The new england aquarium whale watching cruise is your opportunity to see some of the planets most majestic sea creatures. Maybe its the fact that we feel so small next to them blue whales can weigh an astounding 300,000 pounds or that for most of us, whales arent animals that we get the chance to see every day. Although boston is ranked as one of the most expensive u. Each of the whale watching tours are narrated and guided by experienced naturalists. Boston ma best whale watch a gloucester and boston ma area. Many whalewatching tours operate out of boston harbour. Guests can relax on one of the three outdoor decks or in the climate. Cape ann whale watch is the area whale watching leader. Boston whale watching cruise by highspeed catamaran. Gloucester whale watch in gloucester, massachusetts is the best boston ma whale watching tour with guaranteed whale sightings of several whale species. Five or six whales may be swimming in boston harbor right. Wondering if anyone has any knowledge if its it worth it to even take a tour the first week they start and if we would have better luck north or south or boston. An area off cape cod and rich in krill a favorite dish of. This boston super saver also includes admission to the worldrenowned new england aquarium.
Between whale sightings, relax in the comfortable, climatecontrolled indoor cabin, which features stateoftheart sound and video systems, the new england aquarium education station and a galley offering food and beverages for purchase. The hurricane ii is the largest, fastest and most stable whale watch boat north of boston. The us coast guard dispatched two cutters to rescue more than 150 passengers stranded overnight monday on a boston harbor cruises whale watch vessel, but authorities deemed conditions too. The two hour kai kanani whale watching trips are with knowledgeable crew and captains and trips guarantee whale sightings. We are a well established, family owned and operated boston whale watch adventure company in gloucester, massachusetts, now in our 60th season of cape ann whale watching excursions. Boston harbor cruises takes passengers to stellwagen bank marine sanctuary, where there is an abundance of marine life to behold. The rough seas subsided just in time for passengers to enjoy a brisk spring trip out to stellwagen bank with a big question mark looming as we wondered what we would find.
Like everyone else, we booked our tour with the excellent boston harbor cruises. The twostory historic gallery displays a north atlantic right whale, now among the. Meet our whales from a list of whale watch sightings with boston harbor cruises. The two hour kai kanani whale watching trips are with knowledgeable crew and captains and trips. The best time for whale watching in massachusetts usa today.
The 2018 whale watch season is off to a great start. Even a fleeting glimpse is a thrilling and very memorable. Has anyone had experience with the whale watching charter that runs out of boston by the aquarium. Most take 34 hours, heading out to the major whale feeding grounds of stellwagen bank national marine sanctuary off massachusetts, jeffreys ledge, or the. I was told by an art gallery owner in provincetown in mid april that whales had been spotted from land thats a bit unusual, but it happens, and it tends to suggest that the whale watching season will be a good one. Another site on bostons part of the whale trail and worth exploring is the harvard museum of natural history, where a spectacular pod of whales hangs overhead in the great mammal hall. Whale watching boston best time to visit top tips before. Popular ports for whale watch tours in massachusetts are.
Humpback whales were spotted breaching close to shore tuesday with visitors getting a. On a new england aquarium whale watch, you are guaranteed to see whales. Frequently asked questions boston ma best whale watch. New england whale watching tours ma me nh vt ct ri. Please view our sightings guarantee below for details. The new england aquarium, or neaq f or short, offers 3hour whale watching trips that run from april through october. Traveling to the boston area to whale watch during high season makes sense, but the increased likelihood of spotting a whale means the increased likelihood of crowds. We will in ma the end of march and i see that some of the whale watching tours start then. Whales cruise off the new england coast from april to november, gathering at the major feeding grounds off the massachusetts coast. There is something so magical about seeing a whale in the wild. The bhc whale watch tour to stellwagen bank marine sanctuary showcases a wealth of whale species and other sea life. Cape ann whale watch is the best whale watching charter in boston, massachusetts departing from gloucester, massachusetts daily. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before activity starts. Includes admission to your choice of top attractions for one low price.
