Everything You Need to Know for Whale Watching in Massachusetts

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

humpback-whale-feeding-off

Save on Admission to New England Aquarium Whale Watch

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

young-man-takes-photo-humpback-whale

New England Aquarium Whale Watch Details

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

photographer-watches-humpback-whales

Tips to Make the Most of Your Boston Aquarium Whale Watch

  • 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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Visiting Boston's Museum of Science - Admission, Tips & More

Spending some time in Boston? Looking for a fun way to spend an afternoon that is great for both children and adults? A trip to the Museum of Science should definitely be part of your Boston itinerary. The Museum of Science experience is an immersive plunge into the way things work at a biological level, an environmental level, a physical level, and many others. Check out our helpful guide for visiting Boston's Museum of Science. It's packed full of tips for visiting, ways to save on admission, other nearby attractions, and much more. How to get Boston Museum of Science discount tickets? We’ve got you covered – Museum of Science admission is available with the below money saving options, so you can choose the attraction pass that’s right for you: 1. All-Inclusive Pass – All you can do. Includes admission to dozens of attractions. 2. Explorer Pass – Choose as you go. Includes admission of up to 5 attractions. 3. Build Your Own Pass – Select the attractions you want to visit prior to visiting. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more. What should I bring to the Museum of Science? Bottled water, if you prefer not to drink from the museum's fountains. Comfortable walking shoes. It's a sizable museum and you'll need some stamina. A camera or phone to catch all the memories at distinctive museum attractions. Take a selfie next to the huge T-rex or inside a space module. What is there to see and do at the Museum of Science? Frequently showcasing new temporary exhibits and activities, the museum is sure to be a great experience even if you have been there before. The Museum is full of permanent exhibits that will dazzle you and your family. Here are a few of our favorites we suggest you check out during your visit... NEW FOR 2019: BODY WORLDS & The Cycle of Life https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz4lGjfpOUi/ BODY WORLDS & The Cycle of Life is the latest temporary exhibit to open at the Museum of Boston. It is open now until January 2020, and you should definitely try to see it before it closes. The exhibit features more than one hundred specimens, and examines what it means to be human. Please note: this exhibition is not included with general admission provided by the Go Boston pass. Tickets must be purchased separately. Hall of Human Life The Hall of Human Life is arguably the most informative and interactive room at the Museum of Science. The left side of the room breaks down human life into its most basic, yet compelling building blocks. These activities help structure kids’ developing perceptions in scientific fact. Plus, it's a fun way to be reminded as an adult of these biological essentials. The stations builds a biological understanding of humans from our social nature, to how DNA, cancer, diseases, and antibiotics all work inside the body. The right side is even more interactive, featuring a series of tests to collect your own personal attributes and health. But before you get caught up in the fascinating topics and experiments, make sure you visit the free-to-use Link Stations. Here, you'll receive a wristband to “link up” with the stations' interactions via barcode. This feature will track your scores at each station, like the height of your foot arch at the aptly named “How High are Your Arches” Station, or the stations where you can see how efficient your walking motion is, or how warm or cold you feel relatively. Afterwards you can access your scores from the Museum of Science website in order to help measure and manage your health. Dinosaur Room The "Modeling the Mesozoic" and the "Colossal Fossil: Triceratops Cliff" exhibits will delight the dinosaur lovers. You'll be treated to fascinating facts and information about all your favorite, and soon-to-be-favorite dinosaurs. The life-size T-rex, and the reconstructed bones of a triceratops bring the seemingly larger-than-life, ancient creatures to life like you've never seen before. The "Modeling the Mesozoic" exhibit delves into the methods of science behind hypothesizing where and how these animals lived, giving texture to the archeological remains we have today. You can also explore fossil clues as you roam through these models. Examine bones, footprints, and even dinosaur dung to look for information. Then, review the bones of a dinosaur, an iguana, and a bird to see how some dinosaurs are closely related to birds! Take a Closer Look We especially recommend the Take a Closer Look exhibit for both kids and adults. There is relativity of hot and cold, the SEM camera, and the visual “sound” waves all contribute to suspending our static, commonplace view of stimuli, while at the same time drawing connections between seemingly disparate sensations that demonstrate the unification of reality. Special Experiences There are a number of additional experiences that visitors love, available for an additional upgrade fee (paid directly to the attraction). Charles Hayden Planetarium: This hi-tech digital planetarium hosts both typical planetarium shows and musical shows on the weekends. Mugar Omni Theater: Featuring top IMAX films with subjects like Pandas, Volcanoes, and the Great Barrier Reef. 4-D Theater: Shows here combined 3-D visual technology with additional special effects like air movement, temperature changes, water, and more. Butterfly Garden: A favorite with visitors from all over, this delightful exhibit is a respite from city living. What attractions are near the Museum of Science? If you're interested in a unique tour of the city, the Boston Duck Tour is the perfect option and conveniently picks up right at the Museum of Science. Cambridgeside Galleria is a comprehensive mall located just a few blocks away, and is a local go-to shopping destination. A short hop across the river brings you to a number of other attractions, including TD Garden (home of the Boston Bruins and Boston Celtics), the Otis House Museum, and the Museum of African American History. Important Information Hours: Saturday – Thursday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Friday: 9:00 am – 9:00 pm Location: 1 Science Park Boston, MA 02114 Public Transportation: Take the T: Green Line, Lechmere train, to Science Park stop. Note: Science Park stop is not wheelchair accessible; call the MBTA at 617-222-5000 for assistance. Save on Tickets with a Go Boston pass Remember, the Go Boston® pass is the best choice for maximum savings and flexibility, which includes Museum of Science tickets, plus admission to your choice of other top attractions. Save up to 55% on top museums, tours, and activities vs. paying at the gate. Visit multiple attractions for one low price. For other fun ideas to add to your Boston itinerary, check out our ultimate Boston guide.
Lindsay Eagan

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