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New England Aquarium Whale Watch Cruise Boston, MA

Boston Harbor City Cruises - Long Wharf • 1 Long Wharf • Boston, MA 02110
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Two humpback whales leap out of the ocean simultaneously, with water spraying around them against a backdrop of open sea.
A family of four, all wearing sunglasses, smiles and looks out over the railing of a boat on a sunny day with the ocean in the background.
A group of people on a boat observe two whales lifting their tails out of the ocean water.
Three people observe and photograph a whale's tail emerging from the ocean during a whale-watching trip.
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About New England Aquarium Whale Watch Cruise

Overview

Set out on a Boston whale watching cruise from Long Wharf to Stellwagen Bank, one of the best places to see whales in the wild. Watch humpbacks, finbacks, and minkes from a high-speed catamaran with outdoor decks and cozy indoor cabins, guided by expert naturalists from the New England Aquarium.

up to 4 hrs 1 or more people

Good To Know

  • This Boston whale-watching cruise operates seasonally from May through November.
  • Guided by knowledgeable and experienced naturalists from the New England Aquarium.
  • Sail aboard a high-speed catamaran custom-built for whale-watching, with climate-controlled indoor seating, an outdoor viewing deck, and an onboard restroom.
  • Meeting location is at 1 Long Wharf. Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your departure.
  • Nearby pay-to-park spaces are available at Boston Harbor Garage and Rowes Wharf Garage.
  • Family-friendly adventure on the water—children under three (3) can join for free!
  • Wear casual, comfortable clothing and shoes. Bring a warm sweatshirt/light jacket, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, a camera, binoculars, and cash for onboard purchases.
  • Light snacks and drinks are available for purchase at the onboard bar.
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Promotional Images (10)
A large white and blue passenger ferry docked at a pier with people on board and nearby, under a partly cloudy sky. Two women on a boat; one speaks into a yellow microphone, the other points toward the ocean while holding a clipboard. Both wear sunglasses under a clear sky. Two humpback whales emerge from the ocean with their mouths open while a group of people watches and takes photos from a boat nearby. A group of people on a boat photograph the tail of a large whale as it surfaces and dives into the ocean. A group of people on a boat observe a humpback whale surfacing very close to them, with one fin raised above the water.

Description

Set course for a 3.5- to 4-hour whale watch adventure departing from Boston's historic Long Wharf. The New England Aquarium Whale Watch Cruise, operated by Boston Harbor City Cruises, takes you to the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary—one of the world's top whale feeding grounds, just a short ride from downtown Boston.

Travel on a high-speed catamaran to prime viewing locations where humpbacks, minkes, and finback whales are frequently spotted. With a climate-controlled indoor cabin and three open-air viewing decks, you'll have panoramic views of marine wildlife and the Boston coastline.

Throughout the cruise, onboard naturalists from the New England Aquarium share live commentary into whale behavior, help you identify species, and understand whale behaviors like breaching, fluking, and feeding. You'll also learn about marine conservation efforts that protect these ocean giants.

Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned whale watcher, this tour is a must-do in Boston. It's a wildlife encounter and ocean education wrapped into one incredible half-day excursion.
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New England Aquarium Whale Watch Cruise Reviews

