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
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)
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Options
Whale Watching Cruise
Reviews
3,138 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
such a memorable experience
Melanie U,May 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This whale watching trip was absolutely worth it, despite the windy, rainy weather and some pretty choppy waters. It took about 1.5 hours to get out to the whale area, where we spent around an hour watching an estimated 15–20 humpback whales, including moms alongside their calves. We saw so many breaches, and a few whales even came right up near the boat. The gray seals were such a cute added bonus, popping their heads up right beside us. The crew was incredibly knowledgeable and just as excited about the wildlife as all of us on board, which made the experience even better. Definitely an unforgettable experience witnessing these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat.
Best Experience
Wanderer37919916550,May 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00One of the best experiences I’ve ever had! Ended up seeing several whales and a baby which was just AMAZING. You will not be disappointed!
Nice place to stay
K3304ASjonathans,May 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Clean and quiet, no complaints
Incredible Whale Watching Tour
Beth J,May 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Wow is the word for this tour. The boat ride was 60 minutes going out to see the whales. We saw 5 whales for about an hour. They were showing us all their tricks. We got a ton of videos. There were snacks and drinks on the boat. I highly recommend this tour. The speaker giving us the whale details was fantastic.
The 25 plus whales were...
Maureen O,May 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The 25 plus whales were very much putting on a performance for us -commentary good etc etc MOST r enjoyable trip
Great time
Rebecca R,May 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent knowledge by crew. The crew were very friendly. We had an exceptional trip and saw 6 whales and seals. The crew this was phenomenal!
Exceeded my expectations.
Alex S,May 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Exceeded my expectations. Host was very knowledgeable. Don't be shy to move around the boat for better or more views of the whales.
Amazing
Brittany B,May 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We saw atleast 10 humpbacks they came so close to the boat! The crew gave us so much knowledge about the whales and answered any questions we had. Such a memorable experience
Do it!!
Julia W,May 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Always keep scanning the horizon for wildlife because there was so many things to see. It was 100% worth it. It definitely was bumpy getting out to the feeding grounds but it was a fun ride. The staff was so knowledgeable and friendly through the whole experience. We saw at least 10 humpbacks and a few seals on our trip.
So many whales
carries104,May 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We saw so many humpback whales dolphins birds and seals. There was marine life action everywhere. The guides were helpful and the boat was comfortable. Snacks were good too.
From US$85.56
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