Granite State Whale Watch
Granite State Whale Watch
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Rye, New Hampshire
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Granite State Whale Watch
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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.
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5.0
217 reviews
Excellent
191
Very good
21
Average
5
Poor
0
Terrible
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Kevin K
Dumfries141 contributions
Aug 2022
This trip was an extraordinary experience. We took the morning tour, and the boat leaves promptly at 830 for a 1.5 hour trip out to the ledge where the whales congregate. The seas were rough, and on this particular day you couldn't move around on this boat without holding on at ALL times. Many hurled off the stern, and were strewn about the benches lying down by the end of the trip.
The boat has an upper deck and lower, and a total capacity of around 120 passengers. If it rains, there's a bit of cover but nothing on the upper deck. Dress in layers. Snacks and beverages are allowed, and also for sale on the boat.
The naturalists on our tour were extremely informative, and the captain took considerable time once we arrived at the whale watching area on the ledge to add color commentary to the sightings of 12 humpback whales, a minke whale, and even scarce migratory seabirds observed on the trip. At $46 a head for a five hour boat trip, a great value. Very entertaining and a lot of fun. Shout out our upper deck naturalists, Ana and Jill, who did an excellent job on this trip.
The boat has an upper deck and lower, and a total capacity of around 120 passengers. If it rains, there's a bit of cover but nothing on the upper deck. Dress in layers. Snacks and beverages are allowed, and also for sale on the boat.
The naturalists on our tour were extremely informative, and the captain took considerable time once we arrived at the whale watching area on the ledge to add color commentary to the sightings of 12 humpback whales, a minke whale, and even scarce migratory seabirds observed on the trip. At $46 a head for a five hour boat trip, a great value. Very entertaining and a lot of fun. Shout out our upper deck naturalists, Ana and Jill, who did an excellent job on this trip.
Written August 15, 2022
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.
Marthead
Whitingham, VT162 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
What a wonderful experience! From making my reservation to docking up at the end, Granite State Whale Watch was professional, efficient, friendly, and knowledgeable. Even more important, everything felt safe and safe/respectful for the animals too. I was only one person adding onto a larger group and when I went to the website it said they often have a waitlist for daily rides so making a reservation is a good idea, even if small groups and solo. I thought with almost 50 open spots and a few days out, I might be ok but why chance it? I called and they added me into the larger reservation and I would just pay at the dock. When we got there I’m glad I had the reservation because they were booked full. They do suggest making reservations so better not take chances unless you’re fine finding a different activity that day because it might not pay off. In my case 48 open spots were sold out and I was glad I opted to reserve it 2 days earlier.
The boarding process was simple and I suggest getting in line earlier than later if you want a specific spot on the boat. We were about 1/2 way in the line and all got a seat upstairs which is where we wanted to be. You can move around and most people on our trip were reasonable to try and make space (especially for the kids) to be have a look too. But if you have your heart set on a specific place on the boat then you’ll want to get in line earlier than later.
They announced there were harbor seals and that we were headed towards a group of whales that were reported in the area. I had zero expectations so I know that my missed-seal-sighting made this experience guaranteed sighting so at least I was going to be happy with anything else I might see. I hoped more would happen but at least I was enjoying a nice day on a boat at the very worst. Boy, did things start to show up for us! I asked a few different staffers to see if they all felt similarly and get an idea for how lucky we were to see such activity… They all agreed it was pretty special that we saw so many different humpbacks, a few fin whales, and a couple mom/calf pairs too. They were spraying close by and far in the distances too. It felt safe and always like safety for the animals was number one priority. There was so many knowledgeable people on staff and available to answer questions. In particular, they had, on our trip, a researcher/scientist who came around to every group, family, couple, or individual and shared information with us. Of course it is an opportunity to make a donation but it’s not mandatory.
I highly recommend Granite State Whale Watch tour company. We were all pleased with our “3 hour tour”, returning as expected, and thrilled we had the opportunity to see the marine wildlife.
The boarding process was simple and I suggest getting in line earlier than later if you want a specific spot on the boat. We were about 1/2 way in the line and all got a seat upstairs which is where we wanted to be. You can move around and most people on our trip were reasonable to try and make space (especially for the kids) to be have a look too. But if you have your heart set on a specific place on the boat then you’ll want to get in line earlier than later.
