Half-day Tours
4 hours
Free cancellation
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Recommended by 96% of travelers
96% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$48
per adult
Cape Ann Whale Watch
Cape Ann Whale Watch
5
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Full view
About
Cape Ann Whale Watch in Gloucester, Massachusetts provides guaranteed whale sightings for every 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. We provide the best whale watching in New England as it's an awe-inspiring experience which every human being should have the opportunity to appreciate. We make it a very special event. For over 35 years, Cape Ann Whale Watch 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. Cape Ann Whale Watch's patrons have the opportunity to spend a lot more time with the whales than with other whale watching companies 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 as we deliver the best whale watching excursion in Massachusetts. "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. Cape Ann Whale Watch is truly the finest whale watching tour in the Boston MA area offering the highest level of quality, comfort and service at the cheapest, most affordable price suitable for any family entertainment budget whether on vacation or a day trip. We offer AAA discounts on the adult tickets. We also offer reduced rates for seniors, children and military families. We go where the whales go. Our vessels communicate with each other as to the location of whales so we 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.
Gloucester, Massachusetts
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
4,573 reviews
Excellent
4,001
Very good
390
Average
102
Poor
46
Terrible
34
mfernau
Boston, MA2 contributions
Oct 2021
Excellent trip. Easy parking, all staff were very nice. The boat is clean and perfect for whale watching, with outdoor seating, an indoor seating area and "galley" with reasonably priced food and drinks, and good stability when everybody runs to one side to see the whales. We were given plenty of time and encouragement to purchase sea-sickness meds for $2 if needed (my wife and I both passed and were fine on a day that the company described as "choppy"). The trip out was fast, we saw 2 humpbacks within a short time of leaving dock, and had plenty of time to observe and photograph them as they surfaced repeatedly. They were feeding, which our knowledgeable naturalist guide said was relatively rare to see. She knew lots of facts, answered all questions, and had photos of our whales quickly available online for $20 if we wanted them. We had glimpses of two other humpbacks as well. There is a no-fee guarantee to go out again on another day if your particular trip does not encounter any whales.
Written October 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JKelleyKramer
Charlotte, NC1 contribution
Oct 2021
Our group of ten (ages 9 month to 75) enjoyed a show performed by Breaching Humpbacks on Oct 10th. Cape Ann Whale Watch crew helped to make the experience special, start to finish.
Many thanks !
Many thanks !
Written October 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear JKelleyKramer,
Thank you for your kind review and thank you for bringing your group whale watching with us! We hope you are able to join us again soon.
Kind regards,
Capt. Jim Douglass
Owner
Written October 20, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
James M
1 contribution
Oct 2021
My son gave me passes for fathers day and my wife and I went on Sunday 10/10/21 it was chilly but not bad we dressed for it and we saw so many whales it was amazing. They were swimming alongside the boat. They were jumping out of the water and doing belly rolls. Definitely the best whale watch I was ever on. I couldn't believe how many whales we saw and how long they stayed around the boat, it was like they were preforming for us. Definitely recommend it as a family outing, but be aware if you have motion sickness because it does get choppy
Written October 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LeeAnna M
Clearwater, FL1 contribution
Oct 2021
Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
Whale watching was a bucket list item for my husband so while he was working in the area, I bought tickets for us to go on our anniversary. (Iron/steel hull boat) I originally scheduled on the competition’s boat, online. After a call to their office I decided to cancel and called Cape Ann’s Whale Watching tours. I was SO VERY THANKFUL that I did. From arrival at the marina until stepping off the boat, the customer service was top notch. We were scheduled for the 8:30am on Sunday. I received an email and voicemail on Saturday that it was canceled due to weather. I called first thing Sunday morning to reschedule and they had room at the 1:30 trip. It was meant to be!! The whales were SO active. The crew onboard was amazing. The Naturalist was so informative.
The deckhands were checking on those that seemed a little queasy and one even helped a dad with clean up of one of his little ones. Kudos to her!
The waves were pretty big rolls but the Captain navigated in such a way that it was no where near as bad as I expected. He was also very good to make sure both sides of the boat were able to see all of the activity. I can’t say enough good about the crew, the customer service, their knowledge, skill, and best of all, the amazing and beautiful creatures that allowed us a peak of their Sunday afternoon. PRICELESS!!