The best way to avoid mayhem at the docks is to purchase your ticket well in advance and plan to arrive early for the excursion. Nov 05, 2010 boston harbor cruises seems to run daily till the end of nov boston harbor cruises, whale watch rates, whale watch schedule. I was told by an art gallery owner in provincetown in mid april that whales had been spotted from land thats a bit unusual, but it happens, and it tends to suggest that the whalewatching season. Beginning at central wharf in boston, hop aboard a highspeed 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. Whale watching fleets offer excursions guided by naturalists who teach passengers all about these peaceful, endangered creatures, and know where to find them. A 600pound recluse who is in his final days reaches out to his estranged teenaged daughter in this bighearted, humorous, and emotionally wrenching new work about grief, beauty, and redemption. Sep 05, 2018 seeing as we operate seven boats that offer whale watching tours in maui, this is a question were asked a lot and at all different times of the year officially, whale season in maui runs from december 15thmay 15th, although its still possible to see whales outside of the officialwhale season dates. Sep 22, 2015 this feature is not available right now. The biologically rich waters of stellwagen bank and jeffreys ledge are one of the few areas on earth where you can be almost certain of seeing at least a few large, endangered whales on just a halfday whale watch. Few boat manufacturers can accurately say theyre legendary, but boston whaler can certainly make the claim.
Speakeasy stage company presents the whale by samuel d. Coast guard in boston is sending out alerts to all boat operators reminding them to travel with caution. Including tours based in the city as well as those within close driving distance, our list of boston whale watching tours will help get you started. Great from start to finish, saw lots of whales and even a breach, so all good. Best whale watching in the boston area boston alist. Finally, if youre visiting downtown boston and dont have time to get out to the hinterlands, there are a handful of whalewatch excursions that leave right from boston harbor. That experience can be yours in massachusetts, one of the topten whalewatching spots in the world, according to the world wildlife fund. In warmer months, many species of whales including humpback, finback, right, and minke whales migrate to rich feeding grounds off the new england coast to dine on mackerel, herring, krill and other schooling fish. One may encounter humpbacks, minkes, and fins, along with pods of whitesided dolphins that come to boston for feeding season. Dont miss this exciting boston whale watching tour in a highspeed catamaran.
After an exciting whale watch with boston harbor cruises, i am for the record ranking it as one of the top 10 things. Whale watching cruise from boston boston, united states. See the map for location of towns and prime whale watching areas. After an exciting whale watch with boston harbor cruises, i am for the record ranking it as one of the top 10 things to do with kids in boston before they grow up. Reducing ship strikes to north atlantic right whales noaa fisheries. Your guide to whale watching in boston wheretraveler. In order to get the discount, you must pick up a coupon from the info desk inside the aquarium before your whale watch departs. Boston whale watching boston harbor and glouocester. Whale watch lurches into overnight ordeal the boston globe. Dont forget to save on admission and whale watching in massachusetts interested in a boston aquarium whale watch.
Daily whale watching tours depart from makena beach in front of the maui prince hotel. On april 24, 2020 boston harbor whale cruises observed an aggregation of right whales. In partnership with the new england aquarium, bhc presents bostons hispeed catamaran whale watching at its best. From may to october, you can leave the busy harbor behind and see these amazing creatures in action. The whales feed at stellwagen bank which is about 25 miles from the entrance of the harbor, from where you board in boston that would be an additional 23 mile cruise just to get out in the open sea. On the new england aquarium whale watch tour, enjoy the view as the highspeed catamaran whisks you to the whale feeding grounds, just 30 miles east of boston. Have always fancied whale watching, is this a good time to go. Whale watching is the practice of observing whales and dolphins cetaceans in their natural habitat. Bostons best whale watch cape ann whale watching whale. May, june, july, august, september and october are the months for whale watching from boston with great sighthings. Gammons, playing march 7 april 8, 2014 at the south end calderwood pavilion at the bca. New england aquarium whale watch discount tickets with. The new england aquarium has partnered with boston harbor cruises to give visitors frontrow seats to view the oceans most fascinating and magnificent animals. Cape ann whale watch 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.
