Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises

Nice new fast big boat. Paid to see whales and saw whales. Was amazing. The most beautiful experience you can see. Crew was very polite, knowledgeable and courteous. Highly recommended.

AMAZING experience. From a very comfortable boat to incredibly knowledgable staff, we were up close and personal (20 feet at time) to as many as 8 large whales and one calf feeding. Saw 3 whales do a full breach and a few partial breaches. Time in everything and luck helps, but the crew and captain were excellent.

Simply amazing.
I volunteered at an event where a local nonprofit charted the boat to take out individuals with developmental disabilities and delays plus their guardians and families for a standard whale watch. I arrived early to help set up the boat and greet the guests, and was so completely blown away by the helpfulness, attentiveness and kindness of the entire staff and crew. Whatever we needed, they made work.
We went out on a whale watch, and watch whales we did! We encountered a few finback whales to begin with, and then the captain moved on to look for a few other kinds. The real standout was a pair of humpback whales who were using the ship as a back scratcher! I wish you could post video because the whales were RIGHT THERE. It was insane. Kids and adults alike were excited beyond belief. It was so cool.
The boat itself is incredible. It’s completely handicap accessible on the lower level, including the bathrooms. Outfitted with jets instead of propellers (to help keep the whales safe), you could see how adeptly they’re able to handle it in the tiny harbour. And boy could it fly when needed. I’m happy to report that as far as I know, not a single person was sick either.
One important thing to note is to bring some extra cash. The concessions are very reasonable but cash only. For example, chicken fingers were $ 4. If you forget a lunch or need a coffee, they’ve got you covered. They also offered a video of the day for $ 25 if anyone was interested, and had some stuffed animals for sale.
Overall the guests had a wonderful time. They left excitedly chatting about how many whales they got to see, the great boat and the food. Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises went above and beyond.

We were lucky because we did see many whales (maybe about 7 different ones for an extended time). Just being on the boat was fun even though it was rainy, and the naturalist was very informative and clear, a wonderful trip for a family especially.
Why one star? Because evidently they are supposed to announce on the boat that once we leave the boat we need to immediately move our car that we spent $ 15 to park. They never made this announcement, so my family had a leisurely lunch directly after the cruise, to find our car blocked in by other cars when it didn’t need to be (there was more space elsewhere) so we couldn’t leave for FOUR HOURS after our cruise ended. This was because we had to wait until the next cruise after ours came back to dock! We spoke to the attendant (a kid who looked 15) and he was sorry about what happened. He called his manager who explained that the parking service has nothing to do with the actual cruise (so theyre profiting separately to squeeze more money out of us – ridiculous). She was very nasty and blamed us for «not listening» when the cruise never made an announcement in the first place (perhaps because theyre not actually affiliated with one another?).
Our wonderful memories of lunch and whale watch is now marred by this horrible service and experience. If I could, I’d give negative stars.

Im guessing we saw around 10 – 15 different whales — and some of them more than one time throughout the trip! The naturalist did a great job teaching us how to watch for whales. He knew so much about the whales we encountered! I would definitely recommend this awesome activity!

Great trip, we had a perfect day, not a cloud in the sky, left right on time. The guide’s narration was fluid, focused, informative and entertaining. The boat is a phenomenal machine. Didn’t see anyone that got sick, my wife was very fearful she would but nothing even close to that happened.
The Whales delivered, the people were the only real annoyance but it didn’t ruin the trip. Ultimately didn’t matter at all but while we were waiting we heard 2 police cars come to the Marina but couldn’t see what was happening. Definitely something unexpected in Cape Cod. Then when out of the harbor we heard there were some people fighting over the seat the wanted and were escorted off.
Bring enough clothing to cover yourself like it was mid October.

What an incredible experience. We saw humpback whales breaching over and over. The guide said this only happens 1 out of every 15 trips! Your review helps others learn about great local businesses.
Please don’t review this business if you received a freebie for writing this review, or if you’re connected in any way to the owner or employees.

Awesome day out on the boat. we saw tons of whales. a little costly but worth it
Would suggest this to enjoy a fun day

An amazing experience. Whales in full breach, a mother and her calf. Surreal. The parking situation was chaos, but everything else was well organized and spectacular. Be prepared to wait a while after you board the boat. It doesn’t leave the dock for a half hour or so, and then it takes an hour to get out of the bay to open water. Bring a jacket (and also a hat to cover your ears if you tend to get chilly easily). Smoking is confined to a section at the back of the boat, lower level in between rest rooms.

