TOURS AND CRUISES

Seal Cruise
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Join us on a cruise to the remote island of Muskeget where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the main island to view our year-round population of up to 3000 Grey Seals. The seals are always present, so you are guaranteed to see sometimes hundreds at a time! Staying well within strict viewing guidelines, we get close. How close? We coined the phrase "up close and personal", so, with our engines either off or just at idle, you can watch the seals frolic just feet away. These large and fascinating animals live side by side with an ever-changing group of mammal and avian species as the seasons change. Their habitat includes dry sand bars and uninhabited stretches of beach, the likes of which you will not see anywhere else in the Northeast.

If you like bird or nature watching, Captain Perkins and all our staff are accomplished ornithologists and naturalists and will be more than happy to identify all flora and fauna that are present. During the winter months, observe the spectacular flight of Long-Tailed Ducks along with thousands of other seabirds including Scoters, Gannets, Grebes and Razor Bills. During summer and fall observe the countless shorebirds; Terns, Gulls and numerous species of migratory Hawks and Falcons. Captain Perkins’ experience and knowledge make each voyage a special memory for all ages.

Shearwater Excursions takes pride in meeting or exceeding all federal and voluntary viewing guidelines set forth by the Marine Mammal Protection Act and other agencies dedicated to the protection and safety of marine mammals.

Mondays are "Maria Mitchell Day", when we have the pleasure of having the superb naturalists and interns from Nantucket's premier science organization onboard for an added educational bonus. For more information about the Maria Mitchell association, Click Here.

Shearwater Excursions was the first to offer these tours and we continue to thrill people from all age groups. The Seal Cruise is a nature lovers dream. 2.5 hours. Kids love this! Year-round Daily Departures.

Whale Watch
Guaranteed sightings!* Join us aboard the Shearwater, the only Whale Watch vessel out of Nantucket. Continuing the island's rich, centuries old heritage of whaling, the ancient cry, "Thar she blows" takes on new meaning as we seek out whales for a new purpose - a purpose of education and conservation. Passengers are encouraged to participate in spotting the tell-tale spouts that lead us to these magnificent animals.

We travel about 15-25 miles offshore to view mainly Humpback, Finback and Minke Whales in addition to a plethora of other animals including Basking Sharks, White-Sided Dolphins, and Sea Turtles. Often, we are joined by professional ornithologists to view the many pelagic species of birds including Shearwaters, Petrels, Jaegers, and Skuas. If there is anything to spot and identify on the horizon you can be sure Captain Perkins and his staff will share it with you. This rare Nantucket experience will leave you and your companions with memories that will last a lifetime.

*On the rare occasion that we do not see any whales, you will receive a free ticket for a future date. This is very unlikely though; over the last several years we have averaged between 30-60 identified whales per trip!.

Shearwater Excursions takes pride in meeting or exceeding all federal and voluntary viewing guidelines set forth by the Marine Mammal Protection Act and other agencies dedicated to the protection and safety of marine mammals.

6 hours. Departing every Sunday, Wednesday & Friday from mid-June thru mid-October.

Harbor Tour/Ice Cream Cruise
Need something fun to do with the kids? Join us for a scenic tour of Nantucket's historic inner harbor while you and your family enjoy the world's best ice cream from the famed Juice Bar. We'll cruise slowly past Nantucket's famous Brant Point Lighthouse, homes from the whaling era, and the bustling waterfront. Of course, as we motor at a lazy pace, you will see all the very famous yachts from all corners of the world that frequent our harbor. Relax as the tour continues "up harbor" to observe the serene and quiet natural beauty of Coatue's undeveloped shoreline. Before meandering back through the anchorage to the dock, kids that have been good shipmates can come to the pilothouse and ask Captain Perkins for a short turn at steering the Shearwater.

1 hour Year-round Daily Departures.

Cocktail Cruise
Each evening, the Shearwater is available for Private charters to celebrate any event including weddings, birthdays, staff parties, or family gatherings. This cruise consists of a slow journey all the way up Nantucket's calm and protected inner harbor to "the head of the harbor" and Wauwinet, then back again. There is no finer place to celebrate while enjoying the spectacular sunsets from the decks of the Shearwater. Bring your own food or let us cater for you.

3 hours. By prior arrangement only, 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Private Charters
Whether aboard the Shearwater or your own vessel, Captain Perkins is also available to design your own private excursion. Martha's Vineyard and Cape Cod are popular destinations. The Shearwater is available for private charter for any of our Excursions. Captain Perkins is also skilled at teaching teenagers and adults alike how to safely handle their own boat or, if you choose, he can help you navigate the often confusing waters that surround Nantucket.

Info & Reservations- (508) 228-7037
or visit us at our slip at Straight Wharf, Slip #1011.