whale tour nantucket

Freedom Offshore Adventures

High speed offshore adventures from Harwich, Cape Cod

Our experienced captains are loaded with information and stories about Cape Cod history and nature.

Whale Watching

Cape Cod waters are the seasonal home of magnificent Humpback, Fin, Pilot, Minke and Right whales. These beautiful creatures return year after year to our nutrient rich waters to feed… MORE

2 HOUR FAMILY FISHING

Take a fun cruise out into the beautiful waters of Nantucket Sound to fish Wrecks and Reefs. We will target Black Sea Bass, Fluke and Scup… MORE

4 HOUR FISHING

This trip gives us more time to try different spots and target a multitude of species. Depending on our insider reports and captain’s local knowledge, we could fish Nantucket Sound, the famous Monomoy Rips… MORE

Experience the daily routine of a Cape Cod lobsterman as you participate in hauling, emptying and baiting lobster traps. We will show you… MORE

PRIVATE SEAL TOUR

Monomoy Island and Chatham Harbor are home to thousands of Harbor Seals and Grey Seals. Get a close view as they frolic in the water and bask on the beautiful beaches… MORE

OYSTER FARM TOUR

Do you like fresh oysters? The freshest way to eat them is to harvest them yourself! Join us on an adventure… MORE

EVENING SUNSET CRUISE

Private charters to nantucket and martha’s vineyard.

Looking for a different way to get to the islands? We will bring you over and back on your schedule… MORE

• Trip Advisor

• Nantucket by Water
• 34 Washington St

Information

Nantucket By Water (formerly Shearwater Excursions) is a local family-run company dedicated to providing unique tours and cruises to individuals and families of all age groups. From small kids to grandparents, NBW has trips that cater to your needs and taste for adventure. Whether you take a leisurely tour around Nantucket Harbor, or a longer adventure exploring the wildlife sanctuary of Coatue or visiting the unique 5th Bend Oyster Farm, Nantucket By Water promises an exceptional experience.

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Contact Info

• 508-228-7037
• ahoy @ nantucketbywater.com

© 2022 Yesterday's Island, Inc. | PO Box 626 | Nantucket, MA 02554

Nantucket Whaling Museum

Top choice in Nantucket

One of the island's highlights, this evocative museum occupies an 1847 spermaceti (whale oil) candle factory and the excellent exhibits relive Nantucket's 19th-century heyday as the whaling center of the world. There's a worthwhile, albeit long (54 minutes), documentary on the island, incredible scrimshaw exhibits (engravings and carvings done by sailors on ivory, whalebone or baleen) and a 46ft sperm-whale skeleton rising above it all. Be sure to head to the rooftop deck for lovely views.

Admission is steep, but depending on which level you choose you'll have access to other sites around town. With the all-access pass you get admission to several preserved houses, which often function as their own small museums.

13 Broad St

Get In Touch

508-228-1894

https://​www​.nha​.org​/

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Seven Sea Street Inn

Seven Sea Street Inn Navigation Menu

Nantucket Cruises and Whale Watching Tours with Nantucket by Water

The Nantucket whaling history tour with Nantucket by Water tops the list of fantastic cruises and whale watching tours to experience on your next visit to our island paradise. Formerly known as Shearwater Excursions, this locally owned and family-operated eco-tour company provides fun and educational trips around Nantucket Harbor and more adventurous outings to explore the Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge.

Exciting Adventures for All Ages

Nantucket by Water provides exciting, adventurous, and safe outings for people of any age. The whaling history tour, however, is one of their most popular choices and offers an experience you won’t forget!

Nantucket’s long reign as the world’s whaling capital in the late 18th and early 19th centuries left its mark on the island. This tour reveals the remaining landmarks of that historic period and shares insight into what life was like aboard a whaling ship.

Adults Only

With public and private charters, Nantucket by Water’s line-up of tours includes something for everyone. Grouped by category for adults, families, and adventurers, the outfitter captures the imagination of all ages.

