Everything You Need to Know for Whale Watching in Massachusetts

By Katie Sagal
Published: July 18, 2024

Whale watching in Massachusetts is a popular activity when visiting New England. From Maine to Massachusetts, this is the time of year to see the magnificent and elusive humpback whales (among other species). While the prime season runs from April to October, you’ll often find that whale watching cruises are less crowded during the late summer and early fall months, making now an excellent time to enjoy such an excursion.

Save on Admission to New England Aquarium Whale Watch

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If you’re looking to enjoy a New England Aquarium Whale Watch for less, pick up an all-inclusive Go Boston® Card. You’ll save up to 55% on combined admission prices to your cruise plus other popular Boston attractions like a hop-on hop-off trolley tour, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Science, Skywalk Observatory, and more. See all passes, attractions, and prices.

New England Aquarium Whale Watch Details

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Embark on a Boston aquarium whale watch to see these grand creatures swim throughout the rich feeding ground of Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary. You’ll enjoy a leisurely cruise out to the mouth of the Massachusetts Bay, during which you’re sure to experience multiple whale sightings alongside plenty of sea birds, dolphins, and other marine life. Your exciting whale watch cruises are hosted by marine mammal experts from the Whale Center of New England, which is affiliated with the iconic New England Aquarium (another top destination for lovers of all things sea life). Their depth of knowledge and love of whales will really show in their presentations.

Along the way, you will learn to identify unique whales that have been spotted before in the Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary, including Sundown, Hancock, and Etch-a-Sketch. Experts can identify these whales by virtue of the distinctive black and white markings on their flukes. Whale species seen on this cruise also include minke whales and finback whales, which are respectively smaller and larger than humpback whales. You’re also likely to see a few white-sided dolphins, creatures that only swim in the waters of the North Atlantic.

This Boston aquarium whale watch is also distinctive for its commitment to sustainability and responsible wildlife stewardship. Their vessels are “green” catamarans and they adhere to standards for environmental friendliness set out by the Passenger Vessel Association Waters Best Green Practices Program. This New England Aquarium whale watch cruise is also deeply invested in respecting wildlife and working to educate staff and passengers alike in the need to care for whales and preserve their environments. We know you’ll disembark from your cruise with a newfound appreciation for these majestic creatures!

Tips to Make the Most of Your Boston Aquarium Whale Watch

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  • During the summer months, bring a light jacket or sweatshirt, as you’re sure to be cold out on the water – not to mention the breezes!
  • If your trip actually falls in September or October, we also recommend a hat, gloves, scarf, and heavier coat.
  • Regardless of the time of year, sunscreen is a must. Although the New England Aquarium Whale Watch catamarans do offer enclosed areas, you may be spending much of your time on one of their three outdoor viewing decks.
  • Sandals are nice for walking on land, but not on a boat. We suggest sneakers or other rubber-soled shoes.
  • Don’t forget to bring binoculars! Most whales will appear a decent distance from the boat, and you don’t want to be relying upon the zoom function on your phone.
  • Your resident whale experts will also be happy to provide plenty of advice on how to snap the best photos or take the clearest video, so don’t feel pressured to know it all before you go.
  • The entire cruise will take approximately four hours, so be sure to plan at least half a day for this activity.

Don’t Forget to Save on Admission and Whale Watching in Massachusetts

Interested in a Boston aquarium whale watch? Snag a Go Boston® Card and enjoy this whale watch cruise along with your choice of over 40 top regional attractions. You’ll save up to 55% versus paying at the gate, and enjoy the convenience and ease of a digital attractions pass. What’s not to love?

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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New Year's Eve in Boston - Things to do