Booking in advance is highly recommended, as trips sell out quite often. Noaa atlantic seasonal management areas noaa atlantic dynamic management areas. This happens not only during peak season or on weekends. Sheila green, a spokeswoman for boston harbor cruises, which takes people out daily on whalewatching expeditions, said naturalists from the company have. May, june, july, august, september and october are the best months for whale watching from boston with great sighthings. Whale watching in boston was one of our favorite family. Each summer the whales migrate to massachusetts and back to warmer water when the weather gets cold. Visit our website for our 2014 whale watching schedule at. They take tourists to various locations, about 35 km 22 mi offshore.
The whale watching boats from these towns mostly head out towards stellwagen bank. Keep in mind that depending on the season, tours may be offered at certain times. From boston, stellwagen bank national marine sanctuary is just a short ride away. The 3hour cruise is guided by a naturalist from the whale center of new england who will share intriguing facts about the whales and other marine life during. Newburyport, gloucester, boston, plymouth, hyannis, and provincetown. At 6080 feet and 5060 tons, finbacks are second in size only to blue whales. The best time for whale watching in massachusetts is from april to october, though whales dwell in bay state waters as. Ever been up close and personal with a 50foot, 40ton whale. You can ride in comfort aboard a highspeed vessel that reduces travel time, which gives you more time to view the whales. Spectacular sights like this are emerging in boston harbor more frequently this summer.
Whale alert now supports reporting of whale sightings by the maritime. Tours depart from central wharf in boston at varying times throughout the year. Our whale watch general last 3 to 4 hours and are available mornings and afternoons. Whale watch and boston harbor cruises are suspended through april 6. Whale watch sightings our whales from boston harbor cruises. As long as the waves arent too bad i think we would rather take a boat ride than a train ride. New england aquarium whale watching cruise trusted tours. Of course, there are no guarantees in life, but boston harbor cruises promises this.
In the event that you dont, bhc grants you a rain check for another whale watch. One whale watching trip for one or two adults from 7 seas whale watch up to 43% off. Beginning at central wharf in boston, hop aboard a highspeed catamaran and embark on a whalewatching 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. While the sightings are certainly a treat for sailors and a good sign that the harbor is clean, says green, naturalists are hoping the whale pack ventures back into open water soon. Experience the ride of a lifetime on a high speed catamaran during this boston whale watching experience. Weve been working our way through the most fun todo list ever, and we decided it was high time to check off number 37, a whale watching cruise. All boston tours offers a threehour whale watching tour on a highspeed catamaran to stellwagen bank.
You will watch whales aboard the hurricane ii, the largest, fastest whale watch vessel in massachusetts, north of boston. You have to book a boston harbor cruises tour, which is the only operator for whale watching there. However, you should probably come here at the end of whale watching season, when the indian summer colorfully lights up the deciduous forests along the north american east coast. Take it even one step further with 365tickets canada and journey outside the city and into the water for a new england whale watching tour.
While the boat is huge, though it takes upward of 90 minutes to get out to the bank. In boston, cruises are operated by several companies, including the new england aquarium. Go whale and dolphin spotting with this new england aquarium whale watch, and save up to 55% with a boston pass. The hurricane ll is 115 feet long, making it the largest whale watch boat north of boston 400 feet of rail side viewing room, 500 sq. The only national park of new england is acadia national park in maine with more than 200 kilometers of easy hiking trails. If a whale is traveling, then the captain can parallel the course from beside or behind the animal at a distance greater than 100 feet. From 2hour trips to multiday cruises, whale watching during whale season is a highly popular activity.
Our catamarans provide the fastest, most comfortable way to view the oceans. Are the boats large and do they take the waves well. Whale watching boston, massachusetts ma, usa whales cruise off the new england coast from april to november, gathering at the major feeding grounds of massachusetts coast, jeffreys ledge and the stellwagen bank, the east coasts most famous whalewatching destination. Off the coasts of california, there is no shortage of whale watching tours available for whale season. Their most distinctive characteristics include an asymmetrical lower jaw thats white on the right side and greyblack on the left with 50200 pleats on the lower jaw that expand during feeding. Once you have, its an experience you wont soon forget.
