Boston

Boston Whale Watching Cruise by High-Speed Catamaran

Badge of ExcellenceBoston, United States

From USD 74.22

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Free cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance.
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  • 3 hours 30 minutes
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

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Overview

Experience the best of New England’s marine wildlife on this guided whale-watching cruise around the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. Hop on a high-speed catamaran that gets to and from the whales in the least amount of time possible. See humpback and fin whales, plus Atlantic white-sided dolphins with the help of a naturalist guide. The on-board galley offers food and beverages for purchase during the trip.
  • Boston Whale Watch Cruise aboard high-speed catamaran
  • See Humpbacks, Finbacks, and the critically endangered Right Whales during your sail
  • Enjoy a scenic whale-watching cruise around Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary
  • Narrated by a New England Aquarium Naturalist as your Guide

Why Travellers Choose This Tour

Guaranteed whale sightings, or you receive a free voucher for another cruise.

What's Included

  • Boston Whale Watch Cruise aboard High-Speed Catamaran
  • See a variety of whales, including Humpbacks, Finbacks, and the critically endangered Right Whales
  • Visit Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary, a rich feeding ground for whales, dolphins, sea birds and other marine creatures
  • Narrated by a New England Aquarium Naturalist as your Guide
  • Gratuities
  • Food and drinks (available to purchase on board)

Meeting And Pickup

Meeting point

  • Long Wharf
    Long Wharf, Boston, MA 02110, USA

    The Ticket Center is located on Long Wharf, just a few steps from the Marriott Hotel. The Ticket Center has a statue of a Humpback whale on its roof. From North - Take exit 24 (Callahan Tunnel) off Route 93. Follow signs to Long Wharf Ferry Terminal. From South - From South, take exit 23 (Gov't Center/Aquarium) off Route 93. Follow signs to the Aquarium. From the East / Logan Airport - Take the Sumner Tunnel to Boston, bearing right on Cross Street. Follow signs for Route 93 South. Do not take highway (to the left), but watch for Dock Square sign (to the right). You'll see Haymarket and the Bostonian Hotel on the right. Follow the sign for Waterfront Surface Artery; Long Wharf is straight ahead on the left. Parking Parking garages are available nearby at such areas as Rowes Wharf, The Marriott Hotel, The Garage at Post Office Square, The Boston Harbor Garage, and all Quincy Market parking (within easy walking distance). Public Transport Take the MBTA Blue Line to the Aquarium station or Orange Line to the State stop.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Beginning at Central Wharf in Boston, hop aboard a high-speed catamaran and embark on a whale-watching cruise to Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, a stretch of open water at the mouth of Massachusetts Bay that serves as a rich feeding ground for whales, dolphins, sea birds and more.

From the ship’s three outdoor decks, view humpback, fin, minke and pilot whales, plus Atlantic white-sided dolphins and more with the help of a naturalist from the Whale Center of New England. They share their knowledge about the animals’ behaviors, conservation status, scientific tracking and more.

In between whale sightings, relax in the comfortable, climate-controlled indoor cabin, which features state-of-the-art sound and video systems, the New England Aquarium Education Station and a galley offering food and beverages for purchase.

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
  • The boat is wheelchair accessible, however the restrooms are not wheelchair accessible
  • Don't forget the camera, film and binoculars
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • There is a galley serving food and beverages
  • Wear comfortable shoes or sneakers
  • Near public transportation
  • Bring a light sweater or jacket
  • Remember sunscreen and sunglasses
  • Transportation is wheelchair accessible
  • Most travellers can participate
  • 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 3.5 to 4 hours
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 400 travellers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
  • This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Frequently Asked Questions

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.

Filter by:

Q:Should I make advance reservations for the Boston Whale Watching Cruise by High-Speed Catamaran?

A:Advance reservations are strongly recommended, especially on weekends and holidays. Trips often sell out.

May 2021

Q:When should I arrive for the Boston Whale Watching Cruise by High-Speed Catamaran?

A:Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your departure time to allow for boarding.

May 2021

Q:Is parking available near the departure point for the Boston Whale Watching Cruise by High-Speed Catamaran?

A:There are two parking garages: The Harbor Garage, 70 E. India Row, Boston; and Rowes Wharf Garage, 30 Rowes Wharf, Boston. Parking fees apply at both locations.

May 2021

Q:How long is the Boston Whale Watching Cruise by High-Speed Catamaran?

A: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 3.5 to 4 hours.

May 2021

Q:Are restrooms available onboard during the Boston Whale Watching Cruise by High-Speed Catamaran?

A:Yes, restrooms are available on board.

May 2021

Q:What should I bring with me on the Boston Whale Watching Cruise by High-Speed Catamaran?

A:Comfortable rubber-soled shoes or sneakers are a good idea, along with a light sweater or jacket, even on a warm day. Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat are a must and don’t forget your camera or binoculars.

May 2021

Q:Is food available during the Boston Whale Watching Cruise by High-Speed Catamaran?

A:Yes! There is a selection of sandwiches as well as tasty snacks. Fruit juices, tea, sports drinks, and other beverages are also available along with beer, wine, and cocktails. Note: bring cash as the credit card readers don't always function at sea.

May 2021

Q:What happens if I don't see any whales during the Boston Whale Watching Cruise by High-Speed Catamaran?

A:Whale sightings are fully guaranteed. If there are no whale sightings on your trip, you will receive a free ticket for a future trip.

May 2021

Q:Will I experience motion sickness during the Boston Whale Watching Cruise by High-Speed Catamaran?

A:The catamarans are designed to be highly stable, but some passengers may experience motion sickness. Medication such as Dramamine may help. Facing forward with your head resting on the seatback near the front of the boat can help as well.

