Did you know that the city of Gloucester MA, is one of the best whale watching destinations in the world?
Located just 45 minutes north of Boston, coast of Gloucester in the state of Massachusetts is a whale watchers paradise.
The best part, you don’t just see different species of whales, but also a plethora of incredible marine life.
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Why is Gloucester MA the best place to watch whales?
Gloucester is part of the north shore in the state of Massachusetts, on the shores of Cape Ann.
At just about 8 nautical miles off the coast of Gloucester, is the incredible Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary.
This one-of-a-kind national marine preserve that sits between Cape Ann and Cape Cod is a national treasure.
It has the best possible conditions to attract whales in large numbers.
Internal currents plus fertile feeding grounds result in both common and endangered whale species migrating to the area.
Especially in spring and summer months, you will be blown away with the number of whale sightings in the sanctuary.
So much so, that the World Wildlife Fund regards the sanctuary within the top 5 whale watching locations globally.
Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary covers an area of 842 square miles.
Essentially, proximity to the marine sanctuary, internal currents and whales’ feeding grounds make Gloucester the best place to watch whales.
What species of whales and other marine life can you sight in Gloucester MA?
Gloucester is blessed with abundant marine life on its coast.
As already explained, Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary attracts a wide variety of whale species to its waters.
From the largest whales to the rare, endangered whale species, you can sight them all.
The following lists are some of the incredible whales and marine life you can spot off the coast of Gloucester. These lists are in no particular order although the humpback whale is the most common whale sighting in the area.
List of whales sighted near Gloucester MA
- Humpback whales
- Blue whales
- Minke whales
- Sperm whales
- Fin whales or Finback whales
- Northern Right whales
- Sei whales
- Pilot whales
Out of the above list, the Northern Right whale is one of the most endangered whale species in the world.
It is a blessing if you are lucky enough to sight it during your whale watching boat tour.
Note, the Northern Right whale is also referred to as the North Atlantic Right whale.
Other marine life besides whales sighted near Gloucester MA
- Atlantic White Sided dolphins
- Basking sharks
- Sea turtles
- Harbor Porpoises
- Grey Seals
- Sand Lance
- Sunfish
To be honest, the above list does not do justice to the variety of marine life found near Gloucester.
You do get several species of dolphins, sharks, seals, fishes and other marine creatures.
Plus, there are plenty of birds to sight as well.
This is the reason whale watching sightseeing tours are such an amazing experience in Gloucester.
You get the best whale watching experience plus some of the finest aquatic animals anywhere in the world.
If possible, do visit the Whale Center of New England located near the historic Gloucester waterfront.
The whale center has plenty of information about local whales and marine environment of the region.
The 3 best tours for whale watching in Gloucester MA
These are the top 3 boat tours in Gloucester MA to watch whales in their natural habitat.
Cape Ann Whale Watch Onboard the Hurricane II
Cape Ann Whale Watch has been at the forefront of whale watching tours in Gloucester MA since 1979.
They have the highest rated whale watching tour with good reason.
Firstly, they guarantee whale sightings with every trip. Customers can come back as many times as required free of cost, till they spot a whale.
Of course, you will not require to come back thanks to the massive numbers of whales at Stellwagen Bank.
Secondly, they have a wonderful set of experienced crew including onboard naturalists.
This ensures you not just see whales but also learn about our marine environment plus Gloucester’s maritime history.
Thirdly, their whale watching tour is onboard the fantastic vessel named Hurricane II.
It has the distinction of being the fastest whale watch vessel in Gloucester with amble space on board for patrons.
The 115 feet length vessel has brilliant lower and upper decks for fantastic whale watching experience.
Fourth, Cape Ann Whale Watch has 45 years and counting legacy that is hard to beat.
The company was formed by Captain Fred Douglas in 1979. Today it is owned plus operated by his son, Captain Jim Douglas.
Finally, they are ready to go where the whales are rather than sticking to a specific route.
As per Cape Ann Whale Watch, they will follow where the whales are at the moment.
This means it could be coast of Gloucester, coast of Boston, Salem MA, either shore of Massachusetts etc.
All this makes for an awe-inspiring experience that is fun for the entire family.
Cape Ann Whale Watch operates from April 22nd to October 29th and is located at Rose’s Wharf in Gloucester.
They have morning and afternoon departures dependent on month and season.
For current departure times, pricing, tour details and online booking, please check their Viator listing.
Note: At the moment, you have to pay a US $5 fuel surcharge per person. This is collected onsite and is over and above the ticket prices you pay online.
7 Seas Whale Watch Onboard the Privateer IV
7 Seas Whale Watch takes you whale watching on their fantastic vessel, Privateer IV.
It is one of the best and most comfortable vessels that you can take to the high seas.
Hospitality, experience and a knowledgeable friendly crew are just some of the reasons to opt for 7 Seas Whale Watch.
The tour takes you between the waters of Stellwagen Bank Sanctuary and Jeffreys ledge.
This area is full of some of the most magnificent marine life you can find anywhere in the world.
From a wide variety of whale species to different types of exotic marine life, you can see it all here.
Onboard naturalists will keep you educated on the marine life plus their environment throughout the tour.
Depending upon the day of the week and season, departure times can be 8.30 am, 11 am or 1.30 pm.
Whale watching tours are operated from April 15th to October 29th and can be booked from their official website.
I do feel 7 Seas Whale Watch provides an outstanding whale watching experience onboard a comfortable fully-equipped vessel.
Boston Harbor City Cruises – Whale Watching Tours
Unlike the other two whale watching tours on our list, this one is actually from Boston.
However, it is not too far from Gloucester and sails to Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, just like the others.
I do suggest the whale watching tours from Gloucester itself. Nevertheless, if you cannot make it there, then Boston Harbor Cruises is the best option.
With Boston Harbor City Cruises, you get a number of choices for your cruise.
You have sunset cruises, dinner cruises, Boston sightseeing cruises and of course, the famous whale watching cruise.
You can combine your whale watching cruise with entry to New England Aquarium for a more wholesome experience.
As far as whale watches go, Boston Harbor City Cruises is second to none.
You have onboard naturalists, experienced crew, a large vessel with snack bar and other amenities plus lots more.
More importantly, you get guaranteed sightings of whales and other superb marine life.
Currently, they operate the whale watching cruises from May 16th to November 12th. You get a choice of 10 am or 12 pm departure times.
For latest timings, ticket prices and itinerary, please do refer to the Boston Harbor City Cruises website.
Considerations before booking your whale watching boat tour in Gloucester MA
1) All whale watching tours from Gloucester or Boston, MA take about 3 to 4 hours.
Do keep some time in hand for parking and walking up to the departure port.
2) Remember, whale watching tours take you to the deep seas with possible heavy currents.
This means the vessels can rock a bit. Carry motion sickness tablets and other necessities to be prepared for any potential health problems.
3) Infants and children are allowed onboard. However, do take care of them at all times. Do not let them wander away from you for their own safety.
4) Carry jackets, sunglasses, sunscreen and an extra pair of clothes if possible.
5) Please do check for refund policy before booking for cancellations made by either you or the tour operator.
You may also like:
Newquay Cornwall Dolphin Boat Trips and Sea Wildlife Safaris
Your Guide to the Best Place to Swim with Dolphins in Cancun
Final thoughts
Gloucester provides one of the finest whale watching experiences anywhere in the world.
It is not just about the location of whales. It is about the sheer numbers and variety of whale species that you get.
Whale watching in Gloucester MA is very much a bucket list activity. I hope each and every one of you get to experience it.