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charleshA7900QI
"Be careful what site you get your tickets from. Use the aquarium’s site"
TripAdvisor user rating 5.0 out of 5
Reviewed September 20, 2025
We had a good day but unfortunately we saw no whales, but you get a 2 year rain check to come back. Be careful though when you buy you tickets on line. If you buy them from a third party seller you will have trouble getting the rain check. We thought we were buying form them but the site only looks like them. Now we cannot get our rain check from headout.
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reichertPRNY
New York City, New York
"Saw a whale which was awesome but the boat is dilapidated and disgusting"
TripAdvisor user rating 3.0 out of 5
Reviewed July 12, 2025
We saw a whale on our tour. Think it was the same one but it was so great. Saw dolphins trailing behind the boat on our way out but way back. Still awesome. You are taken 30 miles out to see the whales FYI. Boat travels fast in and out!! But for the fee charged this boat is in horrible shape. It’s filthy. Seats are broken dirty or just missing in the cabin area. The cabin has carpeting which is also filthy torn and old. And speculating lots have puked on it. Why have carpeting on a boat when you’re warned about possible seasickness? The bathrooms are dirty and very smelly. The boat really needs an upgrade badly!! But the staff were awesome. Our narrator was very informative (2:30 pm tour Friday 7.11.25). The captain was intent on having us see as much of the whales possible by always turning and following the whales at a safe distance. The crew was very pleasant and helpful. The guys working the snack stand were very nice. Even with dirty water dripping from the ceiling all around them (told it was the AC but not sure). Overall the experience was great thanks to the staff but the boat is just disgusting and should be upgraded or lower the ticket prices !!
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ronyk722
"Wild nature at its best - great whale watching experience"
TripAdvisor user rating 5.0 out of 5
Reviewed June 10, 2025
After 1.5 hours in a bumpy sea, it was just worth it. We managed to see dozens of whales, dolphins and sea seals. Unbelievably the whale ruled! Nature at its best! You could see, hear and even smell them! The team was also very kind and proffered giving detailed explanations, sharing knowledge and answering questions while chatting with us. Amazing experience! Highly recommended!
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ArtandGinnyNY
Endicott, New York
"Lots of whales and lousy views"
TripAdvisor user rating 3.0 out of 5
Reviewed January 07, 2025
It was frustrating day on the water, there were plenty of whale sightings, but the captain always put the boat in a position so the whale was on the port bow. Those passengers at that rail had great views and they were not giving them up. If you were anywhere else on the boat too bad. Despite being 6'3". even I could not see over the 3 deep mob to get a decent picture. A little variety in boat placement would have let more passengers enjoy the fun.
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433leac
"Loooooove"
TripAdvisor user rating 5.0 out of 5
Reviewed November 11, 2024
Literally amazing!! We saw I think about twelve whales in total and at one point we were surrounded by 5 or 6. I got incredible pictures and we were so excited by the experience. Crew was great, informative, and very caring for the people who were seasick. For anyone reading this, take Dramamine. I don’t care if you never get seasick, take it. People watching for the 1 hour drive out to the sanctuary was almost as fun as watching the whales when we got there. People sweating bullets, stumbling to the back with dog bags, and vomiting. And this was on a really good sea day! Enjoyed so much thanks for the experience
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New England Aquarium Whale Watch Cruise is located at Boston Harbor City Cruises - Long Wharf • 1 Long Wharf • Boston, MA 02110
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Frequently Asked Questions about New England Aquarium Whale Watch Cruise

Where does the New England Whale Watch Cruise depart?

This Boston whale-watching cruise departs from Boston Harbor City Cruises in The Landing at Long Wharf at 1 Long Wharf Boston, MA 02210.

How long is this Boston Harbor whale-watching trip?

The New England Aquarium Whale Watch Cruise lasts approximately 3.5 to 4 hours. The location of the whales may require more travel time, so please allow for additional time in your schedule.

Is there parking nearby?

You'll find 2 nearby pay-to-park garages: Boston Harbor Garage at 266 Atlantic Ave and Rowes Wharf Garage at 30 Rowes Wharf, Boston.

How early should I arrive?

Please plan to arrive 30 minutes prior to departure to allow time for parking and city traffic.

Is the cruise recommended for children?

Yes, this cruise is family-friendly and suitable for all ages. Children under 3 ride free, but a free ticket must still be reserved to ensure they’re included in the passenger count.

Are there food and drinks on board?

Yes, light snacks and drinks are available for purchase at the onboard bar.

What should I wear?

Dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes.

What should I bring?

Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a warm sweatshirt or light jacket—it can be chilly offshore, even on sunny days. A camera and binoculars are also great for capturing close-up views and memorable moments.

Is there a restroom onboard?

Yes, the catamaran has a restroom on board.

Are gratuities included?

Gratuities are not included. Tipping is optional but appreciated based on the level of service provided.

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