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Boston Whale Watching Tours
Spot whales and dolphins in their natural habitats on a guided cruise that goes beyond the typical sightseeing.
Everything you get: Enjoy a 3–4 hour scenic cruise aboard a large, stable catamaran with indoor and outdoor viewing areas. Spot whales, dolphins, and seabirds at a protected marine sanctuary, with expert narration from naturalists. Sit comfortably in climate-controlled cabins and soak up incredible ocean views.
Why choose this: Led by New England Aquarium naturalists, the cruise offers your best chance to spot whales and dolphins in their natural habitats—and learn about them, too.
Spot whales and dolphins in their natural habitats on a guided cruise that goes beyond the typical sightseeing.
Everything you get: Enjoy a 3–4 hour scenic cruise aboard a large, stable catamaran with indoor and outdoor viewing areas. Spot whales, dolphins, and seabirds at a protected marine sanctuary, with expert narration from naturalists. Sit comfortably in climate-controlled cabins and soak up incredible ocean views.
Why choose this: Led by New England Aquarium naturalists, the cruise offers your best chance to spot whales and dolphins in their natural habitats—and learn about them, too.
Inclusions
- 3-4 hour cruise
- Knowledgeable naturalist from the New England Aquarium on board
- Comfortable high-speed catamaran with outdoor observation decks
- Climate-controlled cabin with large windows
- Cushioned seats
- State-of-the-art audio and video systems
Exclusions
- Food & drinks from the snack bar
- Infant tickets must be purchased onboard.
- Visitors who are prone to motion sickness are advised to take medication before boarding the boat.
- Check your email before the cruise for any information on rough seas or bad weather.
- Whale sightings can be unpredictable, so we recommend allowing extra time in your schedule in case the cruise runs longer than expected.
- Food and drinks are available for purchase onboard.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Reviews
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Guests from Spain, Austria, United Kingdom and over 8 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Rebecca
Jul 2025Verified booking
A fun way to be on a boat! The staff were incredibly knowledgeable. We had a great trip, but we really just seemed to follow one whale around. I'm not sure if that's the norm and that sometimes you may not even see a whale, but it would've been nice to try to explore to see if there were other things to see. That's my only criticism, but otherwise it was amazing. We had some great views! Highly recommend.
Islam
Jul 2025Verified booking
The experience was amazing. The tour guide was so amazing and Informative and clearly knew what he was talking about. The staff was so kind and being so close to the whales was unreal. Definitely would go again. Recommend to everyone.
Dixie
Jul 2025Verified booking
We saw a Humpback whale surfacing several times from the moment we got to feeding ground until we left. At times very close to our vessel. My 6 year old, my husband, & I had a delightful day. Weather was great!
Stephanie
Jul 2025Verified booking
I really liked how informational it was. It was nice to see how dedicated the crew was to help people feel OK comfortable or safe and informed about the whales. I liked a lot of fun facts. They would tell us while we were watching the whales and how they called it ethical whale watching.
Srikant
Jul 2025Verified booking
Very Nice experience. Captain and crew are very good. Captain took extra efforts to make sure we get good whale watching experience. Our ride lated 1.5 hr more than scheduled so that we dont miss out any whale species found in that area.
Nicholas
Jun 2025Verified booking
Easy ticketing experience with Headout who we used throughout our USA trip. This was a late booking as the 103deg temperature caused us to switch from our intended walking visit to historic Boston Back Bay. The trip was sensational. Knowledgeable staff, friendly banter and an excellent catamaran. Plenty of whale sightings supported by helpful crew narrative Two suggestions; queining in the 103deg heat was difficult. Having a sun-cover that can be stretched along the walkway would be a help. Also, despite our best attempts we both failed to capture pics and videos that matched what we saw. If Boston Tickets had a crew member skilled in the task I am sure there would be a demand to download the results of each sailing at a fee
Christine
Jun 2025Verified booking
We saw two different shakes and the captain was great about following them. My group was hoping to see additional different whales, not just following the two we saw.
Daniela
Jun 2025Verified booking
Ticket easy online purchase . Awesome boat trip . Fantastic guide. The whales were seen as promised . It was a perfect day for me
ANA
Jun 2025Verified booking
It was wonderful. We saw several whales, the team was super attentive. I will totally come back to do it again and if all goes well, see other species of whales and even dolphins.
Angela
Jul 2025Verified booking
Great and knowledgeable staff!
Loammi
Jun 2025Verified booking
It was awesome! Amazing crew and amazing experience.
Kelly
Jun 2025Verified booking
The Whale Watching experience was phenominal. The ticketing experience was not good at all.
Darlyne
Jun 2025Verified booking
The best aquarium ever. The whale watching was the best ever
Susan
Jun 2025Verified booking
Loved it!! Saw whales it was in credible
Randall
Jul 2025Verified booking
Julie
Jul 2025Verified booking
Cynthia
Jul 2025Verified booking
Cathy
Jul 2025Verified booking
Amy
Jul 2025Verified booking
Sanjib
Jul 2025Verified booking
Steven
Jul 2025Verified booking
Jana
Jul 2025Verified booking
oleksandr
Jun 2025Verified booking
Patricia
Jun 2025Verified booking
Melissa
Jun 2025Verified booking
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.
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.
BostonBoston Whale Watching Cruises
Why go on a Boston whale watching tour
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.
Highlights of your whale watching experience
✔️ High-speed catamarans
✔️ Professional, knowledgeable naturalists on board
✔️ Sightings guaranteed and scenic views
✔️ Outdoor viewing decks and indoor spaces with large windows
Find your ideal cruise
Cruise type
Why choose this?
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
What you’ll see on your tour
See all photos
Plan your visit
Location
Timings
Best time to go
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 cruises are seasonal, with peak sightings from May—October. Morning departures are ideal for calmer seas, fewer crowds, and better visibility—making for a more enjoyable experience.
- Sightseeing cruises are best from April through October, when the weather is pleasant and visibility is good. Late morning to early afternoon (10am to 2pm) offers the best lighting for photos and views.
- Sunset cruises are best from late spring to early fall (May–September), with sailings timed to catch the sunset and flag-lowering ceremony.
- High-speed catamarans with climate-controlled indoor cabins for the whale watching cruises; comfortable boats with outdoor and indoor decks for the sightseeing cruises.
- Clean and accessible restrooms onboard, designed to support guests with limited mobility.
- Full-service bars serving beverages and snacks; outside food and beverages are not allowed.
- Basic Wi-Fi connectivity is available, although signal strength may vary offshore.
- Wheelchair accessibility includes boarding ramps and indoor seating; outdoor decks may have limited access.
- Follow crew instructions—especially while boarding and disembarking.
- Maintain distance from wildlife and avoid behaviors that may distress them.
- Carrying 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.
Things to do after your whale watching tour
View Boston
Get a 360° view of the city from the Prudential Tower’s observation deck, with interactive exhibits and rooftop experiences showcasing Boston’s skyline and history.
Book your tickets
Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tours
Explore Boston at your own pace with hop-on hop-off bus tours that stop at major attractions like Fenway Park, Quincy Market, and the Freedom Trail.
Book your ticketsFrequently asked questions about Boston whale watching tours
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.