May 2021

Q:Can I bring my pet with me on the Boston Whale Watching Cruise by High-Speed Catamaran?

A:Yes - animals onboard must be kept with you and leashed or kept in a carrier at all times. Note - the cruise may last up to 4 hours, so it is up to the pet owner to consider if it is appropriate for the pet’s comfort and wellbeing.

May 2021

Traveller Photos

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Featured review
Michael_S
This was an awesome trip, and I highly recommend it to anybody who is looking for something to do in Boston. The crew was amazing and we got to see these beautiful majestic creatures in abundance. It was a great trip. Was very comfortable and I recommend it highly.

Reviews

4.5
2,349 reviews
Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
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Reviews by Viator travellers.
Showing 1-10 of 2,349 reviews
Amazing experience!
Nicole_W, Sept 2023
Awesome experience. Guides were very nice and informative. He was very excited when we seen the ways, you could tell he was very enthusiastic and likes what he does. Super enjoyable and would go again and would recommend!
Rough seas
Dennette_L, Sept 2023
Beautiful but we didn’t see any whales in the water was very rough. We had to come in early. The crew was fabulous and very knowledgeable about whales.
Whales were sighted up close
Teresa_L, Sept 2023
Watching a female and calf for approx 40 mins right beside our ship. The calf showed off for us time after time from one side of the ship to the other
Memories made
Pattie_L, Sept 2023
Highly recommended. Great experience and they offered a raincheck if whales were not seen. The Marine Biologists were very educated on the the whales that return to the area.
Great trip...wellworth the $
Patti_D, Sept 2023
We saw a mommy and her baby who kept trying to breastfeed. Baby was very very active the entire time, giving us a very entertaining time w plenty of good photo ops. The crew was very nice too 🙂 and gave us lots of interesting info.
Great Show
Jack_L, Sept 2023
It was a great show. The naturalist was very knowledgeable and professional. Why do you require 100 characters on a review.
A cool experience
Sally_W, Sept 2023
Did get some sightings of whales though not really close up. It was rainy and a bit cold. I would like to go again when sunny
Whale watching
Candice_H, Sept 2023
The tour guides were so knowledgeable about the whales. It was so fun! I loved seeing the whales and hearing them. We even got to see the babies
Worth the time and money!
Melissa_A, Sept 2023
Great experience with a lot of information given during the course of the trip. We saw 4 adults and 2 calves on our trip. Really amazing experience.
Great Experience
Linssey_R, Sept 2023
Great experience! Agree with all the positive reviews. From the courteous and welcoming staff to the arrival at the whale watching area! Amazing experience. Thank you
Loved seeing the whales and enjoyed all of the tour!
Lisa_P, Sept 2023
This Boston Whale Watching Cruise was an absolute highlight of our Boston trip 9-12-23. Loved seeing the whales and watching them in the water. We got to see several adult whales and two juveniles. Some distant views and some very close up. It was wonderful and very informative too. Would have been a nice tour with the information and views but the whales made it amazing. The Boston views going out and coming back in were very nice too. Worth every penny. Parking at the lot right by the dock was convent but expensive….
Pass on this tour
Michelle_G, Sept 2023
Boat is not designed for everyone to be able to see the whales. They had a large group 30+ of high schoolers. They were very disrespectful to others trying to see. Sitting on the floor with their backpacks everywhere. This was disappointing because the whales would be on that side they were sitting on the floor so you couldn’t get around them. Groups that big should be kept in one area of the ship so that the rest of us could get around and see more. Try to bring food/ drink with you because it’s very overpriced.
Whales!
Lynda_B, Sept 2023
We saw whales! Great boat ride and narrations! The naturalists on board did a great job explaining what the whales were doing.
Expensive charge for a cancelled activity.
Linda_D, Sept 2023
Most memorable experience with the whale watch scheduled for 9/12 was canceling our booking on 9/8 … then receiving notification on 9/11 that the charge had gone through. Second to that was receiving this request for reviewing an activity we had cancelled and did not participate in. Please tell your friends. I will.
Beautiful
Sergio_H, Sept 2023
everything was magnificent! The ship left at the indicated time. It took us a while to see them but in the end we found them! It is a unique experience.
Whale watching fun
Joy_W, Sept 2023
Guides were great. They were able to direct us to watch for the whales. Great experience Staff was also helpful
Amazing experience!
Emily_H, Sept 2023
Fantastic trip! The guides were so knowledgeable and we saw several whales feeding. Absolutely would recommend to anyone.
Awesome Experience
Laura_G, Sept 2023
This excursion was one of the most satisfying and exhilarating experiences of my life! The crew was wonderful and provided great information! We spent plenty of time at the whale watching sight with great views from every part of the boat!
Amazing Experience.
Andrew_M, Sept 2023
Simply amazing. Staff very professional and knowledgeable. We saw over 50 whales plus a pod of dolphins plus numerous sea birds. The bubble feeding was an incredible sight!
Whales too far away to really see or get good pictures. Boat seriously overcrowded.
Camille_C, Sept 2023
Fast ride to get to the sanctuary where the Humpback whales are located so that was good. The guide was informative. But I only saw a mother and calf napping, so only the tips of their heads and blowholes were visible. AND they were very far away as the guide said they don't want to get the boat too close and disturb them. Also, while there were some dives by the whales, all but 1 were non-fluke dives so difficult to get that iconic whale tail picture. And you had to be lucky enough to choose the correct side of the boat to stand on to take photos and hope that the whales appear on your side of the boat or you wouldn't get any pictures. I chose the wrong side of the boat. Because the boat was SO OVER CROWDED, once you chose a spot to view the whales, you were pretty much stuck there. They need to have way less people on the boat so you can move around and get pictures.
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