Seal watching, whale watching and Monomoy wildlife excursions
Chatham Bars Inn runs whale-watching and harbor seal cruises (May–October for whale watches) and can help arrange boat trips to Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge and other barrier islands. Tours depart from the inn’s boating program or nearby piers; guests can book excursions through the concierge or the resort's boating desk.
In this guide
Overview: marine wildlife excursions from Chatham Bars Inn
Chatham Bars Inn operates a seasonal boating program that includes whale-watching trips (May–October), Morning Harbor Seal Cruises, sailing, offshore fishing and sunset/champagne cruises. The resort’s boat fleet also handles private charters to islands such as Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard.
Excursions may depart directly from the inn’s pier or the local boat docks the resort uses; the concierge can arrange seats, private charters, and transfers. The inn also runs a seasonal boat shuttle to North Beach Island as a complimentary amenity for guests.
- Whale-watching tours: May–October (primarily humpbacks; pilot and minke whales sometimes seen)
- Morning Harbor Seal Cruise: passes Aunt Lydia's Cove, Chatham Lighthouse and Chatham Fish Pier
- Private charters: Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, sunset and champagne cruises
- Sailing lessons and Young Sailing Instruction for kids aged 7 and up
| Excursion | Typical season | Typical sightings |
|---|---|---|
| Whale-watching | May–October | Humpback whales (sometimes pilot or minke) |
| Harbor Seal Cruise | Seasonal (check concierge) | Gray and harbor seals near local coves and pier |
| Monomoy trips / wildlife charters | Seasonal / boat availability | Large seal colonies; many shore and seabirds |
Whale-watching: what to expect
Chatham Bars Inn runs whale-watching outings May through October. These trips concentrate on Cape Cod waters where humpback whales are the primary species seen; pilot and minke whales may also be encountered on occasion.
Trips typically use the inn’s boats or local whale-watching operators the inn books with; the concierge can confirm departure point, length and recommended arrival time. The inn lists whale-watching among its seasonal boating offerings.
- Peak season: late spring through early fall (May–October)
- Main species: humpback whales; occasional pilot or minke whales
- Booking: reserve through concierge or boating desk; confirm seating and weather policy
| Bring | Why |
|---|---|
| Warm layers & windproof jacket | Ocean breezes are cooler than on land |
| Binoculars | Helps spot distant blows and tails |
| Camera with zoom | For photos of breaches and tail slaps |
Morning Harbor Seal Cruise
The Morning Harbor Seal Cruise aboard the Bar Tender passes Aunt Lydia's Cove, the Chatham Lighthouse and the Chatham Fish Pier to watch gray and harbor seals. Seal sightings near the fish pier are often visible from the pier itself as well.
This shorter cruise is a good option for families or guests who prefer a relaxed, educational outing rather than a full-day offshore trip. Ask the concierge about recommended departure times and age-appropriate options.
- Great for families and shorter schedules
- Often combined with local sightseeing (lighthouse, coves, fishing activity)
- Can be booked through the resort’s boating desk or concierge
| Length | Typical focus |
|---|---|
| Short / morning | Seals, local landmarks, harbor scenery |
| Full-day whale watch | Offshore feeding whales (longer boat time) |
| Private charter | Custom wildlife, island visits or fishing |
Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge trips
Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge is a federal refuge of barrier islands, dunes and marshes running south from Chatham and supports hundreds of bird species and large gray seal colonies. Some islands in the refuge are reachable only by boat and are best visited on an organized wildlife charter.
The refuge has recorded more than 285 bird species and is home to tens of thousands of gray seals (estimates cited range between 30,000 and 50,000). Chatham Bars Inn can help arrange charters or advise on operators that visit Monomoy and nearby barrier islands.
- Monomoy highlights: extensive shorebird populations, migratory stopovers, large gray seal haul-outs
- Access: barrier islands reachable only by boat — plan for a full-day outing with appropriate supplies
- Booking: reserve charters early in high season; check with concierge for licensed operators and any refuge rules
| Monomoy fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Bird species recorded | More than 285 species |
| Seal population estimates | Between 30,000 and 50,000 gray seals (regional estimate) |
| Access | Offshore islands and haul-outs reachable only by boat |
Practical tips: safety, timing and what to bring
Wear layered clothing and bring a waterproof outer layer — even warm days on land can be much cooler and windier on the water. Footwear with good traction is helpful on wet decks.
Bring sunscreen, a hat, binoculars and a camera with a zoom. If you get seasick, consider medication or acupressure bands; the concierge can advise on typical sea conditions for the day.
- Arrive early for boarding; tours may leave from the inn’s pier or nearby docks
- Confirm cancellation and weather policies when you book
- Children’s sailing instruction is offered for ages 7 and up; check age limits for specific excursions
| Item | Reason |
|---|---|
| Layers and windproof jacket | Ocean wind and spray |
| Binoculars | Spot distant wildlife |
| Motion-sickness remedy | Comfort on choppy days |
Booking, logistics and concierge services
Reserve wildlife excursions through the Chatham Bars Inn concierge or boating desk; they handle seats on scheduled cruises and private charters. The resort’s included amenities mention a seasonal boat shuttle to North Beach Island and a boating program — ask the concierge for details and scheduling.
Check start times, age recommendations and any guest requirements before you plan. For special requests (private charters, photography-focused trips, or combined island + wildlife days), the concierge can advise on boat size, length and availability.
- Book early in high season (June–September) for best availability
- Confirm meeting/boarding point with the concierge — it may be the inn’s pier or a local dock
- Ask about weather and cancellation policies when you reserve
| Who to contact | What they handle |
|---|---|
| Concierge / Boating desk | Reservations, departure details, private charters |
| Front desk / Reservations | Room-inclusive amenities and transfers info |
| Spa & activities | Children’s Sailing Instruction and Kids Crew scheduling |
