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Boston attractions

Boston Whale Watching Tours

Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction.

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Boston skyline at sunset with prominent skyscrapers and Charles River in the foreground.
Guests enjoying a Boston sunset cruise with city skyline and sailboats in the background.
Custom House Tower in Boston with a clear blue sky backdrop.
USS Constitution docked at Boston Harbor with city skyline in the background.
Boston Harbor with skyline view of Financial District, Massachusetts, USA.
Guests enjoying a Boston sunset cruise with city skyline and sailboats in the background.
Boston downtown skyscrapers with Charles River in the foreground.
Boston skyline at sunset with prominent skyscrapers and Charles River in the foreground.
Guests enjoying a Boston sunset cruise with city skyline and sailboats in the background.
Custom House Tower in Boston with a clear blue sky backdrop.
USS Constitution docked at Boston Harbor with city skyline in the background.
Boston Harbor with skyline view of Financial District, Massachusetts, USA.
Guests enjoying a Boston sunset cruise with city skyline and sailboats in the background.
Boston downtown skyscrapers with Charles River in the foreground.
Boston skyline at sunset with prominent skyscrapers and Charles River in the foreground.
Guests enjoying a Boston sunset cruise with city skyline and sailboats in the background.
Custom House Tower in Boston with a clear blue sky backdrop.
USS Constitution docked at Boston Harbor with city skyline in the background.
Boston Harbor with skyline view of Financial District, Massachusetts, USA.
Guests enjoying a Boston sunset cruise with city skyline and sailboats in the background.
Boston downtown skyscrapers with Charles River in the foreground.
Sightseeing Cruises
NEW

Boston Harbor Sunset Cruise

from
$55.20
Free cancellation

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

Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
1 hr. 30 min.
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION90 minutes
FREQUENCYOnce a day
MODE OF TRANSFERBoat
Timeline
Map
START POINT

Boston Harbor City Cruises - Long Wharf

Get direction

Passes by

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Custom House Tower

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South Boston

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Castle Island

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Boston Logan International Airport

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East Boston

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USS Constitution

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North End, Boston

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Old North Church

9

END POINT

Boston Harbor City Cruises - Long Wharf

Witness the USS Constitution's sunset ceremony on a guided cruise of the Boston Harbor.

  • Everything you get: Witness the Boston skies turn vibrant orange as you cruise along the iconic Boston Harbor aboard a spacious boat with outdoor decks and indoor seating. Led by a local English-speaking guide, hear engaging stories about the harbor’s rich past and present. Get an up-close view of the USS Constitution’s sunset ceremony, including the traditional cannon salute that marks the end of the day.
  • Why choose this: This is a wholesome Boston Harbor experience that combines sightseeing, expert storytelling, and witnessing the USS Constitution's sunset ceremony.

Witness the USS Constitution's sunset ceremony on a guided cruise of the Boston Harbor.

  • Everything you get: Witness the Boston skies turn vibrant orange as you cruise along the iconic Boston Harbor aboard a spacious boat with outdoor decks and indoor seating. Led by a local English-speaking guide, hear engaging stories about the harbor’s rich past and present. Get an up-close view of the USS Constitution’s sunset ceremony, including the traditional cannon salute that marks the end of the day.
  • Why choose this: This is a wholesome Boston Harbor experience that combines sightseeing, expert storytelling, and witnessing the USS Constitution's sunset ceremony.

Inclusions

  • 90-minute sunset cruise
  • Knowledgeable guide
  • Outdoor observation decks
  • Indoor viewing areas with large windows

Exclusions

  • Food & drinks
  • The boat is wheelchair accessible.
  • Food & beverages are available for purchase onboard.
  • Arrive at least 15 minutes before departure time.
  • The dress code is casual attire—avoid athleisure, swimwear, and flip-flops.
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Frederick L Nolan Jr boat cruising Boston Harbor with city skyline in background.
Guests enjoying the Historic Boston Harbor Cruise with views of the Boston skyline and historic ships.
Boston Harbor waterfront skyline with city buildings and boats, Massachusetts.
Bunker Hill Monument viewed from Boston Harbor with sailboats in the foreground.
Tourists photographing the USS Constitution in Boston Harbor.
Boston Harbor view with city skyline in the background, highlighting Boston's waterfront attractions.
Guests enjoying views of Boston skyline on Historic Boston Harbor Cruise.
Frederick L Nolan Jr boat cruising Boston Harbor with city skyline in background.
Guests enjoying the Historic Boston Harbor Cruise with views of the Boston skyline and historic ships.
Boston Harbor waterfront skyline with city buildings and boats, Massachusetts.
Bunker Hill Monument viewed from Boston Harbor with sailboats in the foreground.
Tourists photographing the USS Constitution in Boston Harbor.
Boston Harbor view with city skyline in the background, highlighting Boston's waterfront attractions.
Guests enjoying views of Boston skyline on Historic Boston Harbor Cruise.
Frederick L Nolan Jr boat cruising Boston Harbor with city skyline in background.
Guests enjoying the Historic Boston Harbor Cruise with views of the Boston skyline and historic ships.
Boston Harbor waterfront skyline with city buildings and boats, Massachusetts.
Bunker Hill Monument viewed from Boston Harbor with sailboats in the foreground.
Tourists photographing the USS Constitution in Boston Harbor.
Boston Harbor view with city skyline in the background, highlighting Boston's waterfront attractions.
Guests enjoying views of Boston skyline on Historic Boston Harbor Cruise.
Sightseeing Cruises
NEW

