In recent years the increase in the number of great white sharks has been the biggest cause for pause in going to a Cape Cod beach. Centuries ago, however, there was an even greater cause for worry. In the seas of Provincetown and surrounding beaches sightings of a great Sea Serpent were reported.

In the 1880's a Captain and his crew were sailing the beaches of Provincetown, when a giant serpent sprang up from the ocean, just a hundred yards or so from the ship.It appeared as though the Serpent has suddenly stood up in the ocean, making fifteen feet of its body visible. The captain and his crew stood frozen, perhaps in fear or awe of the creature, and watched as its body curved and dived under the water. It has been said that it was three minutes before the creature went back under, but neither the captain nor any of his crew were able to see its face, they could only confirm that it had large brown scales.

Once the creature had gone, the crew tried to return to work normally. Suddenly, almost an hour later the creature reappeared. It extended twice as high out of the sea than the first appearance. The monster stretched even higher, rumored to be about forty feet out of the sea, before the body went under and minutes after a dorsal fin flipped up out of the water briefly and then splashed down and under, propelling the monster forward and away from the ship.

Over time more sightings of the serpent arose, the details of the monsters size have varied, but there was no doubt that it was the same serpent. While most are terrified at the sight of the creature, it seemed that the Serpent wasn't interested in people, but in enjoying leisurely swims across the seas. Though centuries have passed the legend continues on. To this day no one has been able to definitively prove or disprove the existence of the Provincetown Sea Serpent. Lucky for you, and other Provincetown goers, there hasn't been a sighting of the Serpent in many, many years. But, if you're planning on visiting, bring your camera just in case!