Whale watching Maine or Massachusetts?
Jun 26th, 2010, 03:31 PM
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Whale watching Maine or Massachusetts?
Hello fellow travelers. Since I went to Hawaii last summer I missed the whale season so we decided to go whale watching this July. We are taking a short trip from NYC to Boston and up to Bal Harbor and Arcadia. Where should we go whale watching. MA or Me. I really want to see a humpback. Thanks
Jun 26th, 2010, 03:40 PM
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I don't know if you would have a lot difference between the two states, but I do know that there are a lot of whale watching cruises out of Boston Harbor, so you'd have a variety of choices in type of boat, duration and schedule, amenities, etc. Our cruise in June went to the Stellwagen Banks (I think the cruises from Maine go here too) and we had a comfortable ride in a large boat with a concession stand, lots of area to view when we got there, and lots of whales to see! I'm not sure if humpbacks are always visible, but they are one of the species who do frequent the NE ocean. It took about an hour to get to the whale viewing area from Boston Harbor - I think it would take longer from Maine, but check a map or cruise schedules. It is definitely a worthwhile activity, and I have very fond memories of our trip.
Jun 26th, 2010, 06:53 PM
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Went whale watching from the New England Aquarium (Boston)last month. It was the experience of a lifetime!!! I have been on about half dozen whale watching trips--in Hawaii, Oregon coast, Washington coast, Canada, Florida...and never seen a single whale! On the Boston trip-we saw 8 whales! We got to see flukes, flippers, feeding, breaching and other behaviors. We had a mother and calf about 20 feet from the boat! It was perfection!
The crew was wonderful. The boat very comfortable. Highly recommend it!
The crew was wonderful. The boat very comfortable. Highly recommend it!
Jun 27th, 2010, 08:37 AM
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We did Captain John's boats out of Plymouth and thought it very good. We did the afternoon ride which was good because they had an idea from the morning ride where the whales would be. Because we didn't have to get back for the next tour, the boat stayed out about 45 minutes extra.
Jun 27th, 2010, 08:48 AM
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I recommend the New England Aquarium. We have taken many visitors on this whale watch and have thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Great boat and crew, as noted by barbie1570.
Our out-of-town visitors remark on the experience whenever we speak of their visit to the Boston area.
R @ edgartown, MA
http://www.freewebs.com/katamadelight
Our out-of-town visitors remark on the experience whenever we speak of their visit to the Boston area.
R @ edgartown, MA
http://www.freewebs.com/katamadelight
Jun 27th, 2010, 09:17 AM
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I've never taken a whale watch from Maine, but have taken them out of Gloucester, MA and Boston. The boat ride to the area where the whales were located was shorter from Gloucester, and I preferred that.
Jun 27th, 2010, 09:31 AM
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I've done a Gloucester trip as well (can't recall company) and would recommend it except for the wonderful staff of the aquarium. They are very knowledgeable, lots of info on whales and very welcoming of questions - the Gloucester trip was very good and if it's on your itinerary you can't go wrong with the boats out of Gloucester - but the aquarium trip, in my opinion, is the best.
I have to admit we are big fans of the New England Aquarium, we enjoy visiting the aquarium and support their education and research programs.
I have to admit we are big fans of the New England Aquarium, we enjoy visiting the aquarium and support their education and research programs.
Jun 27th, 2010, 01:16 PM
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A big thank you to everyone. So we have it down to Gloucester or the Aquarium whale tour. I think it will depend on timing. If we should do Gloucester which tours have the best boats and info?
Jun 27th, 2010, 04:15 PM
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I would recommend a catamaran. The aquarium and many of the top companies operating out of Boston use catamarans.
For aquarium info see: http://www.neaq.org/visit_planning/w...x.php?item=275
For aquarium info see: http://www.neaq.org/visit_planning/w...x.php?item=275
Nov 2nd, 2010, 02:15 PM
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Hi there,
If you want to compare the best whale watching operators in Maine and Massachussetts, you can do so by searching our website at http://www.planetwhale.com
It's a free site for whale watchers, the public and conservation organisations to use.
I hope that helps.
Regards,
The Planet Whale Team
If you want to compare the best whale watching operators in Maine and Massachussetts, you can do so by searching our website at http://www.planetwhale.com
It's a free site for whale watchers, the public and conservation organisations to use.
I hope that helps.
Regards,
The Planet Whale Team
