Family Fun at Sea: New England Aquarium Whale Watch Season Begins!

Story Written By: Mark Allen Wood
Plymouth Performing Arts Network
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The New England Aquarium Whale Watch, in partnership with Boston Harbor City Cruises (BHCC), kicked off another thrilling season on May 16, 2024, offering guests an immersive experience with whales and ocean life off the coast of Massachusetts. This season promises unforgettable encounters and a wealth of marine knowledge, as demonstrated by a remarkable recent outing.

On Saturday, June 30, 2024, passengers aboard the vessel Aurora were treated to a spectacular sighting of two humpback whales, Dyad and Ravine, on the uppermost side of Stellwagen Bank. The whale watch departed from the New England Aquarium and was guided by an exceptional marine biologist, who provided insightful knowledge, including fascinating details about whale poop and how to distinguish individual whales.

Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary: A Wildlife Haven

The whale watch cruises venture into the Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary, a renowned feeding ground for many whale, dolphin, and bird species. New England Aquarium naturalists serve as guides, offering passengers the chance to learn about these marine animals and their behaviors. The naturalists, who set sail daily, enrich the experience with their expertise and passion for marine life.

"The start of whale watching season is our favorite time of year here at BHCC,” said Bob Lawler, BHCC’s General Manager and Regional Vice President. “Together with the New England Aquarium, we're thrilled to continue to provide the unique opportunity for Boston-area residents and visitors to see and learn about whales in their natural habitat. Each year, we welcome thousands of passengers aboard for an experience they'll never forget, and we look forward to another spectacular season ahead."

Support for Passengers with Disabilities

Recognizing the need for inclusivity, the cruise provides various options for passengers with mental disabilities to comfortably handle the long four-hour journey. There is a dedicated section in the rear of the boat where children can engage in reading books about whales and coloring with informational pages provided by the Aquarium. Aquarium employees also walk around the boat to ensure all guests can understand the topics being discussed. One parent shared, "My son, who has autism, was able to have areas to unwind and was also given a one-on-one lesson about baleen from one of the interns aboard the ship."

A Shared Goal for Conservation

Out of a shared goal to protect the critically endangered North Atlantic right whales, long-time partners BHCC and the Aquarium delayed the start of the New England Aquarium Whale Watch until the right whales had migrated north out of Cape Cod Bay. “At the New England Aquarium, we aim to inspire everyone to form a deeper connection to the ocean and take action to protect it. Education is at the core of our mission, and these whale watches provide a wonderful opportunity to experience the wonders of our blue planet first-hand,” said New England Aquarium President and CEO Vikki N. Spruill.

A Comfortable and Educational Journey

Departing from Boston’s Central Wharf, the whale watches run three to four hours on high-speed catamarans with outdoor viewing decks and indoor spaces with large windows. A full bar is available onboard along with light snacks for purchase. BHCC has also taken steps toward reducing single-use plastics onboard whale watch vessels, including the removal of plastic water bottles.

Meet the Experts

With seven years of experience at BHCC and a degree in Marine Biology, Linnea Mayfield starts the 2024 season in her new role as Head Naturalist. "I'm super excited to get back out to Stellwagen Bank and see familiar flukes," she reports. "Each year, one of my favorite questions is how much do whales eat? My answer always gets wows because it's 1 million calories a day! That's the equivalent of a human eating 16 Oreos a minute, every minute, 24 hours a day!" Mayfield is available for expert commentary and trip guidance upon request.

Plan Your Adventure

BHCC will be running multiple whale watch cruises a day. To see the schedule and learn more, visit the New England Aquarium Whale Watch on CityExperiences.com: New England Aquarium Whale Watch in Partnership with Boston Harbor City Cruises.

Embark on a journey that promises awe-inspiring encounters and a deeper appreciation for the ocean's wonders. The New England Aquarium Whale Watch is a must-do experience for both residents and visitors to the Boston area.