Historic Boston Harbor Cruise

from
$46
Free cancellation

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

Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
1 hr.
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION60 minutes
FREQUENCYFive times a day, between 10am—4pm
MODE OF TRANSFERBoat
Timeline
Map
START POINT

1 Long Wharf

Get direction

Passes by

stop-image

Bunker Hill Monument

stop-image

Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park

stop-image

USS Constitution

stop-image

Old North Church

stop-image

South Boston

6

END POINT

1 Long Wharf

Sail past some of Boston's historic landmarks on this guided sightseeing cruise.

Everything you get: Enjoy a one-hour scenic sightseeing cruise around the iconic Boston Harbor aboard a spacious boat with comfortable indoor and outdoor viewing areas. Spot historic landmarks along the city's skyline, including the USS Constitution and the Bunker Hill Monument, as your expert guide regales you with heroic tales of war and local legends.

Why choose this: A guided sightseeing cruise of Boston Harbor is a great way to see the city's historic landmarks and learn about them. It's especially recommended if you're short on time.

Sail past some of Boston's historic landmarks on this guided sightseeing cruise.

Everything you get: Enjoy a one-hour scenic sightseeing cruise around the iconic Boston Harbor aboard a spacious boat with comfortable indoor and outdoor viewing areas. Spot historic landmarks along the city's skyline, including the USS Constitution and the Bunker Hill Monument, as your expert guide regales you with heroic tales of war and local legends.

Why choose this: A guided sightseeing cruise of Boston Harbor is a great way to see the city's historic landmarks and learn about them. It's especially recommended if you're short on time.

Inclusions

  • 1-hour Harbor cruise
  • Knowledgeable guide
  • Outdoor observation decks
  • Indoor viewing areas with large windows

Exclusions

  • Food & drinks
  • While infant entry is free, make sure to select the free infant ticket option at checkout.
  • The boat is wheelchair accessible.
  • Food & drinks are available for purchase onboard.
  • Arrive at least 15 minutes before departure time.
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
BostonBoston Whale Watching Cruises

Sail through this Boston whale watching tour guide

  1. Why go on a Boston whale watching tour
  2. Things to know before booking your Boston cruise
  3. Find your ideal cruise
  4. What you’ll see on the cruise
  5. Plan your visit
  6. Frequently asked questions about the Boston whale watching tour

Why go on a Boston whale watching tour

1/6

Spot majestic whales in their natural habitat

This cruise is your best shot at seeing humpback, finback, and minke whales in the wild. Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, just 25 miles off Boston’s coast, is a rich feeding ground that draws these giants from April to October—making it one of the top whale-watching spots worldwide.

Explore a rich marine ecosystem

Beyond whales, Stellwagen Bank is teeming with diverse marine life, including Atlantic white-sided dolphins, harbor porpoises, and a variety of seabirds, such as shearwaters and gannets.

Learn from expert naturalists

The cruise is led by expert naturalists from the New England Aquarium, an organization that has cared for and protected the ocean and its animals for more than 50 years. With them as your cruise guide, you can have all your questions answered—from their behavior to their diet.

Enjoy a comfortable voyage aboard a catamaran

The catamarans used on this cruise are custom-made, high-speed boats that are luxuriously equipped to make your voyage comfortable. This includes spacious outdoor viewing decks, climate-controlled indoor spaces with upholstered seating, large windows, and a snack bar serving light snacks & drinks for purchase.

Spot iconic landmarks

You can also pick a sightseeing cruise to see the rest of Boston Harbour, which features some iconic landmarks, such as the USS Constitution, Bunker Hill Monument, Old North Church, and Castle Island.

Support marine conservation efforts

By choosing this cruise, you are contributing to marine conservation and providing economic benefits to the local community. Local operators collaborate with organizations like the New England Aquarium and the Center for Coastal Studies to conduct research and promote responsible whale-watching practices.

Things to know before booking your Boston cruise

There are three cruise types to choose from:

  • Whale watching tours: One of the top things to do in Boston, this guided cruise is one-of-a-kind, which takes you out into the sea to a rich feeding ground where whales, dolphins, and other marine creatures live.
  • Historic sightseeing cruise: Set within the Boston Harbor, this guided cruise is a great way to spot and learn about the landmarks along the coast, within an hour.
  • Historic sightseeing cruise at sunset: In addition to the historic landmarks, this guided tour brings you up close to the USS Constitution’s sunset ceremonies, including a cannon firing.

