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About Us
In 2025, we will be launching Dolphin Fleet’s 50th whale watch season continuing a legacy of high marine education, research and ship board standards. With the most experienced whale watch captains and naturalists in the region, we invite you to join us as we initiate our new and expanded interactive programs.
Responsible whale watching since 1975!
The Dolphin Fleet family has been committed to promoting responsible whale watching since 1975. Steven Milliken, a long time captain and the owner of the Dolphin Fleet has participated in the development of guidelines for the Northeast region and designed a captains training program to safely work around whales in their natural habitat and shared the program with NOAA and the SBNMS for it’s consideration. Captain Milliken has served on the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Committee (SAC) for over 20 years. He has partaken in many working groups world wide to contribute towards safer whale watching and educational practices for the better understanding of the marine life that is encountered.
The founder of our Research and Education department, the late Dr. Carlson, was one of the core scientist for over 40 years that worked on research and the educational aspects with Dolphin Fleet and a world authority on whale watching. She served on the Whale watch Sub-Committee of the International Whaling Commission and had led several international workshops on whale watching. She worked in the USA, Iceland, Caribbean region and South America with government and stakeholders to establish rules for whale watching that are respectful to whales and the marine environment. She continued her work with Dolphin Fleet and her commitment to the whales and the environment until her passing in 2017.
Dolphin Fleet Whale Watch: Celebrating 50 Years of Ocean Stewardship
Article by: Truro Chamber of Commerce
Founded by Albert Avellar in 1975, the company is now owned by his son, Steve Milliken
Education, and Adventure
In 1975, Albert Avellar—a seasoned Provincetown fisherman with deep roots in the waters of Cape Cod Bay —and Stellwagen Bank, made a bold decision that would
change the region’s relationship with the sea forever. Trading in nets for binoculars, he launched a revolutionary idea: to take passengers out not to fish, but to simply watch whales.
At the time, whale watching was virtually unknown on the East Coast. But Avellar, ever observant, had noticed something significant—his fishing charter passengers were more captivated by the surfacing whales than the day’s catch. Sensing both a business opportunity and a chance to foster a deeper public appreciation for marine life, he began offering daily whale watch trips aboard a converted fishing vessel. Thus, Dolphin Fleet Whale Watch was born—and with it, the beginning of commercial whale watching on the East Coast.
Over the decades, Dolphin Fleet has grown from a single boat to a respected fleet offering daily excursions into the rich waters of Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. Thousands of visitors from around the world now flock to Provincetown each year to experience the awe of humpbacks breaching, finbacks slicing the surface, and minke whales gliding beneath the waves—all thanks to Avellar’s pioneering vision.
A Legacy of Education and Conservation
What set Dolphin Fleet apart from the very beginning was its unwavering focus on education. Avellar believed in not just showing people whales, but helping them
understand them. Early on, the fleet began inviting Provincetown schoolchildren on free trips, fostering a new generation of ocean stewards.
That tradition continues today. Every tour is led by professionally trained naturalists who provide rich commentary on the biology, behavior, and ecology of the whales and marine environment. Dolphin Fleet tours are not just excursions—they are floating classrooms. Over the years, the organization’s contributions to marine research have also been 40 profound. Naturalists on board collect sighting data and photographs that are shared with scientists and conservation groups around the world. These records have helped track migration patterns, identify individual whales, and contribute to vital long-term population studies
Key Milestones in Dolphin Fleet’s 50-Year Journey
- 1975: Dolphin Fleet launches its first whale watch trip from Provincetown, introducing a new era of ecotourism on the East Coast.
- Education First: The fleet begins offering free trips for local schoolchildren and builds educational interpretation into every tour.
- Whale Naming Tradition: Dolphin Fleet helps initiate the practice of naming individual whales, including the now-famous humpback whale “Salt,” one of the first named and still frequently seen today.
- Scientific Collaboration: Data collected by the fleet has supported marine research for decades and is often used in collaboration with marine biologists, institutions, and organizations such as the International Whaling Commission.
- Responsible Tourism: The organization has been a vocal advocate for responsible whale watching and helped establish early viewing guidelines to protect whales from harassment and vessel noise.
- Fleet Expansion: Over time, Dolphin Fleet expanded its vessels and experiences, now offering not just whale watch tours but also scenic harbor cruises and sunset trips
Current Offerings and Lasting Impact
Today, Dolphin Fleet Whale Watch remains family-operated, now run by the second generation of the Avellar family. The core mission remains unchanged: to offer
unforgettable encounters with whales while inspiring conservation and scientific curiosity.
Their daily tours into Stellwagen Bank continue to be led by marine educators and naturalists, combining stunning views with rich storytelling and environmental awareness. Every trip contributes to ongoing research efforts and gives guests a deeper appreciation for the delicate marine ecosystem just off Cape Cod’s shores. Beyond the boat, the impact of the Dolphin Fleet extends into the heart of Provincetown’s economy. The fleet has helped transform the town into a global destination for ecotourism, bringing in visitors, supporting local businesses, and enhancing the cultural identity of the Outer Cape.
Looking Ahead: The Next 50 Years
As the Dolphin Fleet celebrates its golden anniversary, its mission is more relevant than ever. With oceans facing increasing pressure from climate change, pollution, and human activity, the work of educating the public and promoting marine conservation remains critical.
What began with one man’s vision and a single fishing boat has become a lasting legacy of stewardship, science, and awe-inspiring adventure.
The Truro Chamber of Commerce is proud to honor the Dolphin Fleet Whale Watch on this momentous occasion.
Here’s to 50 years of unforgettable voyages—and many more to come.
