City Cruises Boston Whale Watching Cruise by High-Speed Boat
Overview
Available languages
3 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Set sail with us for the whale watch experience of a lifetime on the New England Aquarium Whale Watch Cruise. Our destination: Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary, a rich feeding ground for whales, dolphins, sea birds, and other marine creatures. Stellwagen is home to many species of large whales, including humpbacks, finbacks, and minkes.
New England Aquarium naturalists will share knowledge, answer your questions, and explain the fascinating behaviors of these truly magnificent mammals on the sea life cruise experience.
The location of the whales may require more travel time, extending the trip beyond three hours. Please allow for additional time in your schedule. The average trip is between 3 to 4 hours.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Remember sunscreen and sunglasses
Boarding begins 30 minutes prior to departure. Guests must arrive early, as late arrivals will miss the boat.
Bring a light sweater or jacket, as well as sunscreen and sunglasses.
Not recommended for guests prone to motion sickness
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Each Boston Whale Watching Cruise is narrated and guided by a naturalist from the New England Aquarium. One of the whales you're likely to spot during a Boston Whale Watching Cruise is the humpback. These Northern hemisphere humpbacks reach an average length of 50 feet, and a weight of about 37 tons! With the data collected on each cruise, the NEAQ is able to further their understanding of whales and their world. And, their presence on board ensures that your whale watch will be an exciting and educational trip! The catamarans feature outside decks for optimum viewing capability. Inside you will find climate controlled cabin space with cushioned seating, tables, state-of-the-art audio-visual, and a galley offering snacks and beverages for purchase.
What‘s Included
Restroom (on board)
Visit Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary, a rich feeding ground for whales other marine creatures
Whale Watch Cruise aboard Catamaran
Air-conditioned vehicle
See a variety of whales, including Humpbacks, Finbacks, and Minkes.
Narrated by a New England Aquarium Naturalist as your Guide
Food and drinks (available to purchase on board)
Optional.
Sea sickness medication (for guests prone to motion sickness)
Options
Whale Watching Cruise
Reviews
3,115 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Whales are amazing ...
Nadezhda T,Dec 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great guids, nice vibe, informative excursion. Whales are amazing... Would love to see these amazing animals again😉
Wow, so many whales and dolphins !!!
Francine S,Nov 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It's was great! Even the team members were surprised on the whale and dolphin sightings. I took alot of pictures!! It's a bit pricey, but my family doesn't vacation that much. The staff is wonderful!
So Amazing!!!!
N118GHadamf,Nov 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A beautiful experience. It was so cool to see these majestic creatures up close. I would do this again every time I'm back in the city.
The whale watching tour...
Aaron M,Nov 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The whale watching tour was Amazing. The guides were as excited as I was to see the wildlife. They also were very knowledgeable.
Wow wow wow
NikkiS,Nov 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00What an amazing experience, we were so lucky to have 2 whales right up alongside the boat. All the crew members were fantastic and great at sharing knowledge and answering questions. Just incredible.
Cancelled tour no reason given
suej948,Nov 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00Booked a whale watching tour and two days before arriving, it was just cancelled with no explanation or reason or alternative offered. Very poor customer service
Very very very very Bad experience
Sreenivasulu R,Nov 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00The Tour operator suddenly canceled the tour, all the way we came from India due to cancellation our schedule was disturbed. Very bad experience .
Worth the trip!
Holly M,Nov 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00The crew was knowledgeable and professional. It was a sunny day, moderate wind and a pretty smooth ride. Saw a lot of dolphins! Two humpbacks close enough to the boat for some nice views, shots and videos. The city and sunset views were gorgeous! Will definitely do this again! Went in early November, wasn’t crowed at all.
Disappointing experience for whale watching in late October in Boston
Loukatida,Nov 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00We were very disappointed by this trip to sea, the journey was long and hectic, causing discomfort to several passengers. Despite a one-hour wait on the spot, we only briefly saw the tails of two whales, thanks to the observation of the public — not the crew. As soon as the whales were spotted, it was already time to go home. This is clearly not the right time for this type of excursion. The only positive thing is that the crew was attentive to the sick.
Whale of a good time
Jessica A,Nov 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00What a whale watch, saw 5 whales plus dolphins! Staff kind and very knowledgeable about all things whales.
From US$85.56
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