Adults might opt for the 1.5-hour cocktail cruise around Nantucket Harbor. BYOB and sit back for a leisurely sightseeing trip accompanied by on-board music. Hop aboard at the golden hour for a relaxing sunset cruise to experience some of the most glorious sunsets found anywhere.

Fun for the Whole Family

• Trips include an up-harbor eco-cruise exploring Polpis and Wauwinet, with a swim or picnic stop on Coatue.
• Bring the kids along for a kids’ fishing trip. The trip will include a hands-on introduction to catch-and-release fishing and a primer on basic fishing techniques.
• The ultimate excursion for adults and children requires booking the Harbor and Ice Cream Cruise. Listen to a narrated harbor tour while relishing a frozen treat and gazing upon mega-yachts.

Oyster Farm Tours

In addition to their regular tour schedule, a trip to an authentic oyster farm to learn how to farm and harvest these succulent bivalves thrills most adventurers. Visit the Fifth Bend Oyster Farm to witness oyster farmers at work. Offered Wednesdays and Saturdays from mid-June through late September, this 2-hour, up-harbor tour delights all oyster lovers.

After touring an oyster farm, treat yourself to a seafood dinner at the top seafood restaurants in Nantucket !

Meet the Fleet

The fleet of Nantucket by Water includes the Minke, a 26-foot Classic Crosby Launch with a full canopy top that carries 23 passengers and departs from Straight Wharf, and a 24-foot Carolina Skiff that carries 11 passengers and departs from Children’s Beach Public Pier. Both vessels are United States Coast Guard-inspected and offer a safe and worry-free environment.

The Nantucket whaling history tour with Nantucket by Water ranks among the top things to do on Nantucket in summer and early fall . But the island itself is an adventure in any season.

See our list of other top-rated water activities . Book a room in the main house or guest house at the Seven Sea Street Inn, and let us show you our genuine island hospitality .

Photo Credit: © Andrea Holien via canva.com

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Whale Watching in Nantucket

September 19, 2022

Whales have been a big part of Nantucket island for almost as long as the island has existed. In the mid-1700s, they were mainly hunted for food and oil, but nowadays, their preservation and beauty have taken over, giving people a chance to view these majestic sea creatures.

In the present days, up to as recently as last year, whales appear more on the Nantucket coast. This has brought about a new interest in the whales, making many people venture out to the island for whale watching. The whales are an almost reliable sight each year.

Nantucket Whaling History

Whalers took over the global oil business between 1750 and 1850. They would hunt whales and use their fat to make oil for lamps, making the island an industrial center. Whaling inspired books like “In the Heart of the Sea” and “Moby Dick” and almost made Nantucket the richest town in America.

The constant whale hunting over the years created a massive decline in the whale population. The declining population eventually led to a decrease of whale hunting and the whaling business. For many years after, one could only spot a few whales every once in a while, making them an uncommon sight.

However, whales are now a more common sight, although the numbers are still not as high as they used to be. Many people flock to the island for the whale watching months to glimpse the mixed-species whales.

Types of Whales

While more and different whales are now emerging on the shore, the most common types are the humpback whale and the critically endangered species, North Atlantic Right whale.

Humpback whales

This is the most common species in Nantucket. The humpback weighs around 79,000 pounds and is about 40 to 50 feet long. The whales eat a lot, so they migrate to the island and Cape Cod every year to feed on krill, school fish, and cod found in the waters.

The whales find food in the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. It is a federally protected 842 square mile marine sanctuary near Cape Cod Bay. The sanctuary is used to create feeding grounds for the whales, which helps preserve their population.

Humpback whales produce beautiful, lengthy songs that can last for an hour. You can record them if they come close to the shore, but it is advised not to get too close to them, even with boats.

North Atlantic Right Whales

They got the name because they were considered the ‘right’ kind of whale for hunting. Their excessive hunting led to a drastic decline of the species, with only less than 350 existing today.