A variety of seabirds can also be seen in the area. When a whale decides to check the boat out, the captain should put the vessel in neutral and not maneuver until the whale is more than 100 feet away. Whale watching in boston explore the whale trail all. The aweinspiring sight of these majestic, giant creatures breaching and spouting nearby is more than exciting. Sail our popular threetofourhour whale watch tours to view the worlds largest mammals surfacing, feeding, and. Gloucester whale watch in gloucester massachusetts. Beat the lines and order tickets online or from your smartphone today. You have to book a boston harbor cruises tour, which is the only operator for whale watching there best seats. Most of the whale watching trips from boston are sponsored by the new england aquarium and only run from about april to late october. Whaletrips new england best tips for whale watching in. However, most tour companies offer discounts for seniors, kids and military members.
The best of this bunch is the whalewatch sponsored by the new england aquarium. Main season is in july and august with three tours of three to four hours per day. Whale watching massachusetts whale watching ma whale. Come aboard a highspeed catamaran to enjoy the spectacular experience of whale watching in the boston harbor. These huge mammals reach more than 65 feet in length. Humpback whales are flooding into the coastal waters of massachusetts this season with 20 to 30 whales spotted on every whale watching excursion out of boston, a. The perfect companion for your whale watching trip. Today, 80% of all whale watching tours of new england take place between. However, it is important to do your research before embarking, as not all whale watching tours are created. New england whale watch tours discover new england. Fourhour whale watching cruise for one, two, or four adults from cape ann whale watch up to 43% off. You may also want to consider the new england aquarium whale watch cruise as it has an excellent reputation and has staff go out on the boat with you and explain all about the mammals very educational. Ive been on a number of whale watch cruises from locations along the massachusetts coast. Consider checking out current whale watch deals for specials and cheaper rates.
Learn more about our sea friends and what to expect before booking a tour. Besides the bitter weather, and potential rough seas i. While the official recommendation is to arrive 30 minutes prior to departure, we strongly suggest. These huge mammals reach more than 20 meters 65 ft in length. On any of its 34 hour whale watch cruisesfour highspeed catamarans cruise out of the harbor five to eight times each day, seven days each weekyou will see whales. Step onboard and experience an unforgettable journey. Nominees like beantown whale watch, 7 seas whale watch, capt. Cape ann whale watch a gloucester and boston ma area. Stellwagen bank marine sanctuary is the most popular destination since it is a perfect feeding ground for humpbacks, finbacks, minkes, pilots, northern right whales, as well as dolphins and hundreds of birds. Your boston tour and whale watching package includes. Realtime bostonarea acoustic whale detection buoys for right whales. As many as six whales may be swimming in boston harbor. Whale watching season begins in late december and continues through april. The whaleplanner april a whale watching infographic whaletrips.
Whale watching blog boston harbor cruises sightseeing notes. A study prepared for international fund for animal welfare in 2009 estimated that million people went whale. Whale watching boston best time to visit top tips before you go. The ocean waters off new england offer one of the best places in the world for a whale watch tour. Meet the finback, humpback, and minke whales of the atlantic ocean, and take home rare souvenir photos of waving whale tails and breaching blowholes. Provincetown, plymouth, gloucester and an increasing number from boston. Boston whale watching season and best tours popular whale watch tours near boston. One of the worlds most active marine sanctuaries, stellwagen bank is abundant with whales, dolphins, sea birds, and other marine life. Cape ann whale watch 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. Apr 30, 2009 the whale watching season started in late april.
Whether youre spotting one from the deck of a whalewatching cruise or from the shores of a national park, whales are some of nature. Best places for whale watching when to go whale watching. I get that it is going to be cold, but how cold are we talking here. Whale watching is mostly a recreational activity cf.
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