They announced there were harbor seals and that we were headed towards a group of whales that were reported in the area. I had zero expectations so I know that my missed-seal-sighting made this experience guaranteed sighting so at least I was going to be happy with anything else I might see. I hoped more would happen but at least I was enjoying a nice day on a boat at the very worst. Boy, did things start to show up for us! I asked a few different staffers to see if they all felt similarly and get an idea for how lucky we were to see such activity… They all agreed it was pretty special that we saw so many different humpbacks, a few fin whales, and a couple mom/calf pairs too. They were spraying close by and far in the distances too. It felt safe and always like safety for the animals was number one priority. There was so many knowledgeable people on staff and available to answer questions. In particular, they had, on our trip, a researcher/scientist who came around to every group, family, couple, or individual and shared information with us. Of course it is an opportunity to make a donation but it’s not mandatory.
I highly recommend Granite State Whale Watch tour company. We were all pleased with our “3 hour tour”, returning as expected, and thrilled we had the opportunity to see the marine wildlife.
Written August 9, 2024
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.
Cbmcc84
Havertown, PA8 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
8/8/22 AM tour was great! Originally had booked the afternoon tour for the 8th, but decided we wanted to try the morning time instead. Called a few days prior to switch and that was no problem. Definitely make reservations especially if going in July-August.
Check in went smoothly, the boat was clean and the crew was friendly. The naturalist did an awesome job informing passengers where we were going Jeffreys Ledge and what made it such a great spot for whales. She came around and interacted with my young daughters showing us a map, pictures of possible whales we could see and even some baleen and explained to us how the whales ate the fish. Helped fill the time getting to the feeding grounds. We ended up seeing EIGHT humpback whales and the captain made sure that everyone on board knew where to look and turned the boat so that everyone had a good view. We also saw a pod of dolphins and the crew made sure we had a enough time to view them. The naturalist really explained how the whales all have different markings and a bit about the life of each whale. How the whale watching companies help document and track the whales with the Ocean center so that they can learn more about the patterns of each whale. I thought it was the perfect blend of information and just letting us relax and view the whales.
Bathrooms and the common area inside were nice and clean. We will definitely be back if ever vacationing up in NH again.
Check in went smoothly, the boat was clean and the crew was friendly. The naturalist did an awesome job informing passengers where we were going Jeffreys Ledge and what made it such a great spot for whales. She came around and interacted with my young daughters showing us a map, pictures of possible whales we could see and even some baleen and explained to us how the whales ate the fish. Helped fill the time getting to the feeding grounds. We ended up seeing EIGHT humpback whales and the captain made sure that everyone on board knew where to look and turned the boat so that everyone had a good view. We also saw a pod of dolphins and the crew made sure we had a enough time to view them. The naturalist really explained how the whales all have different markings and a bit about the life of each whale. How the whale watching companies help document and track the whales with the Ocean center so that they can learn more about the patterns of each whale. I thought it was the perfect blend of information and just letting us relax and view the whales.
Bathrooms and the common area inside were nice and clean. We will definitely be back if ever vacationing up in NH again.
Written August 9, 2022
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.
WorcesterMoray
Worcester1,091 contributions
Oct 2022
A overcast day with a bit of rain.
Not long out of the harbour we came across a large sunfish and the boat was skilfully manourvered so that we got a close up view of this large and strange fish.
We then motored out to the area were whales are apt to be. Our first sighting was a brief glimpse of a finwhale which then vanished. However we then came across a number of humpbacks, 7 of them in one group. They were not feeding but loading about on the surface and slowly moving along. We also saw them slepping the water with flippers but some distance away.
During the trip also saw a number of different seabird species.
Crew were knowledgeable and helpful. Snacks and drinks on on board including some alcoholic. I tried hard Meltzer for the first time and decided I did not like it!
Quite a run out to the area where whales are. Over one and a half hours each way so a long day. Also cold at this time of year so take plenty of layers.
Not long out of the harbour we came across a large sunfish and the boat was skilfully manourvered so that we got a close up view of this large and strange fish.
We then motored out to the area were whales are apt to be. Our first sighting was a brief glimpse of a finwhale which then vanished. However we then came across a number of humpbacks, 7 of them in one group. They were not feeding but loading about on the surface and slowly moving along. We also saw them slepping the water with flippers but some distance away.
During the trip also saw a number of different seabird species.
Crew were knowledgeable and helpful. Snacks and drinks on on board including some alcoholic. I tried hard Meltzer for the first time and decided I did not like it!
Quite a run out to the area where whales are. Over one and a half hours each way so a long day. Also cold at this time of year so take plenty of layers.
Written October 1, 2022
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.
Ithakan
Ithaca, NY331 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
I had pretty modest expectations given the reasonable prices, but we had a great experience! We saw 8 humpbacks on the four-hour morning trip, including two mother/calf pairs.
