Your Guide to Whale Watching in Rhode Island

There are all kinds of fun parks and places to visit in Narragansett, Rhode Island, from spending your days on the beach enjoying the sunshine to tasting the local seafood, learning about history at the fun museums, or simply enjoying nature with the ones you love most. If you have never been to Narragansett, we have a beginners guide to a Narragansett vacation!

But one of the best and most exciting things to do in the area is Narraganset, RI, whale watching! Be sure to take some time to go whale watching while you’re staying at one of our Rhode Island vacation rentals. 

About the Whales

Whales have been frequenting the New England shorelines for centuries now, and while they were hunted for quite a while in the mid-1800s, they are now more comfortable coming back to these waters. While there are several different species of whale that you might spot in this area (more on that in a moment), the creatures are always larger than majestic, with some weighing up to 60 tons or growing as long as 70 feet!

What Species of Whale Can You See?

There are quite a few different whale species that you might see swimming around the water in and around Narragansett. The most common species to see in the area is the finback whale, which are drawn to the warmer waters in the summer months. You might also see varieties like humpback whales, false killer whales, pilot whales, and more. If you happen to take a will cruise in the wintertime, you might even see some seals as well! 

Best Times of Year to See the Whales Migrate

If you want to make the most of your time whale watching in Rhode Island, you’ll want to time your vacation right, and pick the right waterfront Narragansett vacation rental. The best time to go whale watching while you’re in Narragansett is from May through October. During these warmer months, the whales are attracted to the warmer waters, which can reach into the mid-70s. 
Whale Charter Tours

If you want to embark on a whale charter tour, Frances Fleet is a great place to go. They offer whale watching and nature excursions from late June through late August, which allows you an entire afternoon to sail the waters and spot as many whales as possible. Your experienced captain will point out the whales and other creatures like dolphins, manatees, and more. These tours cost $55 for adults, $50.00 for seniors, and $45.00 for children. 

You can also set out on a tour with Snappa Charters. This company holds tours from the first week of July through the end of August, giving you plenty of time to check out the whales. Whether you embark on a public or private cruise, you’ll get a 5-hour excursion that takes you throughout the waters of Narragansett in the surrounding areas. Again, your captain will be able to point out any whales that may swim by you, as well as the most interesting birds, fish, turtles, and more. Prices start at $75 for adults and $55 for children under 12. 

FAQs

What is the best place to stay for whale watching? There are several whale watching cruises just minutes away from some of our beachfront Narragansett vacation rentals.

Before you set out on your whale watching adventure, there are a few things you might want to keep in mind. 

What time of day is best to go whale watching? Many people wonder if morning or afternoon is better to see whales, but the truth is, it doesn’t make a lot of difference. While the waters tend to be calmer in the morning, whales can come through whenever they see fit. 

How close will my cruise get to the whales? Captains have to follow local regulations to keep their distance from the whales. However, your captain will always point out if a whale comes nearby your boat, so you’ll get a great view even if you’re a bit further away. 

What if You don’t see a whale? Since whales are wild animals, their behavior is unpredictable period. Therefore, it’s impossible for any tour company to guarantee that you will see whales on your excursion. Check with your tour company of choice to see if they offer refunds or discounts if you don’t spot a whale. 

Can I bring my pet on vacation with me? While you may not be able to take the family dog on the whale watching cruise, you can have them along in our pet-friendly Narragansett vacation rentals!

Ready to go whale watching in Rhode Island? Contact us today to learn more about our RI vacation rentals!