Whale Watching Tour in Gloucester
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.
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.
Options
Departure
Reviews
4,481 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Whale Watch
Steven S,Jun 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This whale 🐋 watch was a We saw lots of whales and 2 babies. One mama and baby stayed within sight for a long time. We would recommend Cape Ann Whale Watch to everyone
Great tour, worth the short trip in from Boston
louandwen,May 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is a highly recommended tour for nature lovers. On our particular tour we were almost in Provincetown before our guides located the whales. No fault of the operator, nature does what it wants of course. Once we located the whales, the naturalist on board was super helpful giving locations to look and lots of information about the specific whales we were seeing. The boat was comfortable and had light food and drinks available. Def bring extra layers even if you think you won't need them!
Mom and baby humpbacks!
kathydH4659JW,May 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We booked the morning tour, but were notified two days in advance that it was cancelled because of the weather forecast. We moved to the afternoon tour. Cape Ann warned that they were watching the wind and it still might be cancelled. On the day, the sign warned that the seas were "rolly", but they were still going out. We ended up spending 45 minutes with Bolide and her calf -- humpback whales who breached many times! The naturalist did a wonderful job of narrating the encounter. The captain put the boat exactly where it needed to be. The number of passengers seemed just right for the capacity of the vessel -- you could move around pretty easily. The operation was well handled from booking to the end of the voyage.
AMAZING Experience
Taylor U,May 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour guides were super knowledgeable and friendly. They took us out directly to where two groups of humpback whales were feeding. We saw mommies and babies as well as other adult whales. They surfaced, dived, and breached right near our boat! It was truly an amazing experience and I'm so glad we went. 10/10 would go again!
Best carrier to hope on
Shivaramakrishn S,May 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The onboard crew was really resourceful. They gave the best experience we couldn't forget. I have been to whale watch in the past but this is the best of all.
Lack of Customer Regard
gamid2013,May 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00Cape Ann Whale Watch gave us less than 12 hours’ notice when they canceled our Friday morning tour—booked months in advance—because fuel prices were too high. That’s not a safety concern, and the last‑minute cancellation threw off our entire itinerary and lodging plans. The lack of professionalism and consideration for customers was obvious. Seven Seas stepped up and delivered an outstanding experience, but Cape Ann’s disregard for its customers ensures I won’t return.
Great fun!
annelG7908EH,May 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing experience l. Saw a ton of whales up close. The captain would carefully move the boat so everyone could see. The naturalist, Tina was knowledgeable. All of the crew were friendly.
great experience
RexograyG,May 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Really amazing whale watch! Saw tons of whales and the guide was very informative!!
What a fantastic experience! Worth every penny!
Barbara M,May 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The boat had a conservationist on board. She helped with information on each of the groups and also made it easy to see where they were and what they might do next. She and the captain worked together well to ensure we all had a chance to see the whales (moms and babies!) as they moved about. We were lucky to have two different groups who seemed to love the attention. The crew was nice and seemed very skilled at being at sea which made my nerves happy. Such a great trip, we will definitely do when ever we come !
It worth your time and money!
Voyage13663327211,May 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This trip is from Cape Ann which is about 1 hour from Boston. It is closer to the marine life sanctuary than Boston. So, you get to see whales more often. The 8:30 trip was not so crowded. As the sightings were on the both sides of the ship, you walk across the deck from one side to another tryingto have a glimpse of whales. So, having less passengers on board is definitely a plus! It was certainly time and money well spent!!
From US$48.00
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Operated by Cape Ann Whale Watch