Whale Watching Trips to Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary. Guaranteed sightings!

Gloucester , United States

Whale Watching Trips to Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary. Guaranteed sightings!

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(2135 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Guaranteed Sightings! 7 Seas Whale Watch is located in the heart of historic downtown Gloucester, MA and in one of the busiest parts of Gloucester harbor. As soon as you board the Privateer you will be surrounded by the sights and sounds of Gloucester’s working waterfront. You may see fishing boats unloading fish, lobster men baiting and setting their traps, and perhaps even some of our indigenous wildlife such as Harbor seals, Gray seals, and various species of birds. The tour begins with a harbor tour of Gloucester Harbor starting with Cape Pond Ice (which most of you have seen on Wicked Tuna and ends at the Dog Bar Breakwater. A typical trip is anywhere from 3-4 hours but may be extended if the whales move further out for feed. The Privateer IV was built for 300 passengers but we only book to 150 to ensure the comfort and safety of our passengers and is equipped with restrooms, and on-board food Galley and bar.

Available options

Whale Watch

Whale Watching: Whale Watching Trips to Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. Guaranteed sightings.

What's included

Naturalist onboard

Boarding begins 30 minutes prior to departure time.

A 3 and a half hour to 4 hour excursion.

What's not included

Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)

Food and drinks (available for purchase)

Gratuities

Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.9

136 reviews

5★

132

4★

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1★

Tripadvisor 4.9

1,999 reviews

5★

1896

4★

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1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately

Late arrivals are not entitled to a refund. Please allow extra travel time in case of traffic.

Meeting point

Located next to the Gloucester House Restaurant. Please arrive 45 minutes prior to departure time. Late arrivals are not entitled to a refund.

Important notes

CHECK IN
Please check-in at our ticket office no later than 30 minutes prior to departure. The boat leaves promptly at the scheduled departure time. Please plan additional travel time to insure you arrive at on time - Especially for afternoon departures in peak season as Gloucester is a popular tourist destination and traffic can be expected.

Late arrivals and No-shows are NOT entitled to a refund so please leave extra time for traffic as Gloucester is a visitors destination.
**Reservations**

You can cancel or exchange your ticket for another day 24 hours prior to your trip. A valid credit card is required for all reservations. Online reservations are charged to your credit card immediately.

About Gloucester

Gloucester, Massachusetts, is a historic coastal city known for its rich maritime heritage and picturesque New England charm. With its scenic harbor, fresh seafood, and vibrant arts scene, Gloucester offers a quintessential Cape Ann experience that blends history, nature, and culture.

Top Attractions

Gloucester Harbor

The iconic Gloucester Harbor is the heart of the city's maritime heritage. It offers stunning views, fresh seafood, and a vibrant waterfront atmosphere.

Scenic 1-2 hours Free

Gloucester Museum of Natural History

This museum showcases the natural history of Cape Ann, featuring exhibits on marine life, geology, and local ecology.

Museum 1-2 hours Moderate

Hammonasset Beach State Park

A beautiful beach park with sandy shores, picnic areas, and scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Beach Half day Free (parking fee may apply)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Lobster Roll

A classic New England dish featuring fresh lobster meat served on a buttered, toasted bun.

Lunch Contains shellfish, gluten (from the bun).

Clam Chowder

A creamy soup made with fresh clams, potatoes, and herbs, often served with oyster crackers.

Lunch/Dinner Contains dairy, gluten (from crackers).

Popular Activities

Hiking Kayaking Whale watching Beach visits Picnicking Scenic walks Museum visits Art gallery tours

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season with warm weather, bustling festivals, and outdoor activities. The city is lively with events and perfect for beach visits.

18-28°C 64-82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

EST (UTC-5)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Gloucester is a safe and welcoming destination for travelers. Common sense precautions should be taken to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas
• Use reputable taxi services or ride-sharing apps

Getting there

By air

Boston Logan International Airport • 45 miles

By bus

Gloucester Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Affordable and reliable bus service connecting major attractions and neighborhoods.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike

Neighborhoods

Downtown East Gloucester

Day trips

Rockport

5 miles • Half day

A charming coastal town known for its scenic beauty, art galleries, and the iconic Motif No. 1 building.

Salem

15 miles • Full day

A historic town famous for its witch trials, maritime history, and Halloween celebrations.

Festivals

Gloucester Schooner Festival • July (biennial) Harbor Swing Dance • August

Pro tips

Visit the Gloucester Harbor early in the morning for the best views and fewer crowds.
Try the local seafood, particularly the lobster rolls and clam chowder, for an authentic Gloucester experience.
Explore the city's art galleries and museums to discover its vibrant arts scene.
Take a boat tour of the harbor for a unique perspective on Gloucester's maritime heritage.
Visit during the off-peak seasons for a quieter and more relaxed experience, with fewer crowds and lower prices.