About half of their population has come to Cape Cod bay over the years, giving you a chance to see these endangered species up close. Their endangerment has increased the US Coast Guard presence in the area and brought more attention to the town. Consequently, the attention from the sightings has made many whale watchers flock to the shore every season.

Despite federal protection, the whales are still dying, albeit slower. The two most common causes of the whales’ death are getting trapped in fishing gear and getting struck by ships. That is why vessels cannot get close to any whale pod.

Other types of whales you can see in the region include Finback, Minke, Blue whale, Pilot, Beluga, and Sperm.

Whale Watching Areas

Whales have mainly been seen at Nobadeer, east to Tom Nevers, Stone’s Beach, Fisherman Beach, and the Siasconset bluff. Other areas include Martha’s Vineyard and Cape Cod bay. You can also look for the best viewing spots and whale sightings online to get informed once they start coming to the shore.

If you live around the island, you can volunteer for babysitting duties, where you will be on the lookout for any whale sightings. This helps keep track of the whales and assists the Coast Guard in preventing boats from getting too close to the animals.

Best Times for Whale Watching

Whales sometimes appear in March or towards the end of June till the end of the year. They migrate in search of a warmer climate and to seek food.

The island’s south shore has become a common feeding ground for multiple species. The whales sometimes come almost 30 feet from the beach, prompting onlookers to take pictures and videos.

Whale Conservation

Groups such as the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary and the Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies help preserve the whales and ensure their well-being. They research, monitor, and track whales to learn their behaviors and migrating patterns.

They also ensure they are well fed and conduct population analysis. All this is done to increase the whale population and protect the whales from any potential harm.

Rules to Follow When Whale Watching

You must first arm yourself with sunscreen and water to prevent dehydration and sunburn under the scorching Nantucket sun. You can also bring a pair of binoculars if you own some. This is because the whales don’t come too close to the shore, and you might need a little help viewing them.

While at it, you need to be mindful of the laws set by the state and federal authorities. These are there to protect these endangered species.

Don’t go within 500 yards of the whales if you are on a boat or other water vessel. Violating this rule could result in a fine of up to $100,000 and criminal charges.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration division created a zone with a 2 nautical miles speed restriction. Larger vessels, 65 feet or longer, should not approach the area and only use 10 knots or fewer speeds.

You can also volunteer to patrol the beach, look out for anyone violating the set rules, and alert the USCG.

Whale spotting has become more common over the last few years, with more whales showing up in the warmer months. Pay a visit to the coast when you are on Nantucket to see these majestic creatures. They truly are a sight to behold!

Don’t forget to adhere to the rules that protect them to ensure their population will keep growing and thriving.

BY CATEGORY

browse our variety of tours and cruises

cocktail cruise

Enjoy breathtaking Nantucket Harbor views and signature cocktails with family and friends.

21+ | 1-1.5hrs

sip and fish

Sip on your favorite adult beverage as your children learn the basics of catch-and-release fishing

private charters only | 1.5hrs

SUNSET cruise

Bring your own wine or favorite beverage and enjoy some of the finest sunsets anywhere on this relaxing cruise.

whaling history tour

See the remaining Historic Landmarks from the Nantucket Whaling era. Learn about life aboard the Whaleship Essex.

up harbor eco tour

Explore some of the most remote areas of Nantucket. Enjoy swimming and a picnic on a secluded beach. 

private charters only | 2hrs

kid's fishing trip

Bring your kids out for an introduction to fishing and fun on Nantucket.

private charters only | 1hr

SHANTY SINGERS CRUISE

Local Nantucket thespians and musicians provide rousing sea shanties to bring your maritime adventure to life. 

pri vate charter

Create your own adventure with a private charter, perfect for groups and celebrations.

oyster farm CRUISE

Tour a Nantucket oyster farm and learn what goes into getting these delicacies from farm to table.

kid's fACEPAINTING & BDAY CHARTER

Come on board for a cruise filled with laughter, joy, and fun – because every birthday deserves an unforgettable celebration!

