Here’s how to get out on the water to see whales up close near the city.
Once winter is in our rear view mirrors and the warmer weather hits, there’s no better time to head out into open water and go whale watching near Boston. Typically running March through November, whale watching season takes over local waters, and several companies with ports from Newburyport to Boston to The Cape offer the opportunity to hop on a vessel, feel the sea breeze and possibly spot some of the area’s most majestic, oceanic mammals. The well-known Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary is located just off the coast of the Bay State and is a prime spot to view humpback, Minke, fin, right and pilot whales in their natural habitat. If the wide open seas aren’t calling to you, stick with local harbor adventures aboard one of the best cruises in Boston or simply have a meal at one of the best waterfront restaurants in Boston.
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Boston Harbor Cruises has partnered with the New England Aquarium for their whale watching tours. Not only will you cruise along in comfort on their speedy catamarans, you’ll also be joined by naturalists from the Aquarium, who are there to share all of their whale knowledge with you and answer your questions. Snacks, sandwiches, drinks and even cocktails are available for purchase while aboard.
Setting sail from Gloucester, MA, at 8:30am and 1:30pm, 7 Seas Whale Watch makes daily trips to Stellwagen beginning in June (trips are mostly once a day in the months prior). Each four-hour excursion is staffed and narrated by an experienced Marine Biologist. The spacious Privateer IV offers a comfortable whale watching experience, with a low profile hull design that means you’re closer to the water for even better views of the whales.
Cape Ann Whale Watch has been operating out of Gloucester, MA, for more than 40 years. You’ll enjoy smooth sailing aboard the Hurricane II, an immense yet super-fast vessel that gets you to Stellwagen in less time—which means you'll have more time for spotting humpbacks, pilots, Minkes and more.
Captain John Boats in Plymouth, MA, has one of the biggest fleets in New England, offering cruises, deep sea fishing, charters and more. Their exhilarating, educational whale watching cruises depart from Town Wharf and sail to Stellwagen and Cape Cod Bay. Another option departs from Provincetown.
Newburyport Whale Watch's spacious Captains Lady III departs from Newburyport’s historic waterfront, traveling down the Merrimack River and into the Gulf of Maine as the cruises head on their way to Stellwagen and Jeffrey’s Ledge. Passionate, expert naturalists share their whale knowledge during your trip. Each run is between 3 1/2 and 4 hours, giving time to locate and visit with Humpback, Finback and Minke Whales, along with potential seals, porpoises, sharks, ocean sunfish and a variety of seabirds.
Operating out of Barnstable since the 1980s, Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises will let you see the sights—and whales—of Cape Cod Bay. Board their boat in Millway Marina before heading on a nearly four-hour journey on their 130-foot vessel, aptly named The Whale Watcher, with three levels for viewing. Expert naturalists will provide engaging and entertaining information about the whales and their native waters, as well as answer any lingering questions guests may have along the way.
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