What do you wear to whale watching in Massachusetts?

6 What should I wear on a Boston whale-watch cruise? Everyday clothing and comfortable shoes are the best things to wear during your cruise. It's also a good idea to bring a light jacket—even in the height of summer, the temperature can be cool out on the open sea.



People Also Ask

Wear layers of clothing to accommodate changing weather conditions and temperatures. Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for sun protection during your Cape Cod whale watching trip. Pack snacks and non-alcoholic beverages to stay energized throughout the tour. Most boats also have snack bars available on board.

MORE DETAILS

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

MORE DETAILS

Closed-toe shoes This is as much about safety as it is about keeping feet happy. Sandals, Crocs and flip-flops should be avoided as the boat's deck can be slippery and windy (bye-bye flip-flop!). And warm feet equal happy feet.

MORE DETAILS

A Gratuity is not required on most whale watching tours, but the crew works very hard, and they are the ones who make the experience possible, so it is recommended that you tip between $3-$5 per person.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Boat-based whale watching exposes whales and dolphins to underwater noise, as well as the risk of injury from collision with the boat's hull or propeller19,20. The presence of boats can distract the animals from important behaviours like resting, socializing or feeding1,3,21.

MORE DETAILS

The next essential item to have in your bag on your whale watching trip is a nice pair of binoculars or “binos”. With a high-powered magnifying lens, experienced whale watchers can see much farther away and potentially have the opportunity to log more sightings of multiple species on one trip.

MORE DETAILS

Calm Waters: Mornings often offer relatively calmer waters due to reduced wind activity. This can enhance your whale-watching experience by providing more stability and a smoother ride, allowing for better observation and photography opportunities.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS