Where can I watch whales in Boston?

New England Aquarium Whale Watch Stellwagen is home to many species of large whales, including humpbacks, finbacks, minkes, and the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale. Naturalists onboard will share knowledge and answer questions. Runs mid-May through November.



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3 What is the best place to see whales in Boston? You'll have the best odds of seeing whales in the Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary. Located between Cape Ann and Cape Cod at the mouth of Massachusetts Bay, this federally protected marine sanctuary encompasses 842 square miles of excellent whale-watching territory.

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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. 3 What is the best place to see whales in Boston?

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Cape Cod is a premier location in the U.S. to whale watch. Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary is a protected area that stretches from Cape Ann to Cape Cod. Even the local cruises guarantee a 99% whale-spotting success rate.

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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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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.

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One of the easiest ways to get to Cape Cod from Boston is by bus. New England bus carrier Peter Pan Bus Lines offers direct routes to several locations across Cape Cod for as low as $17. You can easily find and compare all available options on Wanderu and book the one that best fits your schedule (and budget).

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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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The outings last approximately four hours. The aquarium guarantees whale sightings on each journey.

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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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If you're a landlubber and don't want to hop on a boat, one of the best places to observe whales from shore is Race Point Beach, part of the National Seashore, and a quick drive from the center of Provincetown. Located at the tip of the Cape, this beach has breathtaking views in all directions.

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May through October is the best time to go New England whale watching, so there's still time to capture one of these majestic creatures with your camera. Visitors enjoy humpback, finback, right, and minke whales all along the feeding grounds up and down the New England coast.

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