HARBOR & ICE CREAM CRUISE

Relax and enjoy some ice cream on this narrated tour of historic Nantucket Harbor.

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Nantucket by Water

Review Highlights

“ We took a clamming trip with Alex from Shearwater and had an amazing time. ” in 5 reviews

“ Rachael was very helpful and recommended using Cowboy's Meat Market for catering. ” in 4 reviews

“ We had a great sunset cruise with Captain John - he was friendly and had great information to share. ” in 3 reviews

Location & Hours

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Nantucket, MA 02584

Serving Nantucket Area

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Experience the beauty of Nantucket with our top-rated cruise and boat tour company. Our private charters, cocktail and sunset cruises, and family-friendly tours have been providing unforgettable experiences for over 25 years. We offer daily tours, private charters and group charters for all occasions. Visit our website to learn more and book your adventure today! …

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Overall rating

We took the Sunset Cruise for my bachelorette party this past weekend and had the most amazing time! Rachel and John were professional, accommodating, kind, and ensured that we had a great experience. The boat was exactly as advertised. I cant say enough great things about our experience with Nantucket By Water!

Max, Rachael's son (she handles the reservations and it's a family business) took us out for the two-hour up-harbor ecotour in a 25' Carolina Skiff more than big enough for our small group of 4. Max was a personable and fun; lots of great stories -- and knowledgeable enough to answer a broad range of questions, from "what's this shell," to "what are the medicinal uses of horseshoe crab blood," to "where should we have lunch," to "what's the best bloody mary on the island" to "what kind of bite do you think this is?" (The bite happened at the pool before, so no worries there.) All in all, a great trip including a spin out to the spit, some walking on the beach there, and a cruise around the harbor. It was less structured than I'd have expected (felt more free-form than pre-packaged excursion) and while that wasn't a problem for me, it might be for you -- hedge that by knowing what you want to see just in case it starts out with: so, what do you want to do? (Not a bad way to start such a trip, but being a bit pre-informed helps you answer the question.) The other experience we had was out-of-their control, but less good. Their primary boat, The Shearwater, was broken down the day of our Cocktail Cruise which kind of messed up our first day on the Island. While Rachael was super nice and prompt in explaining the situation and offering us options (e.g., reschedule), in the end, we were unable to do that cruise. Bummer, as I'm sure it would have been fun. That said they handled a bad situation with aplomb and I appreciate that.

I tried giving this company the benefit of the doubt. Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice... My husband and I went on the Whaling History Tour and looked forward to this description from the website: Whaleship Essex, featured in the Warner Brothers movie "In the Heart of the Sea" by Nantucket author Nathaniel Philbrick." Instead, we learned a couple of facts about Nantucket's whaling industry and then a lot about who owned what yacht and house. A few weeks later we had a family staying with us and decided to treat the 5 kids to the Ice Cream Cruise. I saw we had the same captain and got nervous it would be boring and mediocre. My instincts were right. First of all, at this price, spring for real chipwiches rather than serving 2 out of the 3 kids (and 2 adults) a chipwich with chocolate chips on the outside and the other 3 cookies with awful ice cream and no chips around it. Second, the captain did nothing to get the kids excited and shared a few relatively uninteresting facts. My 11 year old leaned over half-way thru and said, "this was a let-down." Please do better and provides tours that include all of the things your website states they'll include.

Went to celebrate my 5 year anniversary and wasn't disappointed. We did the cocktail harbor cruise and loved it. Their staff member Alex made great drinks and was an even better dj. Definitely recommend it.

I recently contacted Shearwater Excursions seeking advice on retrieving a lost item at sea. Rachael was very helpful, and provided great advice on how to proceed. Ultimately I used a different service because they were able to go out and search sooner, but I won't hesitate to book a whale watching trip through Shearwater Excusrions on our next trip.

