Boston Whale Watching Cruises





Duration
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
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Fast whale-watching boats with wide-open decks and cozy cabins keep you comfortable on a stable cruise to rich offshore feeding grounds.
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Aquarium-trained naturalists and onboard educators guide your watch, with teaching tools, safety gear, and access to snacks and drinks to buy.
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Cruise out to Stellwagen Bank sanctuary to spot humpback, fin, minke, and right whales, plus Atlantic white-sided dolphins and harbor porpoises.
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Indoor and outdoor viewing areas offer chances to spot whales and other marine life, with onboard experts and food and drinks available for purchase.
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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.
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Whale-watching cruise on Stellwagen Bank
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Large catamaran with indoor and outdoor viewing areas [as per option selected]
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Departure from Gloucester [as per option selected]
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Departure from Central Wharf in downtown Boston [as per option selected]
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3–4 hour whale watching cruise [as per option selected]
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Heated, furnished indoor cabin [as per option selected]
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Guaranteed whale sightings on every tour [as per option selected]
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Narration by New England Aquarium naturalists [as per option selected]
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Full cash bar and light snacks available for purchase
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Picnic lunch (unless you bring your own or purchase from the galley)
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Alcoholic beverages and food from the galley are available for purchase, not included in ticket price
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You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- 411 reviews4.8
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What to bring
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Voucher: Bring your digital or printed voucher to check in before boarding.
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Clothing: Wear warm, windproof layers, as it is cooler and windier at Stellwagen Bank.
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Sun protection: Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, as outdoor decks have limited shade.
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Footwear: Wear closed-toe, non-slip shoes suitable for walking on a wet vessel deck.
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Food and drinks: Bring your own picnic lunch if you prefer not to buy food from the galley.
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Payment: Bring cash if you plan to buy hot meals, snacks, or alcoholic drinks on board.
What’s not allowed
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Wildlife interaction: Do not attempt to touch or feed any whales, dolphins, or marine wildlife at any time.
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Outside alcohol: Do not bring your own alcoholic beverages, as a fully stocked bar is available on board.
Additional information
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Sighting guarantee: Guaranteed whale sightings are included on cruises departing from Gloucester.
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Duration: The downtown Boston catamaran option runs for approximately 3 to 4 hours.
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Route: All cruises travel out to Stellwagen Bank, a protected national marine sanctuary.
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Vessel type: The Gloucester option uses the Hurricane II, the largest whale vessel north of Boston.
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Onboard facilities: Both vessels feature heated indoor cabins and indoor and outdoor viewing areas.
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Booking: Trips fill up quickly, so you should reserve your preferred departure in advance.
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Families: The cruise is described as great for children, with onboard teaching tools and educators.
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Parking: Free and easy parking is available just steps from the Gloucester departure boat.
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Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly. Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point. Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.
100% ticket guarantee
Receive tickets on time, for the experience you've booked.
100% experience guarantee
Get a refund if your experience doesn't happen as promised.
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