Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Kids
A Whale of an Adventure
The depletion of New England's fishing grounds has led to the rise of
another important seagoing industry,
whale watching
. The waters off
the coast of Massachusetts are prime territory, and Gloucester is a center of
whale-watching cruises. Stellwagen Bank, which runs from Gloucester to
Provincetown about 27 miles east of Boston, is a rich feeding ground for the
magnificent mammals. Species spotted in the area are mainly humpback,
finback, and minke whales, who dine on sand eels and other fish that
gather along the ridge. The whales often perform for their audience by
jumping out of the water, and dolphins occasionally join the show. Natural-
ists onboard narrate the trip for the companies listed here, pointing out the
whales and describing birds and fish that cross your path.
Whale watching is not particularly time- or cost-effective, especially if
restless children are along, but it's so popular for a reason: The payoff is, lit-
erally and figuratively, huge. This is an “only in New England” experience
that kids (and adults) will remember for a long time.
The season runs from April or May through October. Bundle up, even in
the middle of summer—it's much cooler at sea than on land. Wear a hat and
rubber-soled shoes, and take sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, and a camera. If
you're prone to motion sickness, take precautions, because you'll be at sea
for 3
1
⁄
2
to 5 hours. If you plan to take Dramamine, take it before you depart.
This is an extremely competitive business—they'd deny it, but the compa-
nies are virtually indistinguishable. Most guarantee sightings, offer a morn-
ing and an afternoon cruise as well as deep-sea fishing excursions and
charters, honor other firms' coupons, and offer AAA and AARP discounts.
Check ahead for sailing times, prices (at least $40 for adults, slightly less for
seniors and children), and reservations, which are strongly recommended. If
you're on a budget, ask whether the company imposes a fuel surcharge,
and double-check the cut-off ages for kids and seniors.
In downtown Gloucester,
Cape Ann Whale Watch
(
&
800/877-5110
or
978/283-5110; www.caww.com) is the best-known operation. Also downtown
are
Capt. Bill & Sons Whale Watch
(
&
800/33-WHALE
or 978/283-6995;
www.captbillandsons.com) and
Seven Seas Whale Watch
(
&
888/283-1776
or
978/283-1776; www.7seas-whalewatch.com). At the Cape Ann Marina, off
Route 133, is
Yankee Whale Watch
(
&
800/WHALING
or 978/283-0313;
www.yankeefleet.com).
aside, is terrific. Sunday brunch here is an unexpected treat, with superb egg dishes
and a good range of entrees for the breakfast averse. At dinner, flavorful meat and fish
dishes, such as roasted duck breast with port-wine sauce and grilled peaches or oven-
roasted cod over white-bean succotash, are equally delicious. Try to save room for a
traditional yet sophisticated dessert—the brownie sundae is out of this world.
43 Church St. (at Washington St.).
&
978/745-7665.
www.lyceumsalem.com. Reservations recommended. Main
courses $8-$14 at lunch, $17-$29 at dinner. AE, DISC, MC, V. Mon-Fri 11:30am-3pm; Sun brunch 11am-3pm; daily
5:30-10pm. Validated parking available.
