Gloucester: Whale Watching Tour to Stellwagen Bank Sanctuary

Summary

Whale watching from Gloucester to Stellwagen Bank with local guides and ocean air

You’ll stand shoulder-to-shoulder with locals and travelers on deck as whales surface near Gloucester’s Stellwagen Bank. With naturalists guiding you and hot food inside, you’ll spot dolphins and humpbacks up close before warming up in the cozy cabin—just don’t be surprised if you leave smelling like salt and sea wind.

What’s the experience like?

“Did you see that?” someone shouted, and honestly, I almost missed it — a flash of white against the gray-green chop off Gloucester. Our guide, Mike, was already grinning at us from the rail. He’d warned us to keep our eyes peeled as we left the harbor and headed out toward Stellwagen Bank. The boat — Hurricane II, which is way bigger than I pictured — cut through the water fast enough that my coffee nearly sloshed onto my shoes. I didn’t mind. The cold air woke me up better than caffeine ever could.

It’s about 12 miles out to where the whales feed, but it didn’t feel long. People clustered along the railing, swapping stories or just staring at the horizon (I tried not to look down at my phone, for once). There was this salty tang in the air that got into everything — hair, jacket sleeves, even my scarf. When a humpback finally surfaced near us, it was quieter than I expected; just a soft whoosh and then everyone holding their breath together. I caught myself grinning like an idiot at nothing in particular.

Mike pointed out dolphins darting by — he called them “the show-offs” — and later told us how the boats all radio each other when whales are spotted nearby. It felt like being let in on some local secret network. The naturalist onboard answered every question (even the ones from kids about whale poop), and there was hot food inside if you needed to warm up. I tried a clam chowder that tasted like actual sea air — maybe just my imagination, but still.

I still think about that first glimpse of a fin slicing through gray water, everyone silent except for one little kid giggling behind me. The ride back felt shorter somehow; maybe because we were all replaying what we’d seen or just letting our faces thaw out in the heated cabin. If you’re doing a day trip for whale watching from Gloucester, just… wear layers and don’t expect your hair to behave afterward.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Whale watching tour aboard The Hurricane II

• Board The Hurricane II vessel
• Travel to Stellwagen Bank
• Observe various whale species
• Enjoy indoor cabin and refreshments
• Return to Gloucester harbor

Top questions

How far is Stellwagen Bank from Gloucester?

It's about 12 miles off the coast of Gloucester by boat.

Is there a guarantee of seeing whales on this tour?

The tour guarantees whale sightings during your trip.

What types of whales can be seen near Gloucester?

You might see humpback whales, minke whales, fin whales, right whales, pilot whales, sei whales, sperm whales, blue whales (rarely), plus dolphins and porpoises.

How long does the whale watching tour last?

The exact duration isn't specified but travel time is minimized so more time is spent observing whales at Stellwagen Bank.

Is there food available on board?

Yes, there's a full-service galley with hot meals, snacks, cold drinks and a bar (at your own expense).

Are guides or naturalists included on this whale watching tour?

A professional guide and naturalist are onboard throughout the trip.

Is indoor seating available during the tour?

Yes, there's a heated indoor cabin that's furnished for comfort during colder weather or rough seas.

Is this whale watching tour suitable for families with children?

Yes—children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.

Where does the boat depart from in Gloucester?

The departure point is in Gloucester; arrive 45 minutes early for parking and check-in before boarding Hurricane II.

What’s included

Your day includes guidance from professional crew and an onboard naturalist as you travel aboard Hurricane II from Gloucester out to Stellwagen Bank; you'll have access to heated indoor cabins with full galley service offering meals and drinks (at your own expense) before returning ashore after plenty of time with the whales.