Rich history and a fine party scene means there’s plenty to keep you occupied in Boston on New Year’s Eve. From heritage trails to winter wonderlands, magnificent museums to the city’s beloved sport team stadiums, Boston has it all. New Year is a great time to visit, with plenty going on to keep kids and grown-ups entertained all day long, not to mention the buzzy bar scene and epic firework displays that define this great city’s end-of-year celebrations. Read on for our guide to New Year’s Eve in Boston and the best things to do while you’re in town! Morning: Boston Highlights Crisp winter mornings are made for sightseeing and, as you happen to be in Boston for New Year, well, why the heck not? There’s a glut of activities here – from the historical to the futuristic – that will take up just one or two hours of your New Year’s Eve in Boston. And boy, are some of Beantown’s attractions worth checking out. Take a whistle stop guided tour of the Freedom Trail led by actors in period costume for a deep dive into Boston’s most historic sites, including the golden-domed Massachusetts State House, the site of the Boston Massacre, 17th-century King’s Chapel cemetery and Boston Common, the oldest public park in the United States. Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts is where it's at for culture vultures. Here’s where you can explore 100 galleries of eye-popping art from across the centuries, including ancient Egyptian sculptures, early musical instruments and paintings by the likes of Monet, Van Gogh, Renoir and Kahlo. Don’t miss John Singleton Copley’s portrait of local hero Paul Revere, and the elaborate mural by John Singer Sargent that adorns the rotunda ceiling. Alternatively, get your sports fix on a guided tour of the Sports Museum at the TD Garden arena, legendary home of the Boston Celtics and Boston Bruins; say hey to the seals, snakes, sea turtles and funky rockhopper penguins at the New England Aquarium; or nip just out of town to unleash your inner Jo, Meg, Amy or Beth at the 17th-century former home of Louisa May Alcott, where her novel Little Women was set. Sticking around beyond New Year? Consider an attraction pass from Go City to save $$$ on things to do in Boston, including top attractions, tours, activities and more. Afternoon: Seasonal Events in Boston If you’re looking for things to do in Boston on New Year’s Eve, rejoice! Many of Beantown’s Christmas fairs and festivals continue through New Year and there are even a few brand-new dedicated NYE events to check out. Better yet, many of the afternoon and early evening activities are family friendly, meaning kids can join in the fun too. Zoolights at the Stone Zoo is a magical festive extravaganza, where tree-lined walkways are festooned with thousands of twinkling lights and Yukon Creek – home to black bears, bald eagles, arctic foxes, Canada lynx, reindeer and more – has been given a fairytale festive makeover. Sponsored (perhaps unsurprisingly) by the National Grid, this electrifying experience is sure to give kids (and adults) of all ages a real buzz. Mosey on down to Boston’s Waterfront winter wonderland, where dozens of frozen masterpieces line the Ice Sculpture Stroll, spanning North End, Downtown Waterfront, Charlestown End, and South Boston Waterfront. Follow the trail to the Seaport neighborhood to find a veritable fiesta of fun at Snowport. There are soaring, twinking Christmas trees, an iceless curling rink, après ski lodges, fire pits, a beer tent, street-food stalls, local crafts and more. Eyes peeled for the Snowport mascot, a huge fluffy pink yeti that’s your kids with love. Or be absolutely terrified by, depending on their disposition. As the light begins to fade, make for Copley Square, where the annual First Night Boston Celebrations includes eminently danceable holiday-themed tunes and illuminated ice sculptures. Once you’ve shimmied yourself warm, join the procession to Boston Common for the spectacular early evening firework displays, which kick off around 7PM. Evening: The Best of Boston’s Party Scene The fireworks at Boston Common are repeated periodically throughout the evening, right up to the main event at midnight, but there are plenty more ways to spend  the final hours of New Year’s Eve in Boston. Party your little heart out at suave Rochambeau in the Hynes Convention Center. This one is strictly for over-21s only. And rightly so. After all, sophisticated hors d'oeuvres, speciality seasonal cocktails and dessert bars that groan with sweet treats galore are wasted on the young. There’s a live DJ spinning floorfillers throughout the evening, and a glass of fizz to toast the New Year at midnight. You’ll want to book tickets in advance for this popular annual party. Wrap up extra warm for Boston’s legendary Bow Market Ball Drop. This one is held partly indoors and – shiver – partly al fresco, although patio heaters should help to stave off the worst of the winter chill. A bit of fancy footwork to the live tunes being played by the DJ should also help stop hypothermia setting in. Again, book well in advance if you want to join the party. The price of admission includes a couple of free drinks, some nibbles and other surprises throughout the evening, ahead of the hotly (or should that be coldly) anticipated ball drop at midnight. If it’s heart-swelling romantic firework views that top your New Year’s Eve wish list, the Boston Harbor show is unlikely to disappoint. Get yourself over to Christopher Columbus Park for this awesome midnight extravaganza of colorful pyrotechnics and booming, spirit-lifting music. Entry to the park is free. It commands some of the best views in town, so we’d recommend getting there early to ensure your Boston New Year’s Eve goes off with a bang! Save on activities and attractions in Boston Save on admission to Boston attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Boston Skyline
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Wednesday in Boston: Must-See Spots and Hidden Gems

Exploring Boston on a Wednesday? Here’s how to make every minute count!
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Things to do in Beacon Hill, Boston

