Boston Whale Watching Cruises

Where to find whale watching cruises and tours in Boston

Boston whale watching cruises provides a special way to tour Boston Harbor to areas where some of the ocean's most fascinating creatures congregate just a short distance from the city. 

Whether you're visiting or live here, a whale watching cruise departing from Boston is a memorable experience - especially on hot summer days when the city gets steamy and a Boston Harbor cruise provides the perfect way to stay cool in the heat.

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

Boston Whale Watch Cruise Options, Costs, and Discounts

Three major whale watching cruise lines operate from downtown Boston wharves.  Despite minor differences, the 3-4 hour tours are all all excellent, so choose the one that fits your schedule the best. 

Fares vary slightly, but count on $40+ for adults (plus tax), and slightly less for children and seniors. If you have the Go Boston Card, you can go on a whale watch tour for free - one of the best deals in Boston.

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Choosing a Boston Whale Watch Cruise

All of the cruises go to Stellwagen Bank, a large protected marine sanctuary about 25 miles east of Boston.

Naturalists or marine biologists guide the Boston whale watching tours. They give you lots of interesting information about what you see. 

Boston Harbor Cruises

High-speed catamarans whisk you to Stellwagen Bank, keeping the total length of the cruise at about 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.  Free with the Go Boston Card.

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Massachusetts Bay Lines

Four-hour cruises on boats with multiple decks offer maximum viewing opportunities.  Massachusetts Bay Lines is affiliated with Whale Net, an educational research program focused on whales and marine research.  On-board 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

A high-speed catamaran, the Voyager III, zips 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.  Buy tickets and depart on Central Wharf, in front of the Aquarium.  

Boston Whale-Watching Sights

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.

This rich feeding ground attracts whales, dolphins, seabirds, and more.  You'll usually see several types of whales, including northern right whales, minke whales, humpback whales, finback whales, and pilot whales.  If you're lucky, you may also spot 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 at the top of this page is doing.  Needless to say, something this large makes a very big splash!  Your boat will rock!

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 usually get as close as they can to the whales and other mammals without endangering them.  

All three 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, look for spectacular views of the Boston city skyline, Boston Harbor, and Harbor Islands. 

Photo of Boston skyline taken from whale watch cruise

What to Bring on a Boston Whale Watching Cruise

Must-bring items:

• 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

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 stay closer to the city, where flatter seas prevail.

Beyond Whale Watching - More Fun Boston Tours

Boston Trolley Tours	Boston Harbor Tours	Boston Duck Tours	More Boston Tours

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