Looking to see whales up close? Boston’s whale watching cruise is one of the best ways to experience marine life in New England. These cruises take you to Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary, a rich feeding ground where you’re likely to spot humpback, finback, and minke whales—sometimes even dolphins and sea birds.
This guide will help you choose and plan the most suitable cruise. Read on!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Known for their acrobatic breaches and haunting songs, humpbacks are a highlight of the cruise, often seen feeding and playing in the sanctuary's rich waters.
Mid-April to October is the best time. Peak sightings usually happen between June and September when humpbacks, finbacks, and minkes are most active.
Sightings are very likely, but not guaranteed. Operators offer a free return ticket if no whales are spotted.
Yes, they are. Whale watching and sightseeing cruises are great for kids—an educational experience and comfortable travel.
If you’re prone to motion sickness, take medication 30–60 minutes before boarding. Boats move fast, and the water can be choppy.
No dress code, but it’s best to dress in layers. It can be cooler on the water even in summer.
No. Feeding or touching marine life is strictly prohibited for safety and environmental reasons.
No. Sightseeing cruises stay within Boston Harbor and don’t go far enough offshore to reach whale feeding grounds.
Maybe just a few while departing Boston, but the tour focuses on marine life, not the harbor's historic sights.
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!
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
Easy to purchase. Just show qr code to get in!
It's nice experience. Nice place for Kids.
It was an awesome time out and about, was very knowledgeable and friendly staff, and a once in a lifetime experience. I think we spotted seven or eight whales, including one about 30 feet off of our starboard side! Once in a lifetime experience that I would highly recommend
The weather was beautiful. The crew was very pleasant and the whale watch was amazing. We got to see a great number of whales and the narrator did such a great job. I would highly recommend this whale watch if you are in boston.
The Captain and the saff highly professional, fun, informative and took us on an incredible adventure. Will go back, as figured out to listen better to the clock times announced and sometimes, just took ot all in without the cell. Amaz8ng day.
It was honestly a bit more pricey than I was hoping, but to be fair I'd certainly say it was worth it. My only true complain was that it didn't last quite as long as posted nor did we go out as far as postsd, but we did see a few different whales and a juvenile one being a bit crazy with a couple jumps (and coming within 10 feet of the boat to say hi!). Super nice boat & crew, good variety of snacks/food/drinks - would 100% recommend and go again.
Narrative by staff and history of whales being tracked for so long. Ship was clean and comfortable. Of of course seeing 5 whales including 2 different species was amazing.
I loved the experience. To start the trip, it was very easy to find the ship and know where to get in line. The guide spoke very clearly and was very knowledgeable! She did not over use the sound system. This helped make the trip very relaxing with the information necessary. We were able to see a shark, dolphins, whales, starfish and jellyfish all pointed out by the guide. I had an awesome time o. This experience!!
Warm day in Boston, which meant the cooler ocean temperature was more tolerable for me! Those who prefer the warmth definitely would benefit from a jacket. Naturalist did a great job at explaining/educating the guests on what was happening. I forget her name ... began with a C? We were on the tour on Mon., 08/04/25, 11:00am departure. We saw SEVERAL breaches from one humpback, and you can tell even she was excited! It's always more enjoyable when the guide really seems to enjoy their job as well! We saw primarily 2 humpbacks, but the one (Pitcher??) was putting on quite the show for us with the multiple breaches and lots of flipper slapping. It was a great time! Also got to see some Atlantic white sided dolphins on the way back too!! Other staff on board were also very friendly .... servers in the galley, those around the vessel to answer questions. I understand that we were lucky to see what we saw; sometimes nature doesn't always put on a show. I definitely cherished the time and appreciate the experience! ~Ken (along with Dave and Sam, Pennsylvania)
Great trip, staff was amazing, provided great information about the ecosystem, and we had great views of fin and minke whales. Easy to book too
The trip through Boston Harbor was nice. The whale ( yup, one) was 40 miles away off the coast of Provincetown. That can't be helped. But the boat was very crowded and the only things offered for sale in the galley were alcohol, sodas, with very little food, one chicken salad sandwich. No clam chowder, no sandwiches, hot dogs, pizza - nothing. Save your money and go to another whale watching company.
Seeing the whales was great. When we could see them. They kept the whales toward the front of the boat. When they did get on either side they would move the boat to have whales around 11 - 1 Only one bathroom. Only one person working the bar area. Over an hour waiting in line
Online ticketing was very easy. I loved that the Whale Watching Cruise was just steps away from the aquarium. That was so convenient. The onboard naturalist was so knowledgeable and interesting. That in itself made the entire trip so enjoyable and we saw multiple whales. The ride was comfortable with nice ammenities of food/drink available. Highly recommend to everyone!
Simple easy ticketing experience. The cruise and narration of the whale watching was very educative and overall the crew was wonderful.We were fortunate to see the whales
Ticketing vety efficient! Lots of information about the marine life and Boston marine landmarks. We saw whales and were very happy.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ticket easy online purchase . Awesome boat trip . Fantastic guide. The whales were seen as promised . It was a perfect day for me
The whale watch was great. Everyone on board was very friendly and knowledgeable. I will recommend to friends and look forward to going back next year!
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.
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
Nicholas
Jason
Robert
Ticketing was easy breezy, the harbor itself is beautiful and so rich in history. We had the pleasure of sitting on the top deck, and hands down our guide was an absolute fountain of knowledge and strories to tell. She was a total delight and added such a special facet to what is otherwise, at worst, a beautiful joyride with amazing scenery.
Cruise 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
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
First, the ease of booking on your website, and second, it was a lovely cruise with a fantastic knowledgeable host. We never knew the Bunker Hill Monument and Old Ironside's masts and riggings were the inspiration for the Zachem Bridge-so interesting!
Amazing! Liz was amazing! The weather was perfect for a sunset cruise on Boston! Lived here all My life and never went on this cruise. I'm going to recommend it to all my visitors and keep going until n it with them! Aaaah... sunset over Neantoen!
We took the sunset cruise what a beautiful evening. The guide was great! We enjoyed our experience. I would not miss this ride when you visit Boston.
It was excellent. The tour guide knew his stuff.
The narrator Liz was so knowledgeable and pleasant. It was a great experience and would recommend the cruise.
Witness the USS Constitution's sunset ceremony on a guided cruise of the Boston Harbor.
Inclusions
Exclusions
Marygail
Lori
Joanne
