Boston Whale Watching Cruise by New England Aquarium

Getting started

Meet your crew at the boarding point mentioned on your ticket. After a quick security scan, head to the high-speed catamaran. Departure is from One Long Wharf, located between the Long Wharf Marriott Hotel and the New England Aquarium.

What to expect

Enjoy the luxuries of the boat—spacious outdoor observation decks and climate-controlled indoor cabins furnished with big windows, cushioned seats, tables, state-of-the-art audio and video systems, and a snack counter where you can purchase snacks and drinks.

Features

Live guide: The tour is led by a naturalist from the New England Aquarium, who will answer all your (relevant) questions and help you better understand & appreciate the marine ecosystem.

Boston harbor views: As you speed across the Massachusetts coastal waters, you can spot landmarks such as Castle Island and Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park before reaching your destination—Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary.

Marine life: Spot a variety of whales such as humpback, fin, and minke whales; white-sided dolphins, and more. The sanctuary is a rich feeding ground for marine life.

Boston Whale Watching Cruise by New England Aquarium

Discover the rich marine life of Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary on this 3 to 4-hour guided whale watching cruise led by naturalists from the renowned New England Aquarium, a leading institution in marine conservation and research. Set sail aboard a comfortable vessel with spacious outdoor viewing decks and panoramic glass windows for indoor viewing, ensuring clear views no matter your preference. The tour includes access to multilingual audio guides (English, Spanish, French) and expert-led commentary, providing insights into the behaviors, habitats, and conservation efforts of humpback whales, fin whales, minke whales, and dolphins. Covering over 20 miles of oceanic waters off Cape Cod Bay and Stellwagen Bank, this cruise offers unparalleled opportunities to spot these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Ideal for nature enthusiasts, marine biology students, and families alike, the tour guarantees an unforgettable experience with a focus on education and conservation.

Explore New England Aquarium

Your tour stops at the New England Aquarium, one of the world’s leading institutions dedicated to marine life research and conservation. Established in 1969, the aquarium spans over 275,000 square feet with more than 40 exhibits showcasing a diverse array of aquatic species from around the globe. Key attractions include the Giant Ocean Tank, home to over 800 animals including green sea turtles and Atlantic cod; the Trust Family Foundation Shark & Ray Touch Tank; and the Northern Elephant Seal exhibit featuring these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. The aquarium also offers interactive exhibits like the Gulf of Maine Research Institute’s Explore the Seaside exhibit and the Marine Animal Care Center, where you can learn about marine rescue efforts and rehabilitation processes. Visitors typically spend 2 to 3 hours exploring the various exhibits and engaging with educational programs, making it a unique destination that combines entertainment with education. Unlike other aquariums focused solely on display, the New England Aquarium integrates research and conservation into its mission, ensuring visitors leave with a deeper understanding of marine ecosystems.

Tour Highlights

• Set sail on 3-4 hour cruise
• Spot humpback, fin, minke whales & dolphins at Stellwagen Bank Sanctuary
• Step out onto spacious outdoor viewing decks for panoramic views
• Sit comfortably inside with large glass windows for clear visibility
• Ask expert naturalists questions about marine life and conservation efforts
• Enjoy multilingual audio guides in English, Spanish, French
• Learn about humpback whale behaviors at Stellwagen Bank Sanctuary
• Explore New England Aquarium’s exhibits on marine biology research

Perfect for nature enthusiasts, families, and marine biology students, this guided tour provides an educational experience through expert-led commentary and interactive features. The 3 to 4-hour format allows you to set sail from Boston Harbor, explore Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary, and visit the New England Aquarium, giving you a comprehensive understanding of marine life conservation while enjoying stunning views of humpback whales, fin whales, minke whales, and dolphins.