Currently the whale population in Massachusetts is larger
than it has been in decades and whale watching is a more
popular than ever in the area. Chances of spotting a Massachusetts
whale watching tour or day
trip is better than ever for reasons scientists aren’t
quite sure of. Several port cities offer Massachusetts
whale watching trips and tours including Newburyport,
Gloucester, Salem,
Boston, and Cape Cod. The whales
spend their summers playing and eating around Stellwagen
Bank and Jeffrey’s Ledge which are both prime
fishing spots.
Massachusetts whale watching is a great value for the
experience. Watching a whale swim gracefully through
the ocean waters can be an exciting and extraordinary
experience with memories lasting a lifetime.
Tour seasons normally run from around April to October
with the first few and last few months being quite cold
on the water. Rates run anywhere from $30 to $50 with
rates for under 12 years running about $10 less and most
tours allow kids under 5 for free. Check rates before
booking and be sure to book in advance and show up a little
ahead of time. Upon deciding upon whale watching Massachusetts
has several different tour companies that accommodate.
Boston Harbor Cruises can save the day when time is limited with Boston’s only 3 hour whale watching tour. The trips to get to where the whales are can be reached more quickly with a faster boat. Features of the catamarans are 3 outside viewing decks, climate controlled cabin space, comfortable seating throughout, tables, great audio-visual and snacks and beverages for purchase. Professional researchers from the Whale Center of New England narrate the BHC tours and can answer all curious questions from tour goers.
Provincetown is another fantastic area for whale watching in Massachusetts as it’s the closest harbor from Stellwagen Bank Dolphin Fleet of Provincetown offers whale watching in Massachusetts and guarantees that if you don’t see any whales you will receive a free ticket for a future trip. In this area you are almost always certain to see whales, however they can be pretty far off in the distance and may not breach the surface in a spectacular show. The Dolphin Fleet boats are modern, twin engine, stable boats that are gleaming white and very clean. Onboard there is a limited dining options and hamburgers, hotdogs and other snacks are usually what’s available. Pack a lunch if you’re not into the cruise menu.
In Gloucester 7 Seas Whale watch is a popular tour to take and offers some discount fares and early bird specials. Gloucester is rated in the top 5 of places for whale watching by the World Wildlife Fund due to its location on the rocky peninsula at Cape Ann. 7 Seas Whale Watch sets itself apart with whale watching in Massachusetts by offering longer visiting times with the whales and an extremely knowledgeable narration about the whales and about preserving the ocean environment keeping their habitats safe.
Whale watching in Massachusetts definitely tops the
list of things to do. These beautiful and majestic animals
fascinate tourists year after year. Remember that if you’re
bringing small kids, particularly under 5, make sure to
bring a book or something to entertain them as there’s
normally around three hours of transportation
to and from the whale watching spots. Also, don’t
forget warm clothing and sunscreen! You’ll be out
on the water for several hours and when cruising ahead
at 25 knots, it can get quite chilly, even in the sun.
Make sure to take a camera but don’t lose yourself
in the lens too long. Whale watching in Massachusetts
will be an extremely memorable day trip so you’ll
want to see the whales with your very own eyes!
