Here’s how to get out on the water and see whales up close.
Every year, when temperatures start inching upward, Bostonians feel the familiar itch to get out on the water. One way to do that—with a side of marine education, to boot—is to go whale-watching near Boston. Spring, summer and early fall are ideal times to board a seafaring vessel and behold the grandeur of these more-than-50,000-pound creatures.
Several companies with ports from Newburyport to Cape Cod offer the opportunity to hop aboard a boat, feel the sea breeze in your hair and hopefully spot some of the area’s majestic mammals. A place called Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary is situated right off the coast of Massachusetts; it’s a federally protected swath of the ocean that’s home to whales and other marine life. Most whale-watching boats head here to see humpback, minke, fin, sei and pilot whales in their natural habitat.
If the wide-open seas aren’t calling to you just yet, 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.
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The New England Aquarium partners with Boston Harbor City Cruises to offer some of the city’s best whale-watching tours. Not only will you cruise along in comfort on their speedy catamarans, but 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.
One of the largest fleets in New England belongs to Captain John Boats, which operates out of Plymouth. The company offers cruises, deep sea fishing, private charters and more—but the highlight is their whale watches. Exhilarating cruises offer up close and personal glimpses of New England’s gentle giants. They depart from Plymouth’s Town Wharf, sailing to Stellwagen Bank and Cape Cod Bay. Captain John Boats also offers a whale-watching cruise that departs from Provincetown.
Since 1983, the four generations of captains at 7 Seas Whale Watch have brought wide-eyed passengers to the waters of Stellwagen Bank to view whales, seals and other marine life. Trips from Gloucester depart daily from mid-April to mid-October, offering four-hour excursions staffed and narrated by marine biologists and naturalists. The spacious Privateer IV offers a comfortable boating experience, with a low-profile hull design that means you get closer to the water for even better views of the whales. As an added bonus, the cruises help passengers learn how to support the protection of whales, dolphins and marine wildlife across the globe.
Cape Ann Whale Watch has been operating out of Gloucester for more than 45 years. You’ll enjoy smooth sailing aboard the Hurricane II, an immense yet lightning-fast vessel that gets you to Stellwagen Bank and back faster than other operators. That gives you more time for spotting humpbacks, pilots and minkes from the upper and lower observation decks. Inside, there’s also a heated cabin serving hot meals, snacks and beverages, plus a fully stocked bar selling mixed drinks, wine and local beers.
Newburyport Whale Watch's Captain's Lady III departs from Newburyport’s historic waterfront, traveling down the Merrimack River and into the Gulf of Maine as the cruises make their way to either Stellwagen Bank or a whale hotspot called Jeffreys Ledge off the coast of New Hampshire. As you glide over the waters of the Atlantic, passionate naturalists will share their expert knowledge of whale species over the boat’s speakers. Each run lasts between 3.5-4 hours, allowing plenty of time to locate humphack, finback and minke whales, as well as seals, porpoises, sharks, ocean sunfish and a variety of seabirds.
Operating out of Barnstable since 1980, Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises will bring you straight to the beautiful sights—and graceful 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, their calves, and their native waters, as well as answer any lingering questions you may have along the way.
On your next excursion to Provincetown, consider hopping aboard one of the Dolphin Fleet Whale Watch vessels to spot the whales living off the very tip of Cape Cod. The company dates back to 1975, and claims to have the largest and most successful whale-watching fleet in the country. Their cruises last between 3-4 hours, and provide plenty of seating on both the upper and lower decks—so you won’t be elbowing anyone for a good vantage point.
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