Cape Ann Whale Watching with Captain Justin
Private Trip
Cruise
Private 6hour whale watching tour to Jefferies Ledge offshore watersObserve humpbacks, finbacks, porpoises and basking sharks in natural habitatVisit Manchester Seal Colony and check lobster pots during return
Picture this: you're standing on deck just 12 miles off Cape Ann's rugged coastline, watching a massive humpback whale breach right in front of your small group. That's exactly what you'll get on this top-rated 6-hour whale watching tour with Captain Justin Moore. We keep groups small at just 6 guests max, so you'll have plenty of room to move around and get those perfect shots. This isn't your typical crowded whale watch boat – it's an intimate look at some of the Atlantic's most amazing marine life, plus we throw in some authentic New England charm with lobster pot checks and a visit to the Manchester Seal Colony on our way back to port.
Captain Justin knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll take you straight to Jefferies Ledge – one of the most nutrient-rich feeding grounds you'll find anywhere along the Massachusetts coast. This underwater plateau sits about 12 miles offshore, where cold currents stir up all the krill and small fish that whales absolutely love. We typically spend most of our 6 hours out there, giving you plenty of time to watch whales feed, play, and show off their natural behaviors. The boat's small size means we can get closer to the action and move around quickly when Captain Justin spots something good. Between whale sightings, keep your eyes peeled for ocean sunfish floating on the surface, harbor porpoises zipping around the boat, and if we're really lucky, the occasional basking shark cruising by. On calm days, you might even spot some of the smaller cetaceans that call these waters home. The return trip is just as exciting – we'll swing by the Manchester Seal Colony where you can watch dozens of harbor seals hauled out on the rocks, and Captain Justin always checks his lobster pots to see what the day brought in.
This is a true guided wildlife tour, which means Captain Justin does all the spotting, positioning, and explaining while you focus on enjoying the experience. We use a comfortable fishing vessel that's been set up specifically for whale watching, with plenty of deck space and good sight lines in every direction. The captain keeps binoculars on board, but bringing your own is never a bad idea. Since we're heading 12 miles offshore, we'll be in open ocean conditions, so the ride can get a bit choppy depending on weather and sea state. Most folks handle it just fine, but if you're prone to seasickness, grab some Dramamine before we leave the dock. The boat has a small cabin area where you can duck inside if the sun gets too intense or if you need a break from the wind. Captain Justin provides all the local knowledge and marine biology insights – he's been running these waters for years and knows exactly where to find the whales based on current conditions, baitfish movements, and seasonal patterns. We launch from Lowe Island Fish Camp, so you'll get that authentic working waterfront vibe right from the start.
Humpback whales are the real stars of this show, and Jefferies Ledge is one of their favorite summer feeding spots along the entire Eastern seaboard. These magnificent animals can reach 60 feet long and weigh up to 40 tons, but they're surprisingly acrobatic for their size. You'll often see them lunge feeding right at the surface, creating massive bubbles and gulping down huge mouthfuls of krill and small schooling fish. The best time to spot humpbacks here runs from late spring through early fall, with peak activity typically happening in July and August when the food supply is richest. What makes humpbacks so special is their curious nature – they'll often approach boats to check us out, and their breaching displays are absolutely world-class. Finback whales are the other major species we encounter regularly, and they're actually the second-largest whale species in the world. These sleek, fast-moving giants can reach 80 feet in length and are built for speed, often cruising at 20+ mph. Unlike humpbacks, finbacks rarely breach, but watching them surface and blow is still an amazing sight. They have this distinctive tall, straight dorsal fin that cuts through the water like a knife. Finbacks tend to be more predictable in their movements, often surfacing in the same general area for several breaths before diving deep again. Both species are here for the same reason – Jefferies Ledge serves up an all-you-can-eat buffet of their favorite foods, making it one of the most reliable whale watching spots in New England waters.
This customer-favorite whale watching tour combines the best of what Cape Ann has to offer – world-class whale watching, authentic local culture, and small group intimacy you won't find on the big commercial boats. Captain Justin's local expertise and the 6-person limit means you'll get personalized attention and insider knowledge that makes all the difference between a good day and an amazing day on the water. Whether you're a family looking for an educational adventure or nature lovers wanting to see these giants up close, this tour delivers the goods. The 6-hour timeframe gives us plenty of opportunity to find the whales and spend quality time watching their behaviors, plus those bonus stops at the seal colony and lobster pots add that authentic New England fishing village experience. Don't wait too long to secure your spot – small boats like this fill up fast during peak whale season, and you definitely don't want to miss out on what many guests call the highlight of their Cape Ann visit.
Massachusetts