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Spot Boston whales & other animals on your upcoming whale watching tour

Whale watching in Boston isn’t just about whales—you’ll also spot a variety of dolphins, seabirds, sharks (occasionally), and other marine life thriving around Stellwagen Bank, one of North America’s richest feeding grounds.

Animals to lookout for

Humpback whale mother and calf swimming in blue ocean waters.

Humpback whales

Seasonality: April–October (peak: June–September)
Huge, charismatic whales known for breaching, tail slaps, and bubble-net feeding. They return yearly to Stellwagen Bank, offering the most reliable and photogenic sightings on Boston tours.

Fin whale swimming in the waters of Tenerife.

Fin whales

Seasonality: May–October
The world’s second-largest whale glides quickly through open water. Often seen feeding alongside humpbacks, their sleek bodies and tall spouts make them easy to identify at a distance.

Minke whale breaching during whale watching tour.

Minke whales

Seasonality: April–October
Smaller and fast-moving, minkes surface briefly and quietly, making them tricky to spot. They often appear near feeding birds or bubble trails created by larger whales.

Atlantic white-sided dolphins swimming in the ocean.

Atlantic white-sided dolphins

Seasonality: Year-round (most common May–October)
Fast, energetic dolphins that travel in large pods. They frequently bow-ride alongside boats, creating lively, close-range viewing moments for passengers.

Porpoise surfacing in ocean during whale watching tour in Reykjavik.

Harbor porpoises

Seasonality: Year-round
Shy and small, harbor porpoises surface briefly with gentle dips. You typically see them in small groups close to the waterline, especially in the early season.

Adult grey seal resting on a sandy beach by the sea.

Gray seals

Seasonality: Year-round
Large seals with long snouts that haul out on rocks and beaches near Cape Cod. They’re often spotted bobbing curiously near whale activity.

Seals resting on rocks at Taronga Zoo.

Harbor seals

Seasonality: Year-round (best in spring)
These smaller seals rest on coastal ledges and swim near tour routes. Their round faces and dog-like expressions make them easy to recognize.

Sunfish swimming underwater in a blue ocean environment.

Ocean sunfish (Mola mola)

Seasonality: July–September
A massive flat fish that drifts near the surface, flapping its fin like a waving flag. Tours often slow down for this unusual, slow-moving species.

Shark swimming in Genoa Aquarium exhibit.

Sharks (occassional)

Seasonality: June–August
Blue sharks and basking sharks sometimes appear near feeding areas. Sightings are infrequent but exciting when conditions align.

Puffin standing among daisies with ocean in the background.

Seabirds

Seasonality: Year-round (species vary by month)
Expect puffins (rare), shearwaters, storm-petrels, gannets, and gulls. Bird activity often signals whale feeding zones, offering great photography moments.