Fall is a Great Time for Whale Watching

Recently observed whales on a Boston Harbor Cruise Whale Watch.

I've been on a handful of whale watches over the years, all in Massachusetts. The opportunity to be out on the water with whales and other sea life is quite extraordinary. The presence of whales is so magnificent I always find tears in my eyes and a renewed awe of the natural world. It is an opportunity that everyone should be able to have. Recently I've been inspired by Kenny Cieplik's whale watching ventures to write a post here, as well as make a date to get out on another whale watch.

Though a quick check of the Massachusetts Office on Travel and Tourism website shows that most of the dozen whale watch companies offer "handicap accessible" tours, you'll want to be sure to ask in advance what that will mean for your particular needs. Kenny for instance, uses a power wheelchair, which probably represents the ultimate challenge for accommodation. Boat designs vary and some are no doubt older, which means that passageways may be too narrow - if a power chair can make it up or down the gangway and cross over to the ship's deck in the first place. And interestingly enough, in my first round of web research, only the New England Aquarium in Boston indicated any accessibility for people with disabilities on their website.

Boarding a Boston Harbor Cruise Whale Watch vessel.

I called around to see what some of the whale watch companies from Newburyport to Provincetown had to say about accommodating people using wheelchairs. The Newburyport Whale Watch, Cape Ann Whale Watch in Gloucester, Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises and Dolphin Fleet in Provincetown were all friendly -and flat out said they could not accommodate people in power wheelchairs. The Cape Ann Whale Watch offers a manual wheelchair for people to transfer into, as well as an online video of the captain walking around the vessel so you can see in advance what the physical space is like - outdoor access all the way around the boat is shown. The Dolphin Fleet and Hyannis Whale Watchers Cruises both said they could accommodate manual wheelchair users. Weight of power chairs was cited as the primary issue, so if you use a manual wheelchair, be aware that access may mean being lifted from the dock to the boat.

Kenny and his traveling crew ready to see whales.

If you use a power wheelchair, Boston is your best bet as far as I can tell. The New England Aquarium reports that the whole first level of the boat is accessible, indoors (including restrooms) and outside all the way around the boat, with initial access via portable ramp. Boston Harbor Cruises, which Kenny used this month, communicates a similar set up (and may be serving the New England Aquarium - I couldn't quite tell on this), however the actual boat you get the day of your excursion may vary - for instance on Kenny's recent trip, the only outdoor access was at the rear of the vessel, where fuel fumes can be a problem. Other challenges to be aware of are well documented on Kenny's excursion with Captain John's Boats of Plymouth. When I called that tour company, they said they were "not easily accessible" with a 28" wide ramp and ten steps to the lower deck where protection from the elements and restrooms are located. Sounds like much hasn't changed since Kenny's visit 3 years ago, but I'm glad to see the access info being communicated well.

Chair users should definitely find out how much of the outside experience is accessible. Best experiences will allow you outdoor access all the way around the boat, as well as indoor access. It seems rare to be able to access the highest viewing deck. I recommend getting the name of the vessel that will best suit your needs and then be sure to get tickets for that boat.

Whales are in migration now, passing through Massachusetts waters as they travel south. It is a great time to go out for the numbers of whales you might get to see. Even seeing one whale is an amazing encounter. Most whale watch companies are on the water through October and feature on-board naturalists who can answer your questions. If you've never had this experience, consider it now, and if you've been out before like me, it is always worth doing again!

Thanks to Kenny and Paula Cieplik and thetravelingwheelchair.com for use of photos!