The staff are knowledgeable and friendly, and they really care about the wellbeing of these magnificant animals. They know individual whales by their unique markings, and many of the whales have been returning to the bay for years. The captain did a fantastic job positioning the boat so that sightings were to port and starboard so everyone could get a good look, and he did this without interfering with the normal activities of whales in the wild. (I won't post yet another whale tail photo, but the acrobatic adult male Clamp did not disappoint!) This boat is smaller and more intimate than some of the huge ones out of Gloucester, and they don't cram so many people aboard that you can't move around if you want.
I would go again in a heartbeat!
The staff are knowledgeable and friendly, and they really care about the wellbeing of these magnificant animals. They know individual whales by their unique markings, and many of the whales have been returning to the bay for years. The captain did a fantastic job positioning the boat so that sightings were to port and starboard so everyone could get a good look, and he did this without interfering with the normal activities of whales in the wild. (I won't post yet another whale tail photo, but the acrobatic adult male Clamp did not disappoint!) This boat is smaller and more intimate than some of the huge ones out of Gloucester, and they don't cram so many people aboard that you can't move around if you want.
I would go again in a heartbeat!
Written September 2, 2023
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.
RachK
2 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
This whale watch was beyond our expectations. The staff from the parking lot, to the team on the boat were incredibly friendly, welcoming, professional and knowledgeable. We had a rare trip where two whales breached and also played in the water slapping their fins and playing around for us. It was fascinating. The staff is on a mission to get you to see the most sea life they can find on this tour. They came around several times answering questions and informing us of facts. We booked a few days in advance as slots fill up. Also, a major plus, was when we got off the boat, we made our way to a quaint lobster shack and had the most amazing lobster rolls and steamers! You won’t regret this tour. Book it!
Written August 2, 2023
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.
martha.dufresne@gmail.com
1 contribution
Sep 2022
Our family took the ferry to the Isles of Shoals. The day was spectacular with sunny skies, low humidity, mild wind, and cool temperatures. Just a perfect day for a boat ride. The Captain was well versed in the history of the various islands along the way, as well as having some interesting anecdotes to share. We docked at Star Island and had a lot of time to explore it. Highly recommend this trip.
Written September 4, 2022
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.
Anne A
4 contributions
Jul 2021
What a fun and exciting experience. We saw many whales and even a shark and the entire trip and viewings were nicely narrated. Great service and friendly crew. Definitely a MUST when in Rye, NH.
Written July 27, 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.
DaBigG
Slidell, LA684 contributions
Oct 2021
Did the whale watch Oct 6. One of the best things I’ve ever done on a vacation. Saw 6 whales, 4 of them “logging” and 2 of them were flapping there fins. Comfortable boat. Snack bar and bathrooms. Good value, for what you do.
Written October 17, 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.
s t
London, UK23 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Excellent tour company. There were a team of naturalists aboard who were extremely invested in educating us on whales and their habitat and behaviour. The trip was highly successful as we saw a host of whale activity- including breaching ( when they jump up vertically out of the water ), flapping of flippers, whales and their babies playing together. Would highly recommend this tour company. They knew what they were doing whilst being respectful and gave us lots of time to view and enjoy the whales.
Written August 10, 2023
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.
tammyl9371
Warwick, Rhode Island
How long are the boat tours? Are service dogs aloud
Written July 30, 2018
About 4 hours and I don't think they can not let them on.
Written August 1, 2018
How many people can go on the charter boat for each tour?
Written July 4, 2018
I do believe the boat said max capacity 48, but I'm not sure if it was just for the bottom level.
Written July 5, 2018
I want to know the price. How much is it???
Written May 26, 2018
Our whale watches are $38/adult, $30/senior 60+, $25/child 4-15, and free for kids 3 and under.
Written May 27, 2018
We are planning a trip out this way next month and I would love to take my kids on this tour. How long is it? What does the tour consist of? I’m worried that my four-year-old would bore quickly.
Written May 8, 2018
The whale watch lasts between 4-5 hours. We often go past the Isles of Shoals, see birds and seals, etc. as we're making our way offshore. We are moving for most of the trip, as even once offshore, we're either actively looking for whales or traveling from one sighting to the next.
It's really up to you if you think it would be a good experience for your child- there are kids that age that have a great time, but we also know of parents that decided the trip would be too long for their little ones. If it helps, you're welcome to bring toys and books with you to pass the time, and the boat does have posters, pictures, and books about whales onboard.
Written May 10, 2018
Is morning or afternoon best as far as seeing wildlife?
Written July 8, 2017
Our boat trip left mid morning and we saw a Minke whale within 30 minutes. We were out for 5 hours and saw 5 different species. I really don't think it makes a difference as what time of day you go
Written July 9, 2017
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