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Is whale watching worth it in Boston?

Spotting a whale in its natural habitat is an unforgettable experience; you may even get lucky and see breaching whales or other fun behaviors. When you're not whale-watching, tour Boston on foot, or take one of our other sightseeing tours around the harbor to further discover this exciting city.



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Prime whale-watching season in Boston lasts from May to October, when the whales migrate to the warm North Atlantic for the summer. You can sometimes see whales in March, April, and November too.

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Ask anyone from the North Shore and Cape Ann region, and they'll tell you that Gloucester MA whale watching can't be beat. Folks who live in the big city will likely say that whale watching in Boston MA is the best. Of course, I'm partial to Cape Cod whale watching because it's right here in my home waters.

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You'll watch the whales splash in the water, see pods of dolphins playing nearby, and observe many species of sea birds and other marine life. You'll quickly understand why cruise passengers sometimes call this the experience of a lifetime.

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Depending on the season, the weather could be cold and breezy when you are out on the ocean. In the summer months, bring a jacket, sweater, or hoodie. In April through November, you will likely want a winter coat, a hat (that won't blow off!), and gloves.

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Whales are generally most active in the morning and late afternoon, making these the best times to spot them. During the morning, whales tend to be more active as they start their day and may feed. As the day progresses and the sun sets, whales become more active as they prepare to rest for the night.

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YES! There are few experiences in life comparable to the extraordinary feeling of seeing gregarious dolphins as they approach from every angle, excited to see our passengers aboard the safety of each of our vessels within our sea-worthy fleet. When asked if whale watching is worth it, our answer is an assured YES!

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While most outfits guarantee a 90 percent chance of a spotting a whale, you might consider booking an extra trip if it's at the top of your bucket list. Some companies offer a complimentary outing if your trip ends sans sighting—check out the policy before booking.

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It is easy to get wet while whale-watching, especially if you're on a boat where ocean water often sprays up onto passengers.

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Better bet is going from Ptown on cape cod. Shorter trip to the whales and a better chance of seeing a greater varitety of whales. If you can't do that Boston is the better pick.

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Any time of day is best for whale watching Cape Cod adventures because these creatures are active all the time. Despite that, most boat companies only offer morning and early afternoon tours because they typically last for three to four hours. Keep in mind that offshore water conditions can affect your journey.

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What to Wear
  • Warm layers - it is significantly cooler on the water than on land.
  • Hat - warm or sun depending on the season.
  • Flat shoes preferably with a rubber bottom, such as tennis shoes.
  • Rain jacket or windbreaker.
  • Gloves - ideal for spring and fall tours.


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2 What is the best time of year for a whale-watching cruise? Prime whale-watching season in Boston lasts from May to October, when the whales migrate to the warm North Atlantic for the summer. You can sometimes see whales in March, April, and November too. 3 What is the best place to see whales in Boston?

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Husavik is one of the best places in Iceland to go whale watching, so you'll need to make the trek up to North Iceland for this one. This sleepy town is known as the “Whale Capital of Iceland” and you're nearly guaranteed to see at least a few of these gentle giants out on the water.

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Time: Approximately 2.5 – 3 hours. Usually a whale watching tour takes anywhere between 2.5 to 3 hours in order to navigate the ocean in search of different whale species.

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