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

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Professional guide

Naturalist onboard

Full galley

Food and drinks

Gratuities

Hotel pickup and drop-off

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

Reviews

4.81

4,459 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

3898

377

105

Great Experience!
Q2676LRbrians,
Nov 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Very nice trip. Not too long, comfortable seating available. Saw a bunch of dolphins and 3 humpback whales. Highly recommend!
Whale Soup
Dreamer59292876091,
Nov 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The best ever trip. The guide called it “whale soup”. We saw over 10 whales and dolphins. I guess sightings of dolphins only happens 5% of the time. We rocked alot, good waves. Loved it!
Outstanding
Shampeu,
Nov 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We booked the last whale watching expedition of the season. We expected to see few if any whales. Instead we saw 10 different ones! Tina, our guide, was so knowledgable about the Gloucester area and the whales. You could tell she was very passionate about them. The captain took us so close to the whales that we could smell what came out of their blow holes. The tour was very safe and organized and super informational. I highly recommend this.
Amazing Experience
rutherfordjennifer01,
Nov 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This experience was amazing. I have been on at least 5 other whale watching tours in different places around the US and had never seen whales until this trip. We saw humpback whales and a HUGE pod of dolphins on our trip. This was my kids' first experience whale watching and they loved it as well (20 and 14). The hosts are naturalists, and you can tell they LOVE what they do. Their excitement really radiates and makes you excited as well. Loved that on the way out they told us the history of the town and pointed our cool landmarks. Also love how they talked to us on the way about the various birds and things we were seeing in the water in detail.
Awesome Whale Watching Exper
Jim4AU,
Oct 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was an Awesome experience for my wife and I. Tina was great at keeping us informed of whale sightings. I would definitely recommend Cape Ann Whale Watching to others.
Fall sightings
beautyby martha,
Oct 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
Went right before the season ended and really enjoyed the experience. Arrive early, they board 30min before departure. Things I wish I knew, bring for drinks and snacks on board as well as tips, no card reader or Venmo available. But it’s a great experience and worth every penny. We saw 4 whales and dolphins, crew is super friendly and knowledgeable.
Definitely do it!
debbiebL963ZM,
Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Tina was a great, knowledgeable tour guide and the whole crew was very friendly. The captain maneuvered the boat different ways so we could get good views of various whales. There was plenty of seating and good views from all parts of the boat. I'd definitely recommend it and will go again!
Humpbacks and Atlantic white sided dolphins!
jonathansF414XZ,
Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Biologist was awesome. Best part of the whole trip. Don’t get nervous if you don’t see whales right away. It took 3 hours until we saw some but it was worth the wait and definitely worth every penny.
Fantastic Experience!!
Casey A,
Oct 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Great work by the entire team! The boat got out to the waters quickly and we saw Humpback Whales and Dolphins - we even stayed out there for about an hour checking out the sea life. In addition to the great sea life, the tour guides were very knowledgeable and helpful throughout. I highly recommend! 10/10 I will add as the only caveat, we went out in late October, so the seas were choppy at times. While I never get seasick, it looked like quite a few people did on the voyage... Just remember before booking if you are prone to it.
Whale Watching Ladies
Kathleen A,
Oct 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Had a fabulous time! The whales put on a sweet show for us! The weather stayed friendly and sunny. The sea was wonderful and the trip guides did a great job. Thanks to all.