We joined Captain Blair for an incredible whale watch - spotting more than 50 whales of various types over the course of a few hours. He shared his incredible knowledge of the marine life and history of the area. In 19 years of vacations on Nantucket, this was one of the most special experiences we have enjoyed. The booking process was simple, the staff responsive and courteous. We discovered this is a family run business and it showed, as they definitely treated us like family. I highly recommend this tour for kids and adults.

We took a clamming trip with Alex from Shearwater and had an amazing time. He was wonderful with my three daughters and gave us such an amazing day. It was perfect. We took our catch home and made clam chowder, grilled clams and linguini with clam sauce. What an amazing trip!!!! Would go back in a heartbeat!

I was so surprised to read a bad review! I've been taking Shearwater trips with my family for over 20 years. We understand their generous 48 hour cancellation policy and respect that they are a small family business. They always make sure to take the time with every reservation to explain this policy! We love them!!

Nantucket By W.

Jul 9, 2018

Thank you for your feedback. We love having our repeat customers come out year after year! It was a pleasure as always seeing your family this past weekend and hope you enjoy the rest of your vacation! -Rachael

I recently booked an evening cruise to dinner with Shearwater. I scheduled for a 6pm pickup and Max was there by 5:30pm. After we enjoyed a cocktail we headed down to the boat. The boat ride itself was beautiful, relaxing, fun and incredibly scenic. Max was a pleasure! He was funny, accommodating, easy going and knowledgeable about the island. I will be sure to request him in the future (although I'm sure there are plenty of great folks working there). It's worth mentioning that Rachael in the office was incredibly accommodating and flexible in terms of logistics - we needed to make a few changes and she went out of her way to be sure that was not an issue. I can't say enough about the whole experience. I have recommended them to several friends and I will be back!

My family and I enjoyed every moment of our harbor tour with Shearwater Excursions. We learned about the history of Nantucket, Brant Point, the natural habitats of the island, and a lot of other cool information. Captain Max was so friendly, helpful ,and so informative! Some reviewers have complained about the ice cream which I think is a little ridiculous. They had a ton of options for the kids in our group (M&M, Snickers Bar, Klondike, and more) and even some dairy free choices as well. I highly recommend this outing if you and your family are out on Nantucket! Five stars!

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Whaling Museum & Roofwalk

Located in the heart of downtown Nantucket, the Whaling Museum offers guests the perfect mix of modern design combined with history and tradition. The museum’s climate-controlled space features an unforgettable 46-foot sperm whale skeleton, elegant art, and priceless artifacts. Flowing from the museum’s main hall is the Hadwen & Barney Oil and Candle Factory, a soaring 1847 two-level, exposed brick space with original wooden ceiling beams.

Offering unparalleled panoramic views of Nantucket Harbor, the Whaling Museum’s outdoor deck, Tucker’s Roofwalk, is the largest rooftop party space in downtown Nantucket.

Overlooking the landmark historic district with sight lines to the sea, it is the perfect location for wedding ceremonies, cocktail events, sunrises, and sunsets.

Together, they form an extraordinary venue to host a wedding ceremony or reception, cocktail party, or private dinner event.

More Information

Events Rental Manager 508 228 1894 ext. 116 [email protected]

To better assist you, please complete the Venue Request Form

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Dimensions and Capacity

• Seated Ceremony 100 guests
• Standing Ceremony 120 guests
• Seated Reception 120 guests
• Cocktail Reception 200+ guests
• Year-round climate-controlled space
• Modern A/V, microphones and built-in digital HD projector and screen
• Wheelchair accessible
• Modern restroom facilities
• Discovery Room youth center available for children
• Museum tour guides available
• Event chairs available
• Assisted listening devices available
• NHA staff present throughout entire event

Floor Plans

The NHA preserves, interprets, and shares the diverse stories of Nantucket with all audiences through its collections, properties, programs, and research.

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