It was long that I’d smelt and felt the sea. So when I expressed my sea-starving to my friend, she suggested that we do something different the following weekend. The solution was whale watching at Cape Cod.

We had made a reservation with Dolphin Fleet of Provincetown. The boat had an open top level and a bottom level. There was a food stall in the boat that serves snacks like burgers, hot dogs and clam broth! There were also drinks both alcoholic and non-alcoholic that are available. Having read the reviews on whale watching we had thankfully taken a sweater because even when the temperature is 90 degrees, it feels cold out on the water.

Aboard our vessel was a naturalist who gave a running commentary on what’s happening in the waters below. The commentary was both entertaining as well as educative about the lives of whales, their history, their habitat, habits, their environment, and their danger of extinction.

The cruise ventures out into the Stellwagen Banks, a newly designated National Marine Sanctuary and a haven for the fish hungry whales. The shallow warm waters create a very conducive place for the whales to have a hearty feed of fish before making their long journey during migration.

The first whale that we saw was a large Humpback female and her calf. They swam in perfect rhythm and sync as if they were performing for us. She was apparently teaching her calf how to breach (jumping briefly out of water) as every few minutes, the mother & calf would together do a little somersault. Some whales went right under our boat and surfaced the next moment as if to play hide and seek. We saw many tails and one whale splashed a fin and tail not more than 10 yards from our boat making us let out a little cry of awe in chorus. It was amazing to watch these gigantic harmless sea creatures so close at hand.

The weekend was truly fulfilling with me getting more than just the sea.

A few tips are:

• Pick up discount coupons worth $2.00 off each ticket in guidebooks at any tourist office. There are also discounts for seniors, children and groups.
• Apply sunscreen, take your sunglasses, hat, sweater and of course your camera.
  Try and stand at the head of the boat to get a better view of both sides.
• There is a snack bar on board with fast-food type snacks. You may also pack your own picnic lunch.
• Book your seats in the cruise in advance to avoid disappointments