Whale watching was a bucket list item for my husband so while he was working in the area, I bought tickets for us to go on our anniversary. (Iron/steel hull boat) I originally scheduled on the competition’s boat, online. After a call to their office I decided to cancel and called Cape Ann’s Whale Watching tours. I was SO VERY THANKFUL that I did. From arrival at the marina until stepping off the boat, the customer service was top notch. We were scheduled for the 8:30am on Sunday. I received an email and voicemail on Saturday that it was canceled due to weather. I called first thing Sunday morning to reschedule and they had room at the 1:30 trip. It was meant to be!! The whales were SO active. The crew onboard was amazing. The Naturalist was so informative.
The deckhands were checking on those that seemed a little queasy and one even helped a dad with clean up of one of his little ones. Kudos to her!
The waves were pretty big rolls but the Captain navigated in such a way that it was no where near as bad as I expected. He was also very good to make sure both sides of the boat were able to see all of the activity. I can’t say enough good about the crew, the customer service, their knowledge, skill, and best of all, the amazing and beautiful creatures that allowed us a peak of their Sunday afternoon. PRICELESS!!
Written October 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear LeeAnna M,
Thank you so much for your kind words and positive review! We strive hard every day to provide top notch customer service and it sounds like that's what you received! We hope to see you and your family again soon!
Kind regards,
Capt. Jim Douglass
Owner
Written October 20, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
dwalc0604
Cheektowaga, NY5 contributions
Aug 2021
We try to get to Cape Ann Whale Watch at least once every season. The trip this year was great. The were whales exhibiting unusual behaviors. We also saw a school of white side dolphins on two separate occasions. The only problem we had with the trip was that it seemed to be overbooked. Because of arriving at 1 o'clock for checkin instead of 12:30 (my fault) we ended up at the end of the boarding line and consequently we ended up standing on the outbound trip.
Written September 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
s3veb25
Hopkinton, MA1 contribution
Aug 2021
It was WAY overcrowded. We did not have a seat the whole time. People put bags or coats on the seats to hold them if they got up. There were at lease 30 people who had to stand the whole time on the upper deck. Also, all the sanitizer dispensers were EMPTY both on the boat & at the ticket area outside. That should be a MUST to have these ALWAYS checked & filled especially after holding onto the poles & sides of the boat since we had no seat. Plus a child got sick on the top deck & it was pretty disgusting not to have the necessary sanitizers around for them or any of us. Again.....disappointed in the whole trip.
Written August 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lilyliketheflower23
1 contribution
Sep 2021
Loved that they had experienced and knowledgeable staff members on board who gave great insights and answered many questions while we were traveling out. It definitely made the experience much more engaging to be learning about the whales we were seeing. We saw three whales total (many sightings of each) and even saw one of the baby whales breach! Captain did a good job of turning the boat around so both sides could have a good view. We sat at the top deck and the view was great (they encourage you to move around though to experience from different areas, so don't expect to be seated the whole time)
The waves were a bit choppy as it was cloudy and rainy that morning, so it helps to be prepared with any motion sickness medication, although I didn't see anyone around me have any issues. Overall super fun experience 10/10
The waves were a bit choppy as it was cloudy and rainy that morning, so it helps to be prepared with any motion sickness medication, although I didn't see anyone around me have any issues. Overall super fun experience 10/10
Written October 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
themeesh2004
Uncasville, CT1 contribution
Sep 2021
I knew there was a chance we wouldn’t see any whales. And the weather was cloudy and the seas a little choppy. But holy cow! We had the most amazing time. Ended up seeing a Mom and Calf that were popping up on either side of the boat, tail flips, fin slaps. It was awesome! And the boat crew was FANTASTIC. The Naturalist was so knowledgeable and truly excited about doing her job and sharing the experience with us! Would totally go again! Thank you all so much!
Written September 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
denisebryant5678
Akron, OH5 contributions
Sep 2021
We were able to see humpback whales in their own environment and it was wonderful! They are so graceful. Our guide was very knowledgeable and when whales were spotted the captain would turn the boat so both sides could see them. All of the crew were very helpful and the galley was well stocked! Thank you for a great experience!
