Chatham Seals and Sharks

Set near the bend of Cape Cod, Chatham offers a coastal environment that attracts people who love ocean wildlife. Its waters are home to large groups of seals and a growing number of sharks, creating a unique marine setting that amazes visitors and locals alike. Let’s take a look at why Chatham is such a great place to see seals and sharks, and learn how to enjoy this special experience in a safe and respectful way.

Why Chatham Attracts Seals and Sharks

Chatham sits where the Atlantic Ocean meets Nantucket Sound, forming a habitat rich in nutrients. These waters are filled with fish and other sea life, which draw in many gray and harbor seals. On a typical day, you might watch them lying on rocky shores or sandbars, looking completely comfortable in their natural home.

As seal numbers have risen, great white sharks—often called “Chatham sharks”—have moved in as well. These top predators are drawn to the plentiful food source the seals provide. This predator-prey relationship creates a balanced ecosystem that keeps Chatham’s marine life healthy and diverse.

A Seal Boom on Cape Cod

Since the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, seal populations along the East Coast have bounced back in a big way. In Chatham, it’s common to see hundreds of seals forming large groups. Gray seals, with their longer noses and bigger bodies, and harbor seals, smaller with shorter snouts, are both easy to spot.

Seeing these “seals of Cape Cod” is a true delight. You might see them poking their heads above the water or lying in the sun on sandbars when the tide is low. Their comeback shows that wildlife protection efforts are working. But more seals also mean more sharks, which rely on them for food and keep the natural balance in check.

Sharks in Chatham: The Return of the Great Whites

As seals have increased, so have great white sharks, especially from late spring to early fall. While sharks can make some people nervous, their presence actually shows that the ocean is healthy. As top predators, sharks help control the seal population, prevent the overuse of fish stocks, and keep the ocean environment balanced.

In general, sharks are not interested in people. They prefer hunting seals. Most shark-related problems happen when sharks mistake people for seals in cloudy water. By staying informed and following safety tips, you can appreciate these amazing animals without fear.

The Atlantic White Shark Conservancy: Research, Education, and Safety

The Atlantic White Shark Conservancy (AWSC) is based in Chatham and studies sharks to learn more about their movements and habits. They work closely with scientists who tag and track sharks, helping us understand where sharks go and why.

AWSC also focuses on education, offering programs and exhibits at their Shark Center in Chatham. They want everyone to understand how important sharks are. Their “Sharktivity” app provides up-to-date information on shark sightings, helping people make smart choices when heading to the beach.

When to See Seals

• Autumn: Both gray and harbor seals are common. This is the peak time to see a mix of seals.
• Winter: Gray seals gather to breed, and you might see many pups with their white, fluffy coats.
• Spring: Harbor seals begin leaving by early summer, so you’ll mostly see gray seals.
• Summer: Mainly gray seals stay behind, but great white sharks may appear because they follow the seals.

Sources:
NOAA Fisheries, IFAW

How to Watch Seals

Guided Boat Tours

Taking a boat tour is one of the best ways to see seals up close. Several local operators offer guided tours that head out into Chatham Harbor and nearby waters. Here are a couple of options:

Beachcomber Boat Tours: These tours take you near seal-haul out sites and offer live commentary on seal behavior and local marine life.

Learn more at: Beachcomber Boat Tours

Monomoy Island Excursions: Departing from nearby ports, these tours focus on visiting Monomoy Island – one of the best spots for seal watching. A naturalist guides you through the area, sharing interesting facts about seals and the local ecosystem.Learn more at: Monomoy Island Excursions

Tours are usually available from late spring through early fall. It’s a good idea to book ahead, especially during the busy summer months.

Shore Viewing Spots

If you prefer to stay on land, you can still enjoy watching seals from several popular spots in Chatham:

Chatham Fish Pier: A working fish pier with an observation deck. Seals often gather around the pier, especially when fishing boats are unloading.

Chatham Lighthouse Beach: Offers views of the Atlantic and nearby sandbars where seals haul out. The best time to visit is at low tide when seals rest on the exposed sandbars.

Use a pair of binoculars to get a closer look without disturbing the seals.

Sources:
Chatham eTour

How to Safely Watch Seals and Sharks in Chatham

• Stay Informed:
  Download the Sharktivity App and check beach reports for the latest shark information.
• Give Seals Their Space:
  Don’t swim near seals since sharks might be close by.
  Never feed or approach seals too closely; watch them from a safe distance.
• Follow Beach Guidelines:
  Look for signs or flags warning about recent shark sightings.
  Swim at beaches where there are lifeguards and stay in shallower water.
• Pick the Right Time:
  Avoid swimming at dawn or dusk when visibility is low.
  Swim in groups, since sharks are less likely to approach large groups.
• Check Your Gear:
  Skip shiny jewelry that might look like fish scales to a shark.
  Report unusual seal or shark activity to lifeguards or local officials.

Meet the Seals

Gray Seals

• Size: Males can be 8–10 feet long, and females are a bit smaller.
• Look: They have long snouts and vary in color; males are darker with spots, while females are lighter.
• Habits: They gather in large groups on sandbars and beaches.

Harbor Seals

• Size: About 5–6 feet long and smaller than gray seals.
• Look: They have a round body and a short snout, often with spots.
• Habits: They rest on sandbars and quiet beaches, often in smaller groups.

Sources:
NOAA Fisheries, Center for Coastal Studies

A Boost for Chatham’s Community and Economy

The presence of seals and sharks isn’t just good for nature—it also supports the local economy. Shark and seal-watching tours bring visitors who buy souvenirs, eat at local restaurants, and learn about marine life. Schools partner with AWSC to teach students about ocean conservation. The town also works on safety measures and community events that help people understand and respect these animals.

Understanding the Bigger Picture

Seals and sharks in Chatham show us how complex and resilient the ocean can be. The way these animals interact keeps the ecosystem in balance. By following wildlife guidelines, supporting groups like AWSC, and learning about these creatures, we can help protect this special marine environment for years to come.

Visiting Chatham: Making the Most of Your Trip

• Seal Watching:
  Take a boat trip to Monomoy Island to see one of the East Coast’s largest seal colonies. Low tide is often the best time to spot them resting.
• Shark Education:
  Visit AWSC’s Shark Center in Chatham to learn more about great whites. You might even catch a talk by a marine expert.
• Beaches and Scenery:
  Enjoy the beautiful coastline and soft sands. It’s perfect for taking pictures, having a picnic, or simply relaxing by the ocean.

Embrace Chatham’s Natural Heritage

Chatham’s combination of seals and sharks offers a rare chance to see the ocean’s “circle of life” up close. By staying informed, respecting wildlife, and helping conservation efforts, you can enjoy this amazing experience while protecting it for future generations.

Visit Chatham, watch its lively marine life, and appreciate the wonders of Cape Cod’s coast. It’s an experience that will leave you amazed by nature’s balance and the connections that shape our world’s oceans.