Whale Watching

Boston Whale Watching Cruises

4.8/5(415)

Brittany H

Couple

Verified booking

3 days ago

Everybody on the cruise but it's extremely knowledgeable and helpful on explaining things. They were very helpful with everybody that did get seasick due to the rough waters. They kept everything common controlled and we even spotted 15 to 20 humpback whales and experience we will never forget!!!

Chai S

Couple

Verified booking

Last week

The staff was kind/friendly and Thomas was a great naturalist/guide despite not being able to speak as much as he normally would. Allowing everyone to take in all of the activity from the multiple whale sightings.

Christiana W

Couple

Verified booking

Sep 2026

First the weather was great. Having read your tips we brought the right clothing for when we were out on the waters. The excitement of seeing the whales with their calves was the best part. We were excited to see the whales and some dolphins were all around our boat. I was able to capture some great moments with my camera. I loved sharing what I captured on camera with the researchers who were logging the whales to identify them. And they shared with several of us how they can identify each whale by the markings on their tail. The whole experience was awesome. Finally I appreciated that the captain and crew always respected the whales and their environment, giving them their space. The researcher on board helped me to become more knowledgeable about whale life and their habits. I hope the photos that I submit will help identify the whales better. Thank you.

Karen F

Group

Verified booking

Sep 2026

Our cruise turned out to be a beautiful weather day. Our crew was pleasant and helpful giving us directions while boarding, while explaining what to expect on the journey out to Stellwagon Bank where if we were lucky would get to meet up with whales they had seen the day before. Once we arrived our naturalist/marine biologist explained the process the whales were going through to feed, while helping the environment reduce the carbon footprint that helps the earth stay healthy. The crew was able to name some of the humpback whales. We saw between 30-37 that day. Some were named Four, Mufskipper, Decimal, Dyad, Anvil and her calf. Some of the behaviors were witnessed were flunking dives, bubble clouds, subsurface feeding, as well as, 2 breaches by adult humpbacks and a calf rolling. A great trip with a very knowledgeable, pleasant crew.

Keith J

Couple

Verified booking

Sep 2026

The Harbour Cruises Whale Watching tour is one of the best trips I have ever been on! They warned people very strongly that it was possibly going to be a rough trip and gave them the chance to get off and rearrange their trip. Even with a bumpy trip, we saw 3 whales all together, closer in than expected and they gave us a show to remember! The biologist on board was fantastic and her commentary was top notch. Simply.... DO THIS TOUR!

Carlene F

Couple

Verified booking

Sep 2026

My husband and I went on the whale watch for our anniversary. It was an excellent experience. The captain and crew were all amazing. Sydney was the girl who went and talked about the whales on the tour. She was extremely knowledgeable and sweet. We saw about 8 different groups of whales. The boat ride was great, the food and drinks available were good and a variety. We will definitely do this again.

Fast whale-watching boats with wide-open decks and cozy cabins keep you comfortable on a stable cruise to rich offshore feeding grounds.

Aquarium-trained naturalists and onboard educators guide your watch, with teaching tools, safety gear, and access to snacks and drinks to buy.

Cruise out to Stellwagen Bank sanctuary to spot humpback, fin, minke, and right whales, plus Atlantic white-sided dolphins and harbor porpoises.

Indoor and outdoor viewing areas offer chances to spot whales and other marine life, with onboard experts and food and drinks available for purchase.

Choose Gloucester’s Hurricane II departure or a Boston Wharf catamaran trip by the Aquarium, so you can match the cruise timing to your plans.

Whale-watching cruise on Stellwagen Bank

Large catamaran with indoor and outdoor viewing areas [as per option selected]

Departure from Gloucester [as per option selected]

Departure from Central Wharf in downtown Boston [as per option selected]

3–4 hour whale watching cruise [as per option selected]

Heated, furnished indoor cabin [as per option selected]

Guaranteed whale sightings on every tour [as per option selected]

Narration by New England Aquarium naturalists [as per option selected]

Full cash bar and light snacks available for purchase

Picnic lunch (unless you bring your own or purchase from the galley)

Alcoholic beverages and food from the galley are available for purchase, not included in ticket price

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

415 reviews
How do we collect reviews?
These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
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Guests from United Kingdom, Italy, Canada and over 22 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Brittany H
Couple
Verified booking
3 days ago
Everybody on the cruise but it's extremely knowledgeable and helpful on explaining things. They were very helpful with everybody that did get seasick due to the rough waters. They kept everything common controlled and we even spotted 15 to 20 humpback whales and experience we will never forget!!!
Chai S
Couple
Verified booking
Last week
The staff was kind/friendly and Thomas was a great naturalist/guide despite not being able to speak as much as he normally would. Allowing everyone to take in all of the activity from the multiple whale sightings.
Laury W
Solo
Verified booking
2 weeks ago
Saw tons of whales and crew was amazing. Highlight of my trip
Kristaps S
Family
Verified booking
Last week
Time spent with family, the weather, and the ocean.
Matthew K
Couple
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
Very well equipped boat and seen lots of 🐋

What to bring

Voucher: Bring your digital or printed voucher to check in before boarding.

Clothing: Wear warm, windproof layers, as it is cooler and windier at Stellwagen Bank.

Sun protection: Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, as outdoor decks have limited shade.

Footwear: Wear closed-toe, non-slip shoes suitable for walking on a wet vessel deck.

Food and drinks: Bring your own picnic lunch if you prefer not to buy food from the galley.

Payment: Bring cash if you plan to buy hot meals, snacks, or alcoholic drinks on board.

What’s not allowed

Wildlife interaction: Do not attempt to touch or feed any whales, dolphins, or marine wildlife at any time.

Outside alcohol: Do not bring your own alcoholic beverages, as a fully stocked bar is available on board.

Additional information

Sighting guarantee: Guaranteed whale sightings are included on cruises departing from Gloucester.

Duration: The downtown Boston catamaran option runs for approximately 3 to 4 hours.

Route: All cruises travel out to Stellwagen Bank, a protected national marine sanctuary.

Vessel type: The Gloucester option uses the Hurricane II, the largest whale vessel north of Boston.

Onboard facilities: Both vessels feature heated indoor cabins and indoor and outdoor viewing areas.

Booking: Trips fill up quickly, so you should reserve your preferred departure in advance.

Families: The cruise is described as great for children, with onboard teaching tools and educators.

Parking: Free and easy parking is available just steps from the Gloucester departure boat.