Overview
4 hours
Mobile ticket
You are guaranteed whale sightings on this whale watching tour out to Stellwagen Bank, a national marine preserve about 12 miles off the coast of Gloucester deemed one of the "Top 5 Whale Watching Destinations in the World" by the World Wildlife Fund due to the wide variety of whale species whom migrate to the coast of Gloucester, Massachusetts every year to feed on the abundant natural resources. This is one of the best whale watching in New England as it's an awe-inspiring experience which every human being should have the opportunity to appreciate.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Please dress appropriately to current weather conditions
Please arrive at least 45 minutes prior to your reservation in order to park, check in & board the vessel
What To Expect
For over 35 years, this whale watching tour has been dazzling whale watching enthusiasts with sightseeing tours aboard the largest, fastest and most elegant whale watching vessel in Massachusetts, north of Boston, Massachusetts aptly named "The Hurricane II" due to its immense size and speed as it descends upon its destination. You will have the opportunity to spend a lot more time with the whales than with other whale watching tour in Gloucester, MA since "The Hurricane II" gets to the whales' feeding grounds with much more expediency as well as traveling home faster, therefore more time is actually spent observing whales including but not limited to Humpback Whales, Minke Whales, Northern Right Whales, Pilot Whales, Northern Right Whales, Sperm Whales, Sei Whales, Blue Whales (The Largest Whales in the Seven Seas yet seldom seen around Gloucester, MA), Fin Whales, Atlantic White Sided Dolphins, Harbor Porpoises and whole host of other fascinating marine creatures. "The Hurricane II" boasts 115 ft length with over 400 ft of whale watching room from the railings of the upper and lower observation decks for optimum whale watching conditions. There is a heated, furnished indoor cabin with a full service galley serving hot meals, snacks and cold beverages as well as a fully stocked bar with local brews, popular beer, wine and mixed drinks (at your own expense). You'll be taken to where the whales go. The vessels communicate with each other as to the location of whales so the boat will go anywhere to see them on the North Shore or South Shore of Massachusetts including off the coast of Boston, Massachusetts: Salem MA, Newburyport, Cape Cod, Hampton NH, Rowley, Rockport MA, Danvers, Peabody, Swampscott, Revere, Winthrop or wherever else the whales may roam.
Options
Departure
What‘s Included
Professional guide
Naturalist onboard
Full galley
Food and drinks
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
4,513 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Must Go!
amymyersmorris,Jun 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an AMAZING experience! I love animals and the ocean, but this was beyond our expectations. I have such great respect for these whales now that I understand how they live, travel, feed, and breed. The captain did an amazing job ensuring people from all sides of the boat saw a good amount of whales. I can’t wait to go again!
Amazing Whale Watching with Cape Ann Whale Watching out of Gloucester!
Z2249UIjs,Jun 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an amazing and fantastic whale watching tour with Cape Ann Whale Watch. This was our second trip with them and they do not disappoint. We saw 16 whales! The staff were friendly and helpful. The tour guide was knowledgeable and kept us informed the entire trip. The boat was expertly guided and positioned for maximum viewing. There were 4 bathrooms - be prepared for tight quarters, and concessions inside. The admissions fee is very reasonable for this unique and amazing experience. The time out is usually about an hour and back in with plenty of time to tour around and enjoy the whales. We loved our time with Cape Ann Whale Watch and definitely recommend this tour!
Magical! Privilege! Emotional!….loved the tour, very professional and informative. Definite value for money.
David Y,Jun 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Privileged to see these beautiful animals!
Fantastic Whale Watching Experience
Stacy G,Jun 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This experience was fantastic. On the way out, there was a marine biology intern that took a lot of time explaining what kind of whales we might see and why they were where they were. She was walking around, talking to different groups. A real personal experience. They we saw the whales. They were so close to the boat. The captain made sure everyone got to see them. We probably spent 2 1/2 hours just watching the whales. Definitely would recommend this to everyone.
Good experience, but not great!
Deanna R,Jun 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Overall a good experience, great weather, lots of whales and baby humpback was showing off. The negative is the size of the vessel. We were very far away and people were moving from one side to the other side so you never really got to be “in the moment” as the naturalist said. Kids were running everywhere with parents behind them. I want to do this again, but I think a private charter would alleviate the experience by removing the cruise ship/ cattle call feeling. It’s a long haul to the whales (1 1/2 hrs) from Gloucester, so I’ll charter out of PTown.
Great tour! They...
Karen B,Jun 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great tour! They definitely know what they are doing. The captain knew where to place us to see whales and the staff were using educational props to educate us on information about the whales and their habits. Should bring sunglasses and a lightweight coat and hat or visor. It is great you can take your own food and drink with you (nonalcoholic). This saved us lots of money and we had what we needed to keep everyone fed and happy. We went in a group of Fourteen; 8 adults and 6 grandkids
educational whale watch
F4601OAjeffn,Jun 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a fantastic trip! We saw incredible humpback whales, including a calf. The staff was great - friendly and informative. It was an educational experience as well as great fun! We had beautiful weather and ocean conditions!
A whale of a time
jamesfC9880PS,Jun 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We have done many whale watch’s and this was the most amazing trios we have ever done.
Great Whale Watching Experience
clintonb647,Jun 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was our first time ever to go on the ocean and go whale watching. Cape Ann Whale Watching did a great job from parking to the boat ride to seeing whales and getting great information from naturalist onboard. The price for the experience was great and the captain did a great job commanding the boat and providing time for everyone to get to see the whales. We were concerned about the number of people we saw showing up but the boat never felt over crowded. We recommend Cape Ann Whale Watching to any family.
Whale watching
jennifer b,Jun 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Friendly staff, educational and staff entertained the younger kids. Was able to see 5 whales. Wish they sold blankets on the ship since it was a little cold
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