We’ve rounded up a list of 6 places of where to go for whale watching this Summer on the East Coast.
Where are the best places for whale watching on the East Coast?
Whale, oh whale, summer’s in full swing, and while we’re enjoying the hot, hot heat, we’re finding every excuse out there to cool down. We’re currently in the prime whale-watching months, so what better way to enjoy the warm weather than on a boat, with an ocean breeze, watching some of Earth’s most mysterious (and intelligent) creatures?
6 best places to go whale watching this Summer on the East Coast.
View our favorite East Coast whale-watching spots and links to book tours below.
1. Bar Habor, Maine
Set sail with the whales in Bar Habor. Bar Harbor offers plenty of opportunities to spot sea creatures, including whales, dolphins, seals, sharks, and seabirds. We recommend the Bar Habor Whale Watch Co. The trip lasts 3.5-5.5 hours as your guide educates you about the history of the Gulf of Maine. Since 2012, they’ve participated in Whale SENSE, a voluntary program promoting responsible whale-watching practices.
2. Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Operating out of Barnstable Harbor, Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises offers whale-watching tours throughout Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary on a boat designed for maneuverability. The trip comes with an educational commentary and a captain skilled at positioning the boat so that everyone onboard gets a spin at seeing a fin. The 3.5-4 hour tour often features sightings of minkes, humpbacks, and finbacks.
3. Newport, Rhode Island
Get your binoculars ready! Newport Landing offers whale-watching excursions seven days a week, all year long. From May through November, giant blue whales and finback whales are the most popular sights, although it’s possible to see other sea creatures. The tour offers an array of ships, each equipped with different amenities and knowledgeable captains ready to teach you everything you need to know about marine life.
6 best places to go whale watching this Summer on the East Coast
4. Long Island, New York
Escape NYC for a weekend with whales by joining Long Island Whale & Seal Watching on their tour. Captain Lou Fleet’s Atlantic Pearl will take you off Freeport, Long Island’s shores, for a four-hour cruise where you’ll spot humpbacks, bottlenose dolphins, and more. The all-ages activity will allow you to reconnect with nature while learning about some of the most special aquatic animals. Use the code WHALE23! for $15 on every ticket.
5. Cape May, New Jersey
All aboard! Tour Miss Chris Marina in Cape May on the 100-foot, 290-person seating boat, The Cape May Whale Watcher. The Cape May Whale Watcher prides itself on being the largest and fastest boat, all while offering a marine mammal sighting guarantee. Since 1993, Captain Jeff has been upgrading the boat for maximum passenger comfort while providing a number of cruises, including whale and dolphin watching, sunset sails, and some special cruises like fireworks, AC airshows, and private charters.
6. Virginia Beach, Virginia
Spend some 1×1 time with the whales on your private whale and dolphin-watching tour off the coast of Virginia. First Landing Charters offers an intimate whale and dolphin-watching experience with historic Cape Henry and its two lighthouses acting as the background of these unbelievable views. The 2-3 hour tour allows up to six guests with a recommended timeslot of 2-5 PM EST.
The 6 best places of where to go for whale watching on the East Coast
Whale-watching season, we’ve been waiting for you! Let us know your favorite place to see these gentle giants work their mystical magic at sea.
