With its rich maritime history and coastal location, it’s little wonder that one of the most popular attractions in Gloucester—and a bucket list item for many—is whale watching. Gloucester sits between two major known whale feeding areas: Stellwagen Bank and Jeffrey’s Ledge. As a result, many tour companies guarantee that their visitors will see whales on their tours.
Whale watching is an excellent opportunity not just to create incredible memories, but also to sit back, relax, and take in the beauty of nature. If you want to add an extra chill to your whale watching experience, incorporating cannabis can help you maximize the experience. Options like edibles and vapes allow you to relax and lift your mood while enjoying the sea, the sky, and the whales.
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Whale Watching Season
Of course, to spot whales, you’ll need to head out during whale-watching season. The season begins in mid-April and runs through the end of October, leaving plenty of time for locals and visitors alike to schedule whale watching. Peak sightings usually occur between late May and early September.
How Often Do You See Whales?
Because of Gloucester’s location, whale watching tours in the area nearly always result in whale sightings. In fact, 7 Seas Whale Watch notes that they have seen whales on 99% of their trips. And years can go by between trips with no whales spotted.
They also share that most of the trips that “skunk,” or do not result in whale sightings, occur because of fog and poor visibility, not necessarily because of a lack of whale presence.
The company also notes that they see between 1 and 50 whales per tour, which means that many tours are incredibly exciting, with multiple sightings and plenty of chances to snag that perfect picture!
Types of Whales Near Gloucester
There are many species of whales that visit the waters off Gloucester each year. Not to mention a wide range of other species. The most common sightings are of humpbacks, finback whales, and minke whales.
However, watchers may also encounter blue whales, the North Atlantic right whale, sperm whales, pilot whales, and beluga whales. Whale-watching specialists will provide their tour guests with more information about the types of whales they’re seeing and what they can expect to spot on their trip.
Preparing for the Whale Watching Experience
Whether you’ve been out on whale watching tours before or you’re making unforgettable memories with a one-time stop, make sure you’re fully prepared for your trip. Dress in lightweight layers, since temperatures on the water can run as much as 20 degrees cooler than the temperature on land. You may also want to consider:
- A waterproof electronics bag to help keep your phone and camera safe
- A camera for capturing those fantastic whale photos
- Sunglasses for eye protection
- Nonslip shoes
- Sunscreen
The right clothing and gear can help ensure that you are fully prepared for the day and everything it has to offer.
Pair Your Whale Watching Experience with a Visit to Happy Valley
Whale watching and cannabis are the perfect combination for a relaxing day. Whether you’re in the mood for a calming Indica strain to help you slow down and take in the experience or a Sativa strain designed to help you light up and fully experience the excitement of every moment, we have a product that will fit your needs.
Check out our menu to explore our available options for recreational and medical cannabis, or talk to one of our experienced employees for help selecting a product for your experience!
