photo Gallery
• Humpback Whale Photos
• Minke Whale Photo Gallery
• Other Photo Gallery

Like us on Facebook!

Follow us on Instagram!

How long is the whale watch trip? Our whale watch trips are typically 3-4 hours. The variability depends on how far we may need to travel to see whales and weather conditions; this is at the discretion of the captain. 

Where do I pick up my ticket and check-in? If you purchased your tickets online, that is also your boarding pass! You can get in line to board and present your printed ticket or QR coded ticket that was sent to your e-mail to scan. If you do not have your print out, tickets are available for pick-up in our office in Lopes Square (307 Commercial Street, Provincetown) or at our ticket booth on MacMillan Pier. Upon arrival, give them your last name and Booking Confirmation number.

When should I arrive for my whale watch? Parking can be difficult. We suggest our guests arrive around an hour prior to trip time. This will allow you time to check-in or get your boarding pass. On holidays and during special events, even more time may be needed to allow for traffic congestion and to secure a parking spot.

What should I bring? We suggest you bring sunglasses, sunscreen, a jacket, flat shoes with traction, binoculars, and a camera.

What is the best time to see the whales?  The whales are here from April until the end of October to feed. Our sighting percentage is very high regardless of the time of day or month! See our sighting guarantee! Each whale watch is a unique experience and the best time to see the whales is the time that works best with your schedule!

Do you guarantee that I will see a whale? We GUARANTEE whale sightings! In the unlikely event of no whale sightings on a regular trip, all paying passengers will receive a PASS for a future trip (NOT a refund). Passes are not issued to schools or groups.

Will I get seasick? Some people get seasick easily, and some never do. If you think you might be prone to seasickness, you may want to look into taking a motion sickness pill before boarding. We also have motion sickness pills available at our snack bar.  Some natural remedies are candied ginger, gingersnaps, pretzels, saltines, ginger ale, and coke. If you find yourself seasick on the vessel, try staying outside and look out at the horizon. 

Can I bring my own food and drinks onboard? Our galley has a full selection of food, beverages and snacks. The snack bar also serves alcoholic beverages that include beer, wine and mixed drinks. You may bring food onboard but are not allowed to bring any type of alcoholic beverages. For security and safety reasons we do not allow coolers. The one exception is for  infant needs. Please note the galley is CASH ONLY. 

Do you take credit cards onboard? No. As we venture offshore we do not have the ability to use credit cards. There is ATM’s in our ticket office and also in the green booth on the pier.

Where should I park?  We do not provide parking. The closest parking lot to the boat is at MacMillan Wharf. Fisherman’s Wharf – Opposite MacMillan Wharf, to the right of the municipal lot is private parking at Fisherman’s Wharf. Riley’s Parking – 132 Bradford Street. Just as you enter town. beside CVS Around a seven-minute walk. Grace Hall Parking Area – Bradford and Prince Street (behind the high school).

How should I dress? It is always 10-15 degrees cooler on the water than it is onshore. We recommend that folks dress in layers, and even in the middle of summer folks will probably need a light windbreaker or sweatshirt. We also recommend rubber-soled shoes (sneakers) or shoes with good traction. Bring sunscreen and sunglasses. Hats are fine but be aware  they can easily blow away in the wind so hold onto your hats. 

Can I bring a stroller on board?  Yes, as long as it is not a double-wide stroller. You may have to fold it while boarding the vessel, but there is usually space inside the cabin for strollers.

Are the boats wheelchair accessible? While we are not fully handicap accessible, we do make accommodations for manual wheelchairs and walkers. Please note that electric wheelchairs are too wide and are not permitted onboard. We have a wheelchair we can use to assist down the ramp and onto the boat. Please arrive early and the crew will be happy to assist with pre-boarding. 

Can I cancel or change my reservation? Yes! We are happy to change your reservation if needed, at no cost or penalty to you. If you need to cancel please do so 24 hours before departure for a full refund.

What will the weather be like?  Give us a call! We can look up the marine and local forecasts.

Do you go out in the rain? Yes, we operate rain or shine! Trip cancellations are typically based on wind and wave conditions. We still go out if it is raining as long as the conditions are safe. If your trip is canceled due to inclement weather or sea conditions a full refund will be issued if you are unable to reschedule your trip.

Is there a bathroom? Yes, there are at least two restrooms on each of our vessels. Please note that the restroom and main cabin are not handicap accessible from a wheelchair.

Protect Your Trip »

The 3 top-rated whale watching tours in cape cod.

Marvel at New England's majestic mammals on one of these boat tours.

