Gray whales in Nantucket: A whale of a time!

What the Gray Whales of Nantucket are up to

Nantucket, known for its beautiful beaches and charming town, is also a popular destination for whale watching. And one of the most fascinating whales to see here is the gray whale.

Gray whales are large, baleen whales that can grow up to 50 feet long and weigh up to 60,000 pounds. They are dark gray in color and have a distinctive white patch on their backs. Gray whales are known for their long migrations, traveling up to 10,000 miles each year between their feeding and breeding grounds.

In the spring and summer, gray whales can be seen off the coast of Nantucket as they make their way to their feeding grounds in the Arctic. They feed on small crustaceans called krill, which they filter out of the water using their baleen plates.

In the fall and winter, gray whales return to the warmer waters of the Pacific Ocean to breed and give birth to their calves. They often spend the winter in lagoons and bays, where they are protected from the cold weather and predators.

Whale watching is a popular activity on Nantucket, and there are several companies that offer tours. You can take a boat out to see the whales, or you can watch them from shore. If you're lucky, you may even see a whale breaching or spyhopping!

Here are some tips for whale watching in Nantucket:

* Book a tour with a reputable company. There are several companies that offer whale watching tours on Nantucket. Be sure to do your research and choose a company that has a good reputation for safety and customer service.
* Go during the right time of year. Gray whales can be seen off the coast of Nantucket from April to October. However, the best time to see them is during the spring and summer months, when they are on their way to their feeding grounds in the Arctic.
* Be patient. Whale watching can be a lot of fun, but it's important to be patient. Whales are wild animals, and they don't always appear on schedule.
* Respect the whales. Whales are protected by law, so it's important to respect them and their environment. Don't approach whales too closely, and don't litter.

Whale watching in Nantucket is a great way to experience the beauty and wonder of these amazing creatures.