City Cruises Boston Whale Watching Cruise by High-Speed Boat

Overview

Available languages

English

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

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

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‘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)

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.

Options

Whale Watching Cruise

Reviews

4.44

3,110 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

2291

374

166

191

Very very very very Bad experience
Sreenivasulu R,
Nov 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00
The 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
4.00
The 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
2.00
We 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
5.00
What a whale watch, saw 5 whales plus dolphins! Staff kind and very knowledgeable about all things whales.
Whales
Kat F,
Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
A great experience! Saw 8-10 whales! The crew was friendly & I formative! A great day with my Navy sister❤️
Well, worth it
Margo C,
Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Great time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Well worth it. Very educational and interesting!!!!!!!!!!
Very fun and memorable
jensummers17,
Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I was a little apprehensive about going because of it being November, but it was awesome. So glad I took my kids. We saw lots of whales and I recommend bringing a warm coat and warm hat so you can be outside as much as you want without being uncomfortable.
Great day for Whale watching
HectorF V,
Nov 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
My girfriend and I, had a great time observing whales diving and resting nest to the boat. We were able to see more than 10 whales in about 45 - 60 minutes period.
Cancelled
Karen M,
Oct 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00
Booking cancelled due to to weather notification didn’t come To us until we are at the departure despite staff saying was sent the evening before
Loved it !
Cordula C,
Oct 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
This was well worth it. Would do it again. Once we were in “whale-territory” they took their time letting us observe the whales, while explaining what the whales were doing and then searching for and finding more whales to appear. On the way back we had the opportunity to ask more questions.