WOW ! You could almost reach out and touch them. So many curious whales peeking and jumping out of the water. Mothers and their playful babies. The narrative commentary was amazing and informative and they pointed out every whale and where they were so we didn’t miss a thing. The crew was pleasant and polite as well. The ship was the cleanest I have ever seen. Easy to get around and quick on and off.
Well worth it and I can’t wait to go again.

Had a great time. We saw lots of whales and it was a fun afternoon. The boat had plenty of cold drinks and snacks to purchase. Some things that could have made the experience even better would be having more seats, as well as having a bit more information presented about the waters and sea life of the area. The biologist was very informative about whales but would have been nice to learn a bit more about the other sea life, especially since so much time was spent getting to the area where whales were last seen.

I come on this tour every time I visit the Cape. There has not been a time that I haven’t seen tons of whales. The staff is great and very knowledgeable. Make sure you go early and sit on the side of the boat…

The actual tour was terrific. We saw plenty of whales. Booking online would have been better if you were able to use the competitors coupons they boasted about. Once you were there and inquired about a refund for the coupon the mean lady at the ticket counter said the coupon had to presented at the time of purchase — I guess that means they only take competitors coupon if drive all the way there and hope to get a spot. Also don’t forget the $ 15 parking fee — they call it nominal — which after paying for the tour is not so nominal. I read about tipping the staff I think they should take the parking fee and tip the staff!

Bring extra cash for the $ 15 parking they force you into about AND for the begging of tips as you walk off the boat. Also, we left well after 11 and returned before 3pm so you don’t exactly get a four hour tour… Misleading in many ways.
Naturalist John/​Joe was very well-​informed and gave lots of educational info, but I was so put off from the beginning about the rip-​off parking costs that the trip was kinda soured for me. They also have a guy hawking his DVD of the trip… No thanks, I have a smart phone. Then the «put your cash in the bucket for tips» as everyone slowly files off the boat??? You have GOT to be kidding me. Classless & appalling.
We did see some whales. The weather was beautiful. But nickel & diming your customers from the get go? Jeez. AND the final insult was forcing everyone thru the cheesy gift shop at the end… Worse money grubbing than Disney.

I went on a bunch of whale watches and each one was incredible! I thought for sure leaving from Barnstable would give us EVEN MORE time down around The Banks but
we ended up spending what I thought was WAY TOO LONG with a group of Minke Whales — which for me was cool for about 5 minutes — they’re not very showy. I want to say we spent a good hour before the real show started and it was tails galore!

Awesome!!! My family of five had a great time. We were lucky, the weather was perfect & the whales were out.
The guide points out the whales and the boat gets as close as it safely can so you can see them. It was fun and educational.
You can sit inside or outside. They sell snacks on board, but also allow you to bring your own. There are bathrooms on board. Remember, these are bathrooms on a tourist boat, don’t expect much.

My boyfriend took me whale watching for my birthday and it was the most amazing experience. The staff was so wonderful! Tour guide kept us on our toes and made she we knew where to look at all times to see the whales. Intern Stephanie was very informative as well! We saw so many whales today! Including a baby!
Unfortunately my boyfriend got a little sea sick when the boat stopped and the waters got rocky… however, the staff came to the rescue with ginger ale, crackers and a paper bag (just incase) …no charge! So so kind
Tips:
cash only for snacks on the boat.
It’s $ 15.00 to park you’re car.
Pack a sweatshirt and lady’s…hair in a ponytails! It gets soooo windy and cold
Also, when you’re on the boat, it’s less rocky on the bottom of the boat and easier to run back and forth from side to side to catch the view of the whales

First whale watching experience and loved it! Staff was friendly and very knowledgeable. We were on the boat for four hours and saw dolphins and two types of whales. The boat followed two humpback whales for over and hour and got very up close and personal. The naturalist and guide provided great facts and information about the places and animals we were seeing. I would highly recommend this cruise. You do have to pay $ 15 cash to park.

What an amazing day we had on this cruise. We went on an afternoon in the beginning of July and saw over 50 humpback whales. They were right by the boat. We could smell their (awful) breath and I’m sure they could hear my squeals of excitement. Such beautiful animals.
The guide who talks about the whales is very informative and interesting to listen to. The boat was nice. Definitely a great way to spend an afternoon.

It doesn’t get much better than this!
We went out on the cruise on Labor Day, we saw approx 25 whales within 10 feet of our boat.
The crew was informative, and really loved what they do. Katelyn was our leader and her passion for the whales really made this trip.
The captain did a fantastic job of turning the boat so all patrons could see the whales.
The boat is equipped with a cafeteria and the food is actually pretty good and affordable.
Bring a jacket, camera, and cash for parking.
I would strongly suggest anyone visiting the Cape go on this tour.