Best Whale Watching in New England: Five Top-Rated Tours (2025)
Credit for this article’s featured photo: Tina McMahon, Cape Ann Whale Watch
Looking for the best whale-watching cruise in New England?
New England is one of the best places in the U.S. to see whales in their natural habitat, and it’s an unforgettable experience. There is nothing quite like observing wildlife where they belong – in the wild.
The best whale-watching companies are in Massachusetts, due to the state’s proximity to one of the prime summer feeding locations for several whale species: Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. Whales also flock to the Gulf of Maine, so there are great cruising opportunities up there as well.
Here I have compiled a list of the TOP FIVE whale-watching tours in New England, based on both my own personal experience and the reviews of others.
These companies all have great track records for their overall cruising experience, as well as their knowledge of and respect for whales and other marine life.
Ready to decide which tour is best for you? Let’s dive in! 🐋
Best Whale Watching in New England: Top 5 Tours
Here’s the list of the top five whale-watching cruises in New England:
1. Cape Cod, MA: Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises
For the finest whale-watching cruise on Cape Cod, look no further than Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises, which has been in operation for over 50 years. They boast the largest, fastest, and safest whale-watching boat on the entire Cape.
My family went on a tour with Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises and it was incredible. We went on a hot and sunny July day and the boat was crowded, but even that didn’t detract from the experience. There is plenty of space on the boat for everyone to get a good view, and many parts of the lower deck are shaded as well.
If you get tired of being outside, you can also sit in the climate-controlled interior of the boat, which has flat-screen monitors, cushioned seats, and a full-service snack bar.
During our cruise, we saw around 8-10 whales, as well as lots of dolphins that were trailing our boat. One of the whales even showed its tale a couple of times, which was so fun!
Hyannis Whale Watcher has a dedicated staff and a knowledgeable naturalist on board to give you details throughout the trip, so you know exactly where to look to catch a glimpse of marine life and learn more about them.
Cost: $75 for adults, $65 for seniors, $55 for children ages 4-12, and $3 for children ages 0-3
2. Boston, MA: New England Aquarium Whale Watch
If you’re in Boston, you can hop on a New England Aquarium Whale Watch right at 1 Central Wharf near the aquarium.
Similar to other whale watch tours further up the New England coast, this cruise will take you to the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, one of the prime viewing locations for whales and other marine life in New England.
The tour will take place on a high-speed catamaran that will get you to and from the whales in as little time as possible. You’ll have the opportunity to see humpback and fin whales, plus Atlantic white-sided dolphins.
An experienced naturalist will provide comprehensive commentary throughout the cruise so you can learn more about the animals.
One guest shared excitement about being able to see a mother whale teaching her calf the right feeding techniques. You never know exactly what you will see on the open seas!
The cruises will operate rain or shine, and even if it rains, you have a good chance of spotting whales on your journey. Another guest shared that they saw 11 whales during their rainy-day adventure.
If you want to purchase food and drinks during your trip, there is an on-board galley.
Cost: $74 for adults, $51 for ages 3-11, and free for kids 2 and under
3. Gloucester, MA: Cape Ann Whale Watch
Gloucester is one of the most popular towns on Massachusetts’ Cape Ann and is a prime location to set off on your whale-watching adventure. Cape Ann Whale Watch is a beloved tour company in Gloucester, with the fastest and largest whale-watching vessel in Massachusetts north of Boston.
Cape Ann Whale Watch has a “sighting guarantee,” meaning they are very confident you will see a whale during your cruise, but on the off chance that you don’t, you will be able to take another free cruise FOR LIFE until you see one. They are that passionate about you seeing one of these gentle giants in real life.
A unique feature of Cape Ann Whale Watch cruises is that a comprehensive educational program is included that caters to both children and adults.
Some of the educational tools used on the tour include a 3D model of Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, whale baleen and tooth samples, and humpback whale songs.
The spacious sundeck on the Hurricane II — the boat Cape Ann Whale Watch uses on its tours — fits up to 117 people, with plenty of unobstructed viewing areas on both sides.
If you get too hot or cold, you can move down to the climate-controlled interior cabin and order hot or cold food and beverages from their fully-stocked galley.
Cost: $60 for adults, $45 for ages 4-16, and $10 for kids 3 and under
4. Gloucester, MA: 7 Seas Whale Watch
Also in Gloucester, 7 Seas Whale Watch has been ranked by Trip Advisor as Gloucester’s #1 local attraction from 2012-2022.
Hop aboard the Privateer IV, Gloucester’s newest whale-watching boat, which offers plenty of unobstructed viewing on both the upper and lower decks.
The boat was built to hold 300 passengers but 7 Seas carries a maximum of 149 passengers to allow for better safety and more space for people to move around during the cruise.
Another cool feature of the Privateer IV is that it has a very low-profile hull design, meaning you will be closer to the water when viewing, giving you a more up-close-and-personal look at the whales!
7 Seas is a family-run business that has been in operation since 1983, with four generations of career captains working from the same dock for more than seven decades.
The staff of 7 Seas has a passion for the marine environment and loves to share their extensive knowledge of whales and other local wildlife with others.
The Privateer IV is also equipped with a stocked galley serving sandwiches, snacks, and drinks.