Looking to spend your vacation in Boston, but not sure where to set up your home base? Why not try Beacon Hill? This affluent area of the city has plenty of things to see and do, as well as places to eat and drink. Take our word for it and read on, as we've done all the research for you! So sit back, relax and read on as we talk about the best things to do in Beacon Hill, Boston! Including: Parks Freedom Trail Walking Tour Massachusetts State House Weird gifts Dinner ideas and more! Common People Sometimes, even on vacation, you just want to relax in the great outdoors, breathing in the fresh air as birdsong fills your ears. Well, you're in Boston, so it's not like there are rolling hills of green or grandiose canyons to look upon. Instead, you'll need to go to one of Boston's great green spaces to get your fill of mother nature. Thankfully, Beacon Hill has some fantastic parks to prowl. Don't actually prowl them. You're not a cat. Firstly, why not stop by the country's oldest public park? Since the 1630s, Boston Common has been a popular destination for tourists and locals. Its 50 acres touch five of the city's main streets, two of which are in Beacon Hill. So it counts. Be sure to check out Brewer Fountain Plaza for some sweet social snaps. Or, if you like your plants more exotic and fancy stretching your legs a little bit more, Boston Public Garden is a stone's throw from the Common. The country's original botanical gardens, it's become rather famous for it swan-like boats, which many romantic comedies have used throughout the years. Besides all the amazing flora and the big swan boats, there's plenty of history to discover too, so feel free to take a guided tour if that's your thing. Or just sit down, relax, and drink it all in. Up to you. On the trail of freedom Boston's famous Freedom Trail also snakes its way into Beacon Hill. So, if you're feeling historical, curious about the nation's history, or just want to experience talking to someone in funny old-timey clothing, why not take a tour? This 90-minute, one-mile historic city tour follows Boston's world-famous red brick path. Participants will hear over 250 years of history come to life as they pass by Boston's historical sites, such as Boston Common, Massachusetts State House, Park Street Church, the Boston Massacre Site, and King's Chapel. Famous historical faces like Josiah Quincy, Henry Knox, and Phillis Wheatley will tell you their own stories and share lively anecdotes about the places, events, and drama of the American Revolution and beyond. Well, not really them. It's actors. Those guys are all long gone. If you even have just a fraction of interest in the country's independence or history, the Freedom Trail Tour is easily one of the best things to do in Beacon Hill when you visit Boston! The State of play If all the tasty history wasn't enough, why not make room for another course? Our dessert menu only has one historical item on it, a braised Massachusetts State House that's simply dripping with historical intrigue and information. The large, golden dome is visible from many parts of the city. As such, it's a beacon you should not miss. And how can you miss a beacon when you're in Beacon Hill? They offer free tours to all visitors, so why not go and learn some things? Oddities We've all been there. You're on vacation, and the expectation from your congregation is to bring them back gifts that will cause elation. But what gift do you get? Do you even know what they like? Don't worry about any of that. Go with your gut and head down to Black Ink. Inside, you'll find a world of curious oddities, from shot glasses to dinosaurs, weird baby toys to cat-themed chopstick rests. If it sounds strange and disparate, that's because it is. But it wears that randomness on its sleeve. Some of it is Boston-themed, and some of it is not. Well, it's better than a cheap postcard with a tacky tagline, isn't it? Winner winner get some dinner Let's move swiftly onto food, now. Beacon Hill has some banging restaurants to sate your well-earned hunger. These are our favs. Start your day off with a bang at Beacon Hill Bistro. Yes, it's a restaurant in a hotel, but after you've tasted their winning delights, you'll wish you had booked a room. Their crispy chicken hash with eggs is sublime, and a great way to pack your body with protein to power the day ahead. Looking for a nice lunch spot? Hit up Grotto for some classic Italian dishes with a twist. The Gnocchi with short ribs, mushrooms, and gorgonzola in a red wine sauce is something else. But they do steak too, if you're not feeling like a little Italy. For a classy dinner, fork out for No.9 Park. Diners are welcomed by a pricey tasting menu and wine pairing, as well as a dress code. No jeans and tank tops here. However, the food is as delightful as the elegant decor, with its nouveau-cuisine spin on Italian classics. Liquid Bold After all the dining and exploring, end the day with a couple of drinks. These are our picks for Beacon Hill's best boozers. For an unassuming pint or three, the Seven Ale House has you covered. Bringing some of that Boston dock attitude to this gentrified area, you can settle in for a drink and overhear the locals talking about the ball game or something. Or, enjoy the speakeasy vibe of Carrie Nation Cocktail Club. Cocktails are the name of the game here, mostly created with craft vodkas, gins, and whiskeys. Grab a couple, play a game of pool, and forget about all your troubles, if only for a few hours. And those are our picks for the best things to do in Beacon Hill, Boston! Want some more East coast goodness? Check out Boston's best museums.
Dom Bewley

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