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Boston Whale Watching Cruise by BHCC

1 Long Wharf, Boston, Massachusetts

Description

The Whale watching cruise operated by Boston Harbour City Cruises (BHCC) in partnership with the New England Aquarium takes customers to the Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary in catamarans with viewing decks and naturalists working for the aquarium to provide comments and answer questions. Stellwagen is a rich feeding ground for whales, dolphins, sea birds, and other marine creatures. Whales species that can be seen include humpbacks, finbacks, minkes, and the endangered right whales.

Access & Transport

The boats leave from #1 Long wharf, along Boston Waterfront, very close to the New England Aquarium and the Aquarium metro station (Blue line). Bus service #4 also stops nearby on Atlantic Ave. There is wheelchair access, but it is limited to the main deck.

Instructions & Recommendations

Cruises leave at 10h00 (most days), 12h00 or 14h30. Ou practical information section assumes a 10h00 departure and customers should arrive 15-30mins before departure for boarding. It can be cool and windy offshore so we recommend taking a light jacket / windbreaker.

Meta review

The online reviews for this whale watching cruise are consistently good - most trips seem to have successful sightings, but the website pictures can be misleading as to how close you can expect to be from the whales (for their own safety). The guides are described as doing a good job of explaining and the main drawback is the long journey back and forth, about 1h each way.

Environmental & Social

No word about conservation and boats use fossil fuels - in this case the journey is quite long. The crews include naturalists so the sightings are carried out responsibly (not too close or chasing)

Conclusion

This is an excellent option for those keen to see whales in the wild but do note the long commute time to the marine sanctuary and the significant budget, for a family in particular. Probably more of an activity for local and regional residents rather than international travellers more interested in the city itself.

Key positive

Professionally managed

Watching seems to be done quite responsibly

Key negative

Expensive

Time consuming without guarantee of sighting

Suitability

Accessible to wheelchair users and suitable for all ages

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

Updated in October 2023

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Cruises start at 10h00 and last 3h30-4h00 hours.

av. transport time:0h 20m

est. visit time:4h

Regulated hours

Start of Season 1:May, 15

Season 1

MONDAY09:45 - 13:45

TUESDAY09:45 - 13:45

WEDNESDAY09:45 - 13:45

THURSDAY09:45 - 13:45

FRIDAY09:45 - 13:45

SATURDAY09:45 - 13:45

SUNDAY09:45 - 13:45

Start of Season 2:Nov, 10

Season 2

MONDAY -

TUESDAY -

WEDNESDAY -

THURSDAY -

FRIDAY -

SATURDAY -

SUNDAY -

Pricing
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
65 - 99
US$65
Adult
12 - 64
US$74.2
Child
3 - 11
US$51.2
Infant
0 - 2
US$0
Includes several taxes and surcharges

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