It is getting to be that time of year again, trip planning for the spring and summer months. And among the most breath taking spots, is Cape Cod and her gorgeous islands and the opportunity to spot seals in Nantucket and various spots near Wellfleet and the National Seashore.
Frederick William House Welcomes You to Cape Cod! And we want to help you plan that memorable, once in a life time getaway.
No matter if you are considering a Cape Cod escape during the fall, spring, or summer seasons, Frederick William House is eager to ensure your stay is warm and inviting. Our Falmouth bed and breakfast, rich in history, is conveniently located near all the top attractions on Cape Cod and a ferry boat ride away on the Hi-Line to get to Nantucket.
So…back to the Seals…which is the inspiration for this little article…
Nantucket, Massachusetts is home to four species of seals: harbor seals, gray seals, harp seals, and hooded seals. The Bay State is one of the most beautiful places in the country. So, it comes as no surprise that there are so many natural wonders here. From glacial potholes to the largest tidal flats in North America to a natural bridge, you can find a natural wonder in Massachusetts just about anywhere. But there’s one you may not have yet discovered or even heard of yet — Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge. Let’s explore the natural wonder here.
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At 1,117 acres, Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge includes a 390-acre barrier beach made of two long peninsulas off the coast of Nantucket. It is overseen by The Trustees of Reservations.
This natural wonder provides shelter between Nantucket Harbor and Nantucket Sound. And it offers a diverse landscape of beach, forest, and dunes.
The Trustees/Facebook
It's also home to a wide variety of species including shorebirds, plants, dwarf cedars, barberry, beach plum, and cacti.
Both gray and harbor seals feed in the riptide by the refuge and use the barrier beach as a haul-out.
The Trustees/Facebook
Just remember that all seals are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. So if you happen to see seals when visiting Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge, you must stay at least 150 away from them.
The Trustees/Facebook
The beach is accessible via sandy roads that can only be traversed by four-wheel drive, overland vehicles. An Oversand Vehicle Permit must be obtained between the months of May and October.
But if you're able to see and explore this natural wonder, you'll be in absolute awe of its beauty.
Awesome Seal Tours On Cape Cod To Check Out
Now, onto the tours! Tours are a great way to not only see the seals, but also learn about them and the surrounding areas. The guides are filled with interesting and fun information, and are great at answering questions. The tours are also all very scenic, and great for photos. So, here are the best tour companies on Cape Cod offering seal watches!
Departing from Harwich, Monomoy Island Excursions is a great option for a seal tour. Taking visitors out to the waters surrounding Chatham, you’ll see plenty of Gray seals in the water, and possible sitting out on the rocks.
Tours last around 75 minutes, and parking is free!
Beachcomber Boat Tours offers a seal cruise that departs right from Chatham! They typically takes visitors around the waters of Chatham Harbor and Pleasant Bay, can also customize a private charter, and offer boat shuttle service from the Fish Market in Chatham and Lighthouse Beach.
Reservations are made my calling them directly.
For a quick tour with an expert guide, the Provincetown Seal Tour may be the best option for you. Run by Flyers Boat Rentals (the same company that runs the Long Point Shuttle), these tours are only about 45 minutes long, and get right to the point. Since there are a lot of seals that hang out up in Ptown, this is a great options for those staying in the area, or the Outer Cape.
For those who want to island hop and want to be centrally located to many different locations: Frederick William House is a perfect choice.
Our freshly renovated in 2025…5 guest rooms and suits feature luxurious amenities and bathroom upgrades. And, alongside our lovely breakfast, you’ll have access to a variety of other on site amenities. Check our rates and availability for your travel dates! CLICK HERE.
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