Written September 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jrthibodeau
Westfield, MA1 contribution
Sep 2021 • Family
We had a great time on the boat they have food and drinks served on the boat also ! I give the staff five stars for their knowledge and hospitality . All the staff have smiles on their faces and it was very contagious . Hands-down a great trip and I’d do it again
The only downside was the general public people need to remember proper behavior
The only downside was the general public people need to remember proper behavior
Written September 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Would it be a problem to use an adult Groupon ticket for a teenager? The tickets are cheaper on Groupon for an adult than to buy a child’s ticket. Children’s tickets on the website are ages 3-17.
Written June 4, 2024
If you use Groupon it doesn't matter who the ticket is for. I use them for all ages over the kid rate.
Written June 5, 2024
june
Wayne, New Jersey
Difference between this and 7 Seas Whale Watching? And we’re planning to go end of May - better going in the morning vs afternoon?
Written March 31, 2022
I have only been on Cape Ann but have seen the Seven Seas boat out in the same areas. The only thing I can say is that CAWW stays on the whales for longer than Seven Seas. Example: we went Memorial Day weekend and came upon the other group with a whale. They stayed with that whale for about 10 minutes. We were there for 45 minutes and saw some amazing breaching and feeding behaviors that the other boat missed.
Captain John and his crew are professional and so dedicated!
Also, no two trips are ever the same - even in the same day. We have done both- early it's a little cooler out on the water. We definitely don't have a preference (except that it takes us 2 hours to get to Gloucester!)
Written June 5, 2024
When can I make my reservations?
Written August 1, 2021
Yes-I'd suggest getting your tickets on groupon.
Written August 5, 2021
I know this has a lot of variables, but in summer how does whale watching in Cape Ann compare to Cape Cod? Reviews here seemed happy to see 2-3 whales - is this normal for both areas? I assume all these tours go to the same place (Stellwagen). Any and all info is appreciated!
Written March 18, 2021
Totally equal. All tours mostly visit stellwagen bank. Cape Ann tours sometimes visit jeffries ledge and cape cod tours sometimes visit peaked hill bar or cape cod bay. The non-whale sightings can be a little different in each loc but the likelihood of sightings is similar
Written June 2, 2021
They have a parking lot that you can park in for free.
Written September 10, 2020
What's it like around September 20? Is it very cold and choppy? From the pictures it looks like you can go inside if it gets too cold or windy. Is that correct?
Written September 2, 2020
Yes the inside cabin is heated. As far as choppy water, it will vary on the weather that day. Even in July and August I have a sweatshirt and sweats in a small backpack. The am cruises are chilly going out but warmer coming back.
Written September 2, 2020
Good evening to all, we are planning to visit whales with them and we are currently booking through Viator, does any of you know if they are accepting such tickets booked on another site then their one? many thanks for your answer. Cheers.
Written July 16, 2019
As I had said in my review on Tripadvisor that this years trip to Cape Ann Whale Whale Watch was a bit disappointing due to weather conditions. Last year when we went on your whale watch in September both of those trips were at 1 in the afternoon. Wouldn't it be better to do your spring trips also at 1 in the afternoon? That way you could get a better handle on weather conditions. And that would also give questionable weather a chance to clear up.
Written July 6, 2019
Our Cape Ann Whale watch tour was at 10am I think. We definitely were fortunate the day we went to see so many whales. I don't know if the time of the whale tour would make a difference or not regarding the weather. The day we went it had been raining like crazy over night & early morning. I was ready to see if we could reschedule, but the rain cleared & we had a great tour.
Written July 7, 2019
We are interested in bringing our dog- since it's dog friendly and he's been couped up in the hotel. What happens if has to go to the bathroom?
Written July 5, 2019
How close to the whales is the boat allowed to get?
Written September 27, 2018
The whales have a lot of choice in it. The boats are close within 100-200 yards but whales are mobile, they are eating as they swim and they come and go near the boats as the food supplies move. They do come quite close and photos are provided to identify the unique tails of the whales so you do certainly know which whales you’ve met. The Crews are extremely knowledgeable of the whales and share that knowledge gladly.
Written September 27, 2018
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.