Find your ideal cruise

Cruise type
Unique selling point [USP]
Duration
Timings
Best for
Recommended tour
Whale watching
Experience majestic whales in their natural habitat at Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary.
3—4 hours
Apr—Oct, daily between 10am—3:30pm
Nature enthusiasts and wildlife photographers
Boston Whale Watching Cruise
Sightseeing
Narrated tour showcasing Boston's historic landmarks from the harbor.
1 hour
Daily, between 10am—5pm
First-time visitors and history buffs
Historic Boston Harbor Cruise
Sunset sightseeing
Relaxing evening cruise with an up-close view of the USS Constitution’s sunset ceremonies.
1.5 hours
Daily, at 7pm
Romantic outings and sunset lovers
Boston Harbor Sunset Cruise

Plan your visit

Location
Timings
Best season to go
Best time to go
Operator
Facilities
Rules & regulations
Visitor tips

All cruises depart from Long Wharf, a historic waterfront pier.
Find on Maps

How to get here?

  • Blue line subway: It connects to the Aquarium station, which is a 6-minute walk to the pier.
  • By MBTA: The ferry connects Hingham and Hull ferry to Long Wharf.
  • From Logan Airport: Take the Route 66 On-Airport Shuttle to the Water Transportation Dock and then hop on the Hingham/Hull ferry.
  • By car: Paid parking facilities are available nearby, starting at $28 per hour.
  • Whale watching cruise: The first boat departs at 10am, and the duration can vary from 3—4 hours.
  • Sightseeing cruise: The first boat departs at 10am and the duration is for 1 hour.
  • Sunset cruise: The boat departs at 7pm and the duration is 90 minutes.
  • Whale watching cruise: While this is a seasonal cruise (late March—mid-November), peak sightings occur from May—October.
  • Sightseeing cruise: April through October, when the weather is pleasant and landmarks are easily visible.
  • Sunset cruise: Late spring through early fall (May to September) for the most vibrant sunsets.
  • Whale watching cruise: Morning departures are ideal due to calmer seas and fewer crowds. Calmer waters enhance visibility and comfort, resulting in enjoyable whale watching.
  • Sightseeing cruise: Late morning to early afternoon (10 am to 2 pm) offers optimal lighting for photography and sightseeing.
  • Sunset cruise: The cruise timings are set to catch the sunset and the ceremonies.
  • Boston Harbor City Cruises: They are partnered with the New England Aquarium for whale watching aboard high-speed catamarans.
  • The operator is the same for sightseeing and sunset cruises, complete with an expert guide offering narrations of the historic landmarks and the sunset ceremonies aboard the USS Constitution.
  • High-speed catamarans with climate-controlled indoor cabins for the whale watching cruises; comfortable boats with outdoor and indoor decks for the sightseeing cruises.
  • Restrooms
  • Full-service bars serving beverages and snacks.
  • Wifi connectivity
  • Knowledgeable guide
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Follow crew instructions—especially while boarding and disembarking.
  • Maintain distance from wildlife and avoid behaviors that may distress them.
  • Getting beverages from outside, pets, and fireworks are prohibited on the boats.
  • Carry binoculars since most whales appear at a distance from your boat. 
  • If you’re prone to motion sickness, sit on the lower deck, near the boat’s centre, where there is less movement.
  • The cruise will take approximately four hours—plan at least half a day for the tour. Carry snacks—it’s going to be a long day.
  • If you manage to snag a prime photo shooting spot, stay there.
  • Stand near one of the onboard speakers to better hear the naturalist.
  • Carry an extra pair of clothes, in case the waves drench you.

Frequently asked questions about the Boston whale watching tour

When is peak whale season?

Mid-April to October is the best time. Peak sightings usually happen between June and September when humpbacks, finbacks, and minkes are most active.

Are sightings guaranteed?

Sightings are very likely, but not guaranteed. Operators offer a free return ticket if no whales are spotted.

Are Boston cruises kid-friendly?

Yes, they are. Whale watching and sightseeing cruises are great for kids—an educational experience and comfortable travel.

What if I get seasick on my cruise?

If you’re prone to motion sickness, take medication 30–60 minutes before boarding. Boats move fast, and the water can be choppy.

Is there a dress code?

No dress code, but it’s best to dress in layers. It can be cooler on the water even in summer.

Can I feed the whales?

No. Feeding or touching marine life is strictly prohibited for safety and environmental reasons.

Will I spot whales on my sightseeing cruise?

No. Sightseeing cruises stay within Boston Harbor and don’t go far enough offshore to reach whale feeding grounds.

Will I spot landmarks on my whale watching tour?

Maybe just a few while departing Boston, but the tour focuses on marine life, not the harbor's historic sights.