
Whale Watching Tour in Gloucester
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
Select a highlighted day to see live departure times and the exact price for your group.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 4,717 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Whale Watching Tour in Gloucester worth booking?
Whale Watching Tour in Gloucester is a 4-hour experience in Gloucester, United States, from $48 per person. It scores 89 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 4,717 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 89 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (4,717)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $48 per person
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 Wor
What you get
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.
What's included
Included
- Professional guide
- Naturalist onboard
- Full galley
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Gloucester
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Cape Ann Whale Watch
Know before you go
- 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
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What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 4,606 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Good for families
3 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
4,606 verified traveler reviews for Whale Watching Tour in Gloucester. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Had a good time. Saw...
Had a good time. Saw many whales. Would do it again. We came early had had really good seats for viewing. Became a little too crowded around us when people who didn’t arrive as early stood around us.
via Viator
Whale of a day
Great experience. Beautiful day and we were treated to numerous sightings of whales. We got a bonus on our way back when a pod of dolphins put on quite a display for us topped off with 3 more whales. The staff was perfect for our trip. The Captain knew where to go and when to stop. We were given quite a history of the whales. Perfect trip.
via Tripadvisor
My family loved it.
My family had a great experience on our first whale watching tour. Free parking, easy ticket pickup from their gift shop, and clear instructions were very helpful on arrival. It took about an hour sailing out to find the whales. The naturalist was informative and entertaining, giving great details about the whales. We saw so many! And got lucky with spotting a pod of dolphins. It felt like the staff took their time to give us time looking at the whales. On the way back, they even stopped and circled back because they found another whale on the way. There were snack and drinks on the boat. I highly recommend.
via Tripadvisor
I will be doing this every summer from now on!
This was worth every cent! We saw so many whales, the operator was respectful to the animals, we had an excellent view as the number of participants was perfect for the size of vessel. Was with a teen who doesn't smile and I caught him with expressions of delight and awe many times.
via Viator
Great family outing even on a grey day
Great family event! Saw several whales tails & a couple that breached. Seas were a little rough. Highly recommend Dramamine just in case. Fascinating narration of Gloucester history as well as fascinating facts about whales.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 1,651
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 89
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Whale Watching Tour in Gloucester: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Gloucester.
How much does Whale Watching Tour in Gloucester cost?
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Prices start at $48 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Gloucester usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Whale Watching Tour in Gloucester take?
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Plan for about 4 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Gloucester is not rushed.
Is Whale Watching Tour in Gloucester worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 89 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 4,717 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Gloucester, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Whale Watching Tour in Gloucester?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Whale Watching Tour in Gloucester suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Whale Watching Tour in Gloucester?
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Around 1,651 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Gloucester can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Gloucester and add a light layer if any part of the 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Whale Watching Tour in Gloucester start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Gloucester within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Gloucester?
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Gloucester, MA packs its best experiences into walkable neighborhoods, local food, and day trips nearby. Outty ranks every bookable tour and activity in Gloucester by rating quality, review depth, booking demand and value, so you can see the standouts before you book. On Outty we rank every Gloucester experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Whale Watching Trips to Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary. Guaranteed sightings!, Haunted Harborwalk - Ghost Tour of Historic Downtown Gloucester, Massachusetts Self-Guided Audio Tour Bundle: 10+ Tours. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Gloucester?
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Spring and fall bring the best weather and lighter crowds in Gloucester, while summer has the widest choice of tours and evening activities. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Gloucester?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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