Boston Whale Watching Season and Best Tours

Boston whale watching tours offer a thrilling opportunity to see majestic marine wildlife up close. Most tours depart from Boston Harbor and venture to Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, a rich feeding ground for humpback, fin, and minke whales, as well as dolphins and seabirds.

Tours typically last 3–4 hours and often feature naturalists who provide fascinating insights about marine ecology and whale behavior. To maximize your experience, consider booking during peak whale watching season (April to October) and bringing binoculars, sunscreen, and layered clothing for the sea breeze.

Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned wildlife enthusiast, these tours promise unforgettable encounters with some of nature's most awe-inspiring creatures.

Boston is home to a number of high quality whale watch tours that depart from various docks in the city, the north shore and Cape Cod.  Here are a few local favorites:

Boston Harbor Cruise Whale Watching Tours - Boston

Boston Harbor Cruise Whale Watching - Boston Harbor Cruises offers Boston's only three-hour whale watch cruise on high speed catamaran vessels.  Three outside decks offer optimum viewing capability and a climate controlled interior cabin provides cushioned seating, tables and a galley for eats.  

photo courtesy of Boston Harbor Cruises

New England Aquarium / BHCC Whale Watching Tours - Boston

New England Aquarium Whale Watching - The New England Aquarium has partnered with Boston Harbor City Cruises to give visitors front-row seats to view the ocean’s most fascinating and magnificent animals. Join us! The New England Aquarium Whale Watch conveniently departs from Central Wharf. 

photo credit: Boston Harbor City Cruises

Featuring the only boats in Boston designed specifically for whale watching, with trivia, paper and crayons, snack bar, comfortable main cabin, and restrooms. 

Departing from Boston’s Central Wharf, the whale watches run three to four hours on high-speed catamarans with outdoor viewing decks and indoor spaces with large windows.

A full bar is available onboard along with light snacks for purchase. BHCC has also taken steps toward reducing single-use plastics onboard whale watch vessels, including the removal of plastic water bottles.

Seven Seas Whale Watch - Gloucester

Seven Seas Whale Watch - 7 Seas Whale Watch has been leading whale watching tours from Gloucester, MA for over 30 years from mid-April through October.  Located in the heart of historic downtown Gloucester, The Privateer IV is a most comfortable and elegant vessel to whale watch on.  Sightings guaranteed.

photo credit: Yankee Magazine

Dolphin Whale Watch - Provincetown/Cape Cod

Dolphin Whale Watch - Enjoy the beauty of the Outer Cape as you depart Provincetown traveling along the National Seashore, viewing the beaches, lighthouses and the very tip of Cape Cod. Dolphin Fleet Whale Watch is ranked as one of the top activities for Cape Cod.

photo courtesy of Boston Harbor Cruises

Captain John Boats Provincetown Whale Watch - Cape Cod

Captain John Boats Provincetown Whale Watch - You’ll be thrilled at the sight of the great whales of North Atlantic: Humpback, Finback, Minke, Right and Pilot whales. A first class on the water experience narrated by talented naturalists who provide exciting commentary about each species you may encounter on the trip.

Food, beverage and bar service available on board. Captain John's boats ensure optimal comfort and enjoyment for all passengers. Departs daily at noon daily in July and August. 

photo courtesy of Captain John's Whale Watch

There are lots more activities to enjoy during the warmer months in Boston, including Water Parks, Beaches near Boston, and family-friendly Boston events.  Plan your summer accordingly with our helpful guides helping you navigate finding all sorts of fun things to do in Boston with your family and friends.

If you are looking for specific events and activities during the summer, our monthly summer guides (Boston June events; and Boston July events; and also Boston August events; etc..) are great resources for highlights about popular things to see & do in Boston during the summer months.

You can find lots more things to do with kids near Boston all year round in our handy guide to family fun!  During the warmer months, you might like to check out some waterparks near Boston,  or find a new playground for your family to explore.  

For more ideas on things to do in Boston, visit our handy guide to help you navigate the best family-friendly places to visit.

On the occasion of a rainy day in Boston - here are some ideas for indoor things to do until the sun returns.  Our specialty is helping people find fun things to do in Boston with kids - so we've got all sorts of resources on hand to help you do just that. 

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