Gloucester , United States

Whale Watching Tour in Gloucester

Active

(4459 reviews)

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

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

You are guaranteed whale sightings on this whale watching tour out to Stellwagen Bank, a national marine preserve about 12 miles off the coast of Gloucester deemed one of the "Top 5 Whale Watching Destinations in the World" by the World Wildlife Fund due to the wide variety of whale species whom migrate to the coast of Gloucester, Massachusetts every year to feed on the abundant natural resources. This is one of the best whale watching in New England as it's an awe-inspiring experience which every human being should have the opportunity to appreciate.

Available options

Departure

What's included

Professional guide

Naturalist onboard

Full galley

What you'll see

For over 35 years, this whale watching tour has been dazzling whale watching enthusiasts with sightseeing tours aboard the largest, fastest and most elegant whale watching vessel in Massachusetts, north of Boston, Massachusetts aptly named "The Hurricane II" due to its immense size and speed as it descends upon its destination. You will have the opportunity to spend a lot more time with the whales than with other whale watching tour in Gloucester, MA since "The Hurricane II" gets to the whales' feeding grounds with much more expediency as well as traveling home faster, therefore more time is actually spent observing whales including but not limited to Humpback Whales, Minke Whales, Northern Right Whales, Pilot Whales, Northern Right Whales, Sperm Whales, Sei Whales, Blue Whales (The Largest Whales in the Seven Seas yet seldom seen around Gloucester, MA), Fin Whales, Atlantic White Sided Dolphins, Harbor Porpoises and whole host of other fascinating marine creatures.

"The Hurricane II" boasts 115 ft length with over 400 ft of whale watching room from the railings of the upper and lower observation decks for optimum whale watching conditions. There is a heated, furnished indoor cabin with a full service galley serving hot meals, snacks and cold beverages as well as a fully stocked bar with local brews, popular beer, wine and mixed drinks (at your own expense).

You'll be taken to where the whales go. The vessels communicate with each other as to the location of whales so the boat will go anywhere to see them on the North Shore or South Shore of Massachusetts including off the coast of Boston, Massachusetts: Salem MA, Newburyport, Cape Cod, Hampton NH, Rowley, Rockport MA, Danvers, Peabody, Swampscott, Revere, Winthrop or wherever else the whales may roam.

What's not included

Food and drinks

Gratuities

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.7

477 reviews

5★

410

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.8

3,982 reviews

5★

3488

4★

341

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Please dress appropriately to current weather conditions

Please arrive at least 45 minutes prior to your reservation in order to park, check in & board the vessel

Important notes

• THIS IS NOT YOUR BOARDING PASS. PLEASE CHECK IN AT TICKET OFFICE 45 MINUTES PRIOR TO DEPARTURE TIME
• Please dress appropriately to current weather conditions
• Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund

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.