Chatham’s Shark Bait (AKA Seals)

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Breathtaking.  The overlook at Chatham Lighthouse Beach is a definite “to do”. I was not there for shark sightings, but joined two friends to check out some B&Bs for a fall stay for someone else. Although I swore I’d never set foot in the tourist crowds overflowing Chatham, I did go along. My hope was that the seals would be there for photographs; they were.

Notice the dark “rocks” on the sandbar? Hundreds and hundreds of seals.

Despite having a nice long range zoom, for this, it wasn’t quite enough for what I wanted. But I’m happy with what I got. For now.

Can you imagine running aground amidst the seals?

I did a post in January, and in February with winter’s conditions; beautiful even with the starkness of winter, but it doesn’t compare with summer’s views.

The beaches are closed for swimming due to the shark scare (why does the media  behave as if it is a new thing to have these sharks in Cape Cod waters?). We did not see anyone attempt to get in the water.

Sharks are supposed to eat seals – it’s nature.

The overlook has limited short term parking, and when we first arrived, the area was mobbed with shark seekers.

There are even “shark boats”, or shark bait (seal) tours. I call them “shark peepers”!  High five to those Chatham boat owners who are taking advantage of the additional business the Great White Shark sightings have brought to this town. Each sandbar is lined with seals sunning themselves.

This creative photographer (shark bait) made his way out on a sandbar in a kayak to set up his tripod for some close shots. (I have a waterproof bag and a kayak, but you won’t find me out there, although it is very tempting.)

You’ll see a bit more on this fishing boat, as it had such a beautiful entrance into the channel to get to the fish pier.

I also did manage some closeups of seals….. coming soon. This turned out to be a trip worth taking!

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