Looking for a fun, family activity? Get out on the water (and hopefully) spot one of these majestic creatures. This is the perfect outdoor activity for a summer staycation, or for showing out-of-town guests our beautiful coastline.
Whale Watching on the North Shore
Cape Ann Whale Watch: Celebrating 42 years in business, Cape Ann Whale Watch is located in Gloucester, Massachusetts, and provides guaranteed whale sightings for every whale watching tour out to Stellwagen Bank. Stellwagen Bank is a national marine preserve about 12 miles off the coast of Gloucester, deemed one of the, “Top 5 Whale Watching Destinations in the World,” by the World Wildlife Fund due to the wide variety of whale species whom migrate to the coast of Gloucester every year to feed on the abundant natural resources. Daily summer trips available at 8:30am and 1:30pm. Adults (17-59) – $50; Seniors (60+) – $45; Juniors (4-16) – $35; Small Children (3 and under) – $10.
Newburyport Whale Watch: Climb aboard the spacious, 106′ Captains Lady III to begin your whale watching voyage! The journey departs from downtown Newburyport, where you will travel out the Merrimack River into the Gulf of Maine. This is where you can find a variety of marine life including, but not limited to: Humpback, Finback, and Minke Whales as well as Porpoise, Seals, Sharks and an array of Sea Birds. Season runs from May through October and can take boats to either the feeding grounds of Jeffreys Ledge or Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. Daily trips available at 8:30am and 1:30pm. Adults (17-59) – $50; Seniors (60+) – $45; Juniors (3-14) – $35; Infant (under 2) – $10. Family packages also available.
7 Seas Whale Watch: 7 Seas Whale Watch is a local family business – Three generations of career captains have worked from this Gloucester dock for more than 7 decades. Whale watching trips head to Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, daily from mid-April to mid-October and are designed to educate, inspire and provide a deeper understanding and appreciation of the fragile marine environment. Trips depart at 8:30am and 1:30pm (with occasional evening trips on weekends). Adults (17-59) – $50; Seniors (60+) – $45; Children (3-16) – $35; Infants (under 3) – $10.
Granite State Whale Watch: Just over the border, in Rye, New Hampshire, Granite State Whale Watch is led by experienced and qualified naturalists who enjoy sharing their love of the marine environment with passengers. Your whale watch boarding pass is not an admission to a show, but rather an opportunity to observe wild animals which, on a world-wide basis, are quite rare. Whether you sight these marvelous creatures is entirely up to the whales; the probability is quite excellent – they have a 99% sighting record. On the rare occasion that you do not sight any whales or dolphins, a free pass will be issued. Whale watches depart twice daily to Jeffreys Ledge, where nutrient-rich waters support a large variety of marine life. On the expedition you’ll have a chance of encountering 40 ton Humpback Whales, 70 ft. Finback Whales, Minke Whales, highly endangered Right Whales, and an occasional Blue Whale. Daily summer trips available at 8:30am and 2pm. Adults (17-59) – $42; Seniors (60+) – $34; Children (4-15) – $29; Infants (under 3) – FREE.
Al Gauron Deep Sea Fishing & Whale Watching: Another company located just over the border in Hampton, New Hampshire, Al Gauron Deep Sea Fishing & Whale Watching offers daily 4 hour cruises throughout the summer. Boat departs at 1 pm. This is a family-owned business in operation for over 75 years. Adults – $40; Seniors (60+) – $35; Children (Ages 12 & Under) – $28.