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Guests are most impressed with the smaller style boat, compared to its larger, commercial-style competitors. Many say the boat never felt overly crowded which made for a relaxing experience. The overwhelming majority of reviews for this tour strongly praise the friendly staff and boat itself. Their boat is complete with a sun deck for panoramic views, and a wrap-around low-profile hull design that allows for unobstructed views close to the water. Keep in mind this cruise is intended to maximize their generous availability of space and duration lengths can vary between the 4 and 5-hour mark. Some users reported the boat was too crowded and the trip duration too long.
Which type of whales are people going to see on a Massachusetts whale watch?
Depending on the season, the weather could be cold and breezy when you are out on the ocean. You will likely see different whale species like Humpback, Fin, Minke, and Pilot. In this section, we answer important questions to help you plan your trip, what you can expect to see, and how to prepare for your adventure. Included are a list of tour companies (and an analysis of reviews), ticket prices and schedules. We also share tips on what to expect from your excursion and how to prepare.
North America
A week after this incredible whale watching tour out of Boston, I saw fin whales during a windjammer cruise in Maine. The chance to see these massive whales from the deck of a sailboat was extraordinary. When it comes to spotting whales and providing information, the crew members excel in their expertise.
Boston Whale Watching tour ticket prices
Once those were collected, we got in the long line to board the Sanctuary, a New England Aquarium Whale-Watching vessel. With knowledgeable researchers, a 3.5-hour adventure, and rave reviews, this experience is a must for nature lovers. Everyday clothing and comfortable shoes are the best things to wear during your cruise. It’s also a good idea to bring a light jacket—even in the height of summer, the temperature can be cool out on the open sea.
As the gentle sea breeze whispers secrets of the deep, the Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise in Boston beckons with promises of a marine spectacle like no other. Aboard this vessel, travelers are transported into the realm of these magnificent creatures, offering a glimpse into their world and behaviors. When you’re not whale-watching, tour Boston on foot, or take one of our other sightseeing tours around the harbor to further discover this exciting city.
They have to lift their tail out of the water when they dive, so we call that fluking. But you will see them lift their back and arch that out of the water. We asked Howes everything folks need to know about going on a whale watch. About 1 million people go whale watching each year across New England, according to Laura Howes, top naturalist for New England Aquarium Whale Watch in partnership with Boston Harbor City Cruises.
Day Trips
Pilgrim Belle cruises runs whale watching trips from Plymouth (and Provincetown). A marine biologist is onboard to lead the search for whales and help educate passengers along the way. Like most whale watching vessels, the 100’ boat has open decks and a climate-controlled cabin with restrooms and snacks available for purchase.
When Is Whale Watching Season?
To experience the best whale watching in Boston, you must sail for Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary. Enjoy the best-guided experience with professional researchers from the Whale Center of New England, the region’s foremost authority on whale populations, who will provide expert commentary. And then some species, like the humpback, they have those big, long flippers and big round stomach.
6 Massachusetts attractions to herald in spring - MassLive.com
6 Massachusetts attractions to herald in spring.
Posted: Mon, 18 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Many reviewers report seeing a great number of whales and a variety of species. Their high-speed catamarans board up to 400 and feature three outside decks. Excursions from Gloucester have the flexibility of going to either Jeffreys Ledge or Stellwagen Bank, allowing you to see the best whales on your trip. It is good to have cash since credit/debit card machines do not always function when far out from land.
This three-and-a-half-hour whale-watching tour is the most popular in Boston and is operated by Boston Harbor City Cruises. Show the smartphone tickets at the meeting point on the day of your visit and get on board. Go to the Whale Watching in Boston booking page, select your preferred date and time and the number of tickets, and buy the tickets right away. If you have only a few days in Boston you may be wondering if such a trip is a worthwhile way to spend your time, given all the other great activities in Boston.
The sound system is said to be top-notch and easy to hear anywhere on the boat. From the North and South shores of Massachusetts to Salem, Cape Cod, Peabody, and Swampscott, this cruise is dedicated to providing guests with the best opportunity to whale watch. Early or late in the season schedule times for excursions are more limited with just one or two trips a day. A few months earlier, I learned about the superheated waters of the Gulf of Maine on a lobster boat tour in Bar Harbor. The warm waters are causing lobsters to migrate north toward Canada, thereby threatening Maine's lobster industry. Whale watching tours from Boston travel east through Massachusetts Bay for about 21 miles to reach the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary.
One way to avoid feeling queasy on your trip is to take Dramamine (at least an hour before the trip to be effective). Read the fine print and check the "Things to Consider" section before choosing which company to book. Other marine creatures you may see are Atlantic White-sided Dolphins, Harbor Porpoises, Basking Sharks and Sea birds. Our group of more than 16,000 members consists of locals and regular visitors to Boston. The New England Aquarium is proud to partner with the City of Boston to welcome Boston Public Schools (BPS) students and their families on the first and second Sunday of each month in 2024. My concerns about having difficulty seeing the whales due to the crowd were unfounded.
Get ready for a whale of a season off the Massachusetts coast - Boston Herald
Get ready for a whale of a season off the Massachusetts coast.
Posted: Thu, 18 May 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
On your Boston Whale Watching cruise, you can see some majestic marine species dip and dive into the sea. If you want to experience the best of New England’s marine wildlife, go for a Boston whale-watching cruise around the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. There are many opportunities for whale watching across Massachusetts, in destinations such as Boston, Cape Cod, Gloucester, New Bedford, Newburyport, and Plymouth, she said. Depending on what you want from your experience, you may want to be seated inside for part of the trip and then head outside when sightings occur. As we explained above, a whale-watching tour will take between 3 to 4 hours, and longer if you depart from Glouster. This is when the waters are typically calmer, providing better visibility and a smoother experience on the boat.
Cape Ann Whale Watch also offers a private whale watch for up to six people. The amenities and services provided on the whale watching catamaran in Boston enhance the overall experience, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable journey for all participants. Interactions aboard the whale watching catamaran in Boston left visitors enthralled, as evidenced by the consistently high ratings and glowing reviews from participants. Customer satisfaction was notably high, with the guide, transportation, service, and overall organization receiving impressive ratings ranging from 4.5 to 4.8 out of 5. Engage in discussions with researchers on board, deepening your understanding of marine life and conservation challenges.
