Boston Whale Watching Cruises

Looking for things to do in Boston?  
Try a whale watch trip!

Boston whale watching cruises rank as a top favorite among Boston tourism attractions. 

But whale watch tours are also popular with everyone, especially on hot summer days when Boston gets steamy and you're looking for things to do to stay cool in the heat.

These special tours offer a great way to combine Boston Harbor cruises with a close look at magnificent marine mammals, fish, and birds - plus enjoy gorgeous scenery and fresh sea breezes.

They're also very convenient.  Three well-established groups offer whale watching cruises departing from Boston's downtown waterfront.  With professional naturalists and marine biologists on board, the trips are educational as well as entertaining.

Whale watch tours last 3-4 hours, depending on weather conditions and the speed of the boat taking you to the most popular site at Stellwagen Bank, a large protected marine sanctuary about 25 miles east of Boston.

What will you see on a Boston whale watching cruise?

Seventeen species of marine mammals have been spotted in the Stellwagen Bank sanctuary, a fairly shallow area covering 842 square miles.  When glaciers receeded from here about 18,000 years ago, they deposited rocks and other glacial debris that now provide excellent habitat for diverse marine life - and a popular feeding ground for the whales. 

Humpback whale photographed at Stellwagen Bank near Boston
Copyright 2007 Whit Welles

Mammals that you're most likely to see include humpback whales, finback whales, minke whales, northern right whales, pilot whales, Atlantic white-sided dolphins, harbor porpoises, and harbor seals. 

Humpback whales can be up to 50 feet long and 45 tons in weight.  If you're very lucky, you may get to see them "breach" - suddenly jump out of the sea.  That's what the one in the photo is doing.  Needless to say, something this large makes a very big splash!  You'll definitely feel the wake rocking your boat.

Finback whales are even bigger - up to 70 feet in length and 65 tons in weight.

Greater Shearwaters at Stellwagen Bank near Boston
Copyright 2009 Will Sweet

You'll also see lots of birds on and above the water, and perhaps fish swimming beneath the surface.  You probably won't see the lobster and other shellfish - but they're there as well, along with a lot of other marine life.

Once you reach Stellwagen Bank, your boat will slow down.   Voluntary speed limits have been in effect since 1999, when 3 whales were hit by whale watching boats, resulting in at least one whale death.

Boat captains generally tend to get as close as they can to the whales and other mammals without endangering them.  

All 3 of the major Boston whale watch cruise operations guarantee that you will either see at least one whale, or they will give you a complimentary ticket for another day.

In addition to whales and other marine life, you'll also see spectacular views of the Boston city skyline, Boston Harbor, and even some of the Harbor Islands. 

Photo of Boston skyline taken from whale watch cruise

Choosing a Boston whale watch cruise

Three major whale watching cruise lines operate from the downtown Boston wharves.  Despite some minor differences, the tours that they offer are all fairly similar. 

The 3 - 4 hour Boston whale watch tours are guided by naturalists or marine biologists who give you lots of interesting information about what you see.  All offer light snacks and beverages on board for purchase in case you get hungry or thirsty.

Fares are also very similar among the three companies.  (One company appears at first glance to offer slightly lower rates - but then adds a 10% service charge.)  Count on just under $40 for adults (plus tax), with somewhat reduced rates for children, seniors, and groups.  A couple of the cruise lines offer family rates (2 adults, 2 children) for even greater reductions at certain times.

Boston Harbor Cruises uses high-speed catamarans to whisk you to Stellwagen Bank.  If your time is limited, you may want to consider this option because when the weather cooperates, the high speed of the catamarans shortens the trips so that you'll be back to the dock in just 3 hours.  Boston Harbor Cruise naturalists are from the Whale Center of New England, a research center that studies New England whales.  Ticket sales and cruise departures are on Long Wharf.

Massachusetts Bay Lines offers 4 hour cruises on boats with multiple decks for maximum viewing opportunities.  Massachusetts Bay Lines is affiliated with Whale Net, an educational research program focused on whales and marine research.  On-line naturalists are marine biologists.  You can buy tickets at Rowes Wharf next to the Boston Harbor Hotel.  This is also where you'll depart on your cruise. 

New England Aquarium Whale Watch also uses a high-speed catamaran, the Voyager III, to zip you out to the Stellwagen Bank sanctuary.  Trips last 3-4 hours.  On-board marine biologists associated with the New England Aquarium point out sights along the way and share many interesting facts about the marine mammals and other sea life. You buy tickets and depart from the Aquarium located on Central Wharf. 

What to bring for Boston whale watching

Be sure to bring:

• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Camera, film, binoculars
• Comfortable shoes with rubber soles
• Jacket or sweater (no matter how hot the day is on land, you're going to feel some surprising cool ocean breezes once you're offshore
• Optional:  water bottle, snacks (you can also buy these on board)

Insider tips about Boston whale watching trips

The water can be choppy and even rough as you get farther from Boston.  If you have concerns about being seasick, consider bringing (and taking) motion sickness meds. 

If even the thought of rough seas makes you queasy, opt for one of the Boston Harbor cruises that stays closer to the city, where flatter seas prevail.

Details about Whale Watching in Boston

Contact information: 
  - Boston Harbor Cruises: 617-227-4321; website
  - Massachusetts Bay Lines:  617-542-8000; website
  - New England Aquarium:  617-973-5206; website
Nearest T station to all:  Blue Line/Aquarium
Open:  Varies, depending on the cruise line; widest range is early April through late October
Reservations:  Strongly recommended
Cost:  Varies - count on around $40 for adults, and somewhat discounted prices for children, seniors, groups, and (if offered) families 
Nearest parking: Boston Harbor Garage is closest but pricy.  Check garages near North End attractions for details and other options