Cost: $60 for adults, $45 for ages 3-17, and $10 for kids 2 and under
5. Boothbay Harbor, ME: Cap’n Fish’s Cruises
Further up the New England coast, at Maine’s Boothbay Harbor, you can embark on a whale watch with Cap’n Fish’s Cruises, the original whale watch on Maine’s mid-coast. Cap’n Fish’s has been around for more than 80 years, so you know you’ll be riding with an experienced crew.
The staff is very knowledgeable about whale feeding times and typical whale movements during the season, providing you with the highest guarantee of seeing a whale on your trip. (If you don’t see one, you’ll get a voucher to go on another cruise.)
Another perk of cruising with Cap’n Fish’s is that you get to enjoy the scenic Maine coast around Boothbay Harbor, including its lighthouses, islands, and lobstermen at work.
The Harbor Princess is Cap’n Fish’s fastest boat, designed to get you to the whales as quickly as possible. With two viewing decks, there is ample room for you to catch a good view of the animals from various angles.
Both the upper and lower decks have bench-style seating, and there is a galley serving grilled food, snacks, and beverages.
Bonus: Cap’n Fish’s also offers a combo puffin + whale tour to visit the puffins at Eastern Egg Rock and see whales during feeding time at Stellwagen Bank.
Cost: $77 for adults, $64 for ages 2-12, and $20 for kids ages 0-1 (cost slightly higher for the combo puffin + whale tour)
FAQs on Whale Watching in New England
Here are answers to common questions about whale watching in New England:
Where is the best place to see whales in New England?
Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary is a deepwater plateau at the edge of Massachusetts Bay, stretching from Cape Ann to Cape Cod, and it’s one of the best places to see whales in New England.
Stellwagen Bank is a federally protected area measuring 842 square miles where people can frequently find humpback, minke, and finback whales. The Massachusetts tours listed in this post all take you to Stellwagen Bank.
Another excellent place to find whales in New England is the Gulf of Maine, which is where Cap’n Fish’s in Boothbay Harbor will take you.
What is the best season for whale watching in New England?
Most tour companies only operate from May through October when whales migrate from the Caribbean and other warm areas to the Gulf of Maine and Stellwagen Bank to feed during the summer months. You’ll have the best chance of seeing whales during this time.
What is the best month for whale watching?
June, July, August, and September are the best months to see whales in New England, which is when most whales congregate in the North Atlantic for summer feeding. You may even see whales as early as May or as late as October.
Is Boston or Cape Cod better for whale watching?
Every Massachusetts local you talk to will likely have a different opinion about which whale-watching tour is best. The truth is, both Boston and Cape Cod tour companies will take you to the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, so the chances of spotting whales through either tour company location is high.
If you’re closer to Cape Cod, book a Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruise. If you’re near Boston, go with the New England Aquarium Whale Watch.
What is the best whale watching in each New England state?
There are several great whale-watching companies in New England, but here are my top recommendations for whale-watching in each New England state:
- Connecticut: Since Connecticut’s coast is mostly along Long Island Sound, it’s not the best location for whale sightings. Your best bet will be to drive a couple hours north to Cape Cod or Boston for your whale-watching cruise.
- Maine: One of the top-rated companies is Cap’n Fish’s Cruises in Boothbay Harbor.
- Massachusetts: If you’re in southern Massachusetts/Cape Cod, book with Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruise. If you’re near the North Shore, try Cape Ann Whale Watch or 7 Seas Whale Watch.
- New Hampshire: Explore Jeffreys Ledge and the northern section of Stellwagen Bank with Granite State Whale Watch.
- Rhode Island: Frances Fleet in Narragansett is a popular Rhode Island whale-watching company, but not as well-known or highly rated as Cape Cod tours. It might be worth the one-hour drive to Massachusetts for the best experience.
- Vermont: Vermont is the only New England state with no Atlantic coastline. Head over to Boston, Cape Cod, or Gloucester in Massachusetts for an amazing whale-watching tour.
Is a whale watch good for kids?
We went on our whale watch when our daughter was only six months old, and she loved it. When she was awake, she was all smiles, and when she napped, she was peaceful.
If you’re going with older kids, you may want to give them some kids’ motion sickness medication before you leave to ensure a good experience.
Overall, I highly recommend going on a whale watch with kids. Cape Ann Whale Watch is especially catered towards kids with their on-board educational program, but seeing whales in the wild will be entertainment in and of itself.
👪 Check out other family activities to do with kids!
Tips for your whale watch
Here are some things to keep in mind before embarking on your whale-watching adventure:
- Wear sunscreen to protect you from the strong sun on the open water.
- Bring a sweatshirt, even if it’s a warm day, as the wind can get chilly on the ocean.
- If you are prone to motion sickness, take medication like Dramamine before you leave.
- Tours typically last 3.5-4 hours. While you can purchase food and drinks on board the ship, you may wish to pack your own refreshments to save some money.
- There are restrooms on each ship, so don’t worry about having to hold it for hours. 🙂
Conclusion: Best Whale Watching in New England
A whale watch is an emotional experience that brings you face-to-face with some of the ocean’s most magnificent inhabitants. If you’re scratching your head about what exactly to do during your time in New England, a whale watch should definitely be at the top of your list!
From Cape Cod all the way up to Maine, these five tours offer some of the best whale watch experiences in the region. Book your cruise today — you won’t regret it!
