While most are amazed by the sublime, majestic nature of whales, a small, paranoid minority wonders what would happen to mankind if whales had legs. Worship or worry as you see fit with today's Groupon: for $26, you get one adult ticket to a whale-watching journey from Cape Ann Whale Watch in Gloucester, MA (up to a $45 value). This Groupon is good for the 2011 whale-watching season.

For the past three decades, Cape Ann Whale Watch has taken more than 600,000 customers into the calm waters of Cape Ann to spot fascinating, majestic sea creatures. Tour-goers endeavor on a three- to four-hour trek aboard one of the largest and fastest whale-watching vessels north of Boston, the Hurricane II, often spotting humpback, minke, and finback whales, as well as dolphins. The narrator, a salt-crusted member of the Ocean Alliance, will point out each whale, talk about the marine mammal’s behavior, and write down what technology stocks the whale wishes to invest in. This adventure makes for an exhilarating family outing or a romantic date with its soundtrack of tranquil whale songs and smoky seagull squawks.

Ocean explorers should bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a camera, gym shoes, and a sweater or jacket (it gets brisk on the high seas) for their journey. While Cape Ann Whale Watch offers no promise of a Geppetto experience, voyagers are guaranteed to catch a glimpse of these stately giants’ sleek posteriors, or they will receive a free season pass and the captain will be fed to the whales. Trip times are listed on the 2011 schedule.