The Best Whale Watching in Cape Cod

Getty Images

From mid-April through October, Cape Cod, Massachusetts , plays host to several whale species, including humpback, pilot and minke whales. For a memorable whale watching experience in Cape Cod, consider one of these tour companies, rated by experts and travelers alike as the best available. Many of the tours will travel to the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, which sits about 25 miles off the Massachusetts coast and serves as an important feeding ground for whales.

Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises – Barnstable

Price: Adults from $75; kids from $55 Duration: 3.5 to 4 hours

Offering whale watching tours since 1980, this company, which operates out of Barnstable Harbor, takes participants to Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary on a boat specifically designed for whale watching and maneuverability. There are three levels for viewing, as well as bench seating throughout the boat. Plus, a naturalist accompanies each trip to provide educational commentary. Reviewers report seeing lots of whales and say the captain is skilled at positioning the boat so everyone has a view. Tours often feature sightings of minkes, humpbacks and finbacks.

The company offers tours once or twice daily, depending on the month, at varying times between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Whale watching tours are available from May through early November. The company also offers chartered cruises.

Phone: 800-287-0374

Check prices & availability on:

Dolphin Fleet – Whale Watch

Price: Adults from $75; kids from $50 Duration: 3 to 4 hours

Don't let the company's name fool you: Dolphin Fleet is all about whales. And because it departs from Provincetown, Massachusetts – the closest port to Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary – whales are often spotted as soon as the boat leaves port. During the cruise, the onboard naturalist will help passengers identify whales and other animals like dolphins and sea birds. Tourgoers report seeing plenty of whales and say the guides are very informative. Along with two decks and an indoor heated and air-conditioned cabin, there is also plenty of educational material on board. If no whales are sighted, you can return for another tour.

Tours, which depart from Provincetown's MacMillan Pier, run mid-April through October at multiple times throughout the day, depending on the month and season.

Phone: 508-240-3636

Captain John Boats

Price: Adults $70 to $73; kids $45 to $53 Duration: 3 to 4 hours

Take a whale watching tour out of either Plymouth or Provincetown with Captain John Boats. The Plymouth tour heads to Cape Cod Bay and Stellwagen Bank in search of various species of whales, while the Provincetown tour departs from Macmillan Wharf on a quest to find right and pilot whales, among others. If no whales are spotted, you're invited to return on a future tour free of charge. Reviewers say they learn a lot about whales and see both whales and calves, as well as dolphins.

Plymouth tours generally run once a day early and late in the season, and twice daily at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. June through August. The Provincetown tour is only available in July and August Monday through Friday at 12:30 p.m. Captain John Boats also operates a few cruises on its paddlewheel boat, the Pilgrim Belle.

Phone: 508-556-1426

Frequently Asked Questions

Whale watching season in Cape Cod is from mid-April to October.

Temperatures can dip by 10 to 15 degrees out on the water, so be sure to dress in layers and bring a lightly insulated jacket to stay warm – even in the summer. Sneakers or rubber-soled shoes are recommended for safety on the ship deck, and sunglasses and sunscreen will protect from the sun. If you plan to wear a hat , be advised that it may be difficult to keep on your head if there is wind.

There is not a perfect time of the day to go whale watching. That is because whales' behaviors can differ daily. Most tour companies offer morning or afternoon whale watches lasting three to four hours.

Prices will vary through individual tours or travel companies. Expect to spend at least $50 to $75.

You may also be interested in:

• The Best Hotels in Cape Cod
• The Best Things to Do in Cape Cod
• The Best Hotels in Boston
• The Best Things to Do in Boston
• Best Weekend Getaways in New England

Tags: Massachusetts , Tours , Travel , Vacations

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

You May Also Like

The best aquariums in the u.s..

Sharael Kolberg and Rachael Hood July 16, 2024

Amazon Prime Day Luggage Deals

Amanda Norcross July 16, 2024

Essentials to Pack for a Cruise

Gwen Pratesi and Amanda Norcross July 16, 2024

Vacation Packing List

Rachael Hood July 12, 2024

Top Things to Do in Las Vegas With Kids

Holly Johnson and Amanda Norcross July 12, 2024

Top Christmas Cruises

Gwen Pratesi July 11, 2024

Top African Safari Vacations

Christine Smith and Timothy J. Forster July 9, 2024

The 5 Best Memphis Tours

Gwen Pratesi July 8, 2024

The Best Fanny Packs and Belt Bags

Marisa Méndez July 3, 2024

Top Things to Do in Montana

Ben Luthi and Kelsey J. Lawrence July 3, 2024