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New EnglandDolphin & whale watching

Our most recommended New England Dolphin & whale watching

Boston: Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

1. Boston: Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

Go whale watching off the coast of Boston on a comfortable, high-speed catamaran with maximized outdoor and indoor viewing capacity. Look out for humpback, finback, and minke whales, as well as white-sided dolphins on this adventure cruise. Benefit from the best-guided experience, with professional researchers from the Whale Center of New England, the region's foremost authority on whale populations, on-hand to provide you with expert commentary. After you find your crew at the dock, board the high-speed catamaran that offers the fastest, most comfortable way to explore the Atlantic.  Make the most of the 3 outside viewing decks, climate-controlled cabin space with cushioned seating, tables, state-of-the-art sound and video systems, and a galley offering snacks and beverages for purchase. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for:  Humpback whales The humpback’s name comes from the way its back arches out of the water when preparing for a deep dive. “Megaptera” is its true scientific name, which means “large-winged,” in reference to its long flippers. Finback whales Finbacks are second only to Blue Whales in overall size, measuring in at 45-70 feet in length and weighing approximately 40 tons as full-grown adults. Minke whales A sleek, small dolphin-like baleen whale, Minkes are the most abundant whale in the world today with a population numbering well over 1 million worldwide. White-sided dolphins Found only in the North Atlantic, in waters just south of New England and north to Norway, these playful mammals feed on single prey such as squid, unlike whales, who feast on large numbers of small fish.

Penobscot Bay: Historic Schooner Day Sailing Trip

2. Penobscot Bay: Historic Schooner Day Sailing Trip

Experience one of the top things to do in Camden sailing along Maine's magnificent rocky coastline. Climb aboard the elegant Appledore II, a historic schooner. Feel like an adventurer from the 19th-century while enjoying state-of-the-art accommodations onboard a modern windjammer. Stroll along the wide decks as you take in the sights without needing to duck beneath the rigging. With a capacity of only 49 passengers, there is abundant seating to make yourself comfortable for this intimate sailing trip. Enjoy the chance to sail your own wooden ship as the crew welcomes your participation. Offer to help raise the sails and take a turn at the wheel of this hard-working, seaworthy schooner. Ask your crew about the history of the boat which has sailed around the world, docking at many harbors along the way. Twice a year, she still sails the Eastern seaboard between her 2 home ports of Camden, Maine and Key West, Florida.  Start the tour by departing from Bayview Landing and heading out of Camden Harbor. Discover why Camden is often called the jewel of the Maine coast as you sail past the impressive lighthouse, Curtis Island Light, dating from 1836, and into Penobscot Bay. Considered to be one of the top cruising bays in the world, Penobscot Bay will amaze you with its uninhabited islands, wildlife, and views of Camden Hills and other coastal mountains dropping off into the sea. During the tour, look along the shore for Mount Battie, historic inns, and elegant summer mansions of the rich and famous with their million dollar yachts. Watch lobstermen hauling in their traps. On a typical day, you may see porpoises playing in the water, ospreys, eagles hunting for fish, and even the occasional whale. Watch for seals sunning themselves on rocks and cute guillernots (cousins of the puffin), with their bright red feet, wobbling as they walk along the rocky shoreline. Quench your thirst with cocktails, beer, wine and soft drinks, all available for purchase during your sailing cruise. As Camden Harbor comes back into view, relax and feel the wind sweep through your hair as your memorable sailing ship cruise draws to a close.

Provincetown: Whale Watching Cruise in Cape Cod with a Guide

3. Provincetown: Whale Watching Cruise in Cape Cod with a Guide

Immerse yourself in the wildlife of Cape Cod on this beautiful and intellectually enriching guided cruise through the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. Departing from Provincetown, embark from the closest port to the sanctuary, cutting down on the journey time and increasing your time viewing the abundant whales and marine life. This unique whale watching experience offers a wide spectrum of educational tools, which are specifically designed to enhance your awareness of whales, other marine life, and the marine habitat that surrounds you. The goal is to have each passenger depart the cruise with a greater understanding and appreciation of the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary and the wealth of life it supports.

Salem: Historic Schooner Sailing Cruise

4. Salem: Historic Schooner Sailing Cruise

Ride aboard a full-scale replica of the first American privateer schooner to get to sea during the War of 1812. Marvel at the scenery, drink a beverage, and get up close to a vessel that has been modelled on the original Fame which was the first privateer to send in a captured vessel. Sail from Pickering Wharf Marina in downtown Salem, MA, with as many as five times daily and witness the picturesque sights along the way - a great trip for all ages. Learn about Salem Sound, where pirates, privateers, East Indiamen, and men of war have been making history for 400-years. Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of this vessel, which seized over 20 prizes in the waters off Maine, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick before being lost in the Bay of Fundy in 1814.

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Frequently asked questions about New England Dolphin & whale watching

What are other things to do than Dolphin & whale watching that are worth visiting in New England?

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Other Sightseeing Options in New England

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What people are saying about New England

Turned up at the wharf to see a small group of people sitting waiting for the boat to turn up. Had 45 minutes until the tour so decided to explore around the wharf. When we got back, the line was huge. Convinced that this must be about three ships worth of people, we were shocked to learn that all of these people were going with us. That being said, once you got on the boat, there was plenty of room to pitch up at your preferred spot, either inside or out on deck. I would recommend taking a drink/flask with you as the line for the servers was very long at times. If you struggle to stand, you may want to arrive early to get the start of the line to secure a seat but that will hinder your view as they are not around the side rails and that’s where the majority of people stand to see the action.

What an incredible experience! The entire crew was so kind, and very informative! We saw 2 groups of humpbacks and learned so much about them from our guide. You can tell this group is very passionate about what they do. Such a cool experience- highly recommend!

Amazing trip to whale watch. We were able to see tons of whales and seals along the way. The boat was crowded but still plenty of room to move around and enjoy the time on the boat! Amazing staff and well organized.

Great experience! Get there early so you can get a good spot. We went the first weekend of November 2022 and saw soooo many whales!

saw the biggest pod of dolphins & 4 whales played by the boat forever!