What time of the day is the best time 2 go Whale Watching in Boston? Suggestions as to what company 2 use 2 go

I am trying to decide whether to use the commercial company Boston Harbor Cruises or to use the New England Aquarium whale watching tour. Anyone who has gone that has advice would be greatly appreciated.What time of the day is the best time 2 go Whale Watching in Boston? Suggestions as to what company 2 use 2 go
I used to work on the Aquarium boats for six straight summers. I have done more Whale watches than I can count.



There is NO particular time that is better to visit the feeding grounds. The season is April to October. Depending on what time of year you visit will determine what types of whales you will see. As they migrate from the south, they come in pods. Certain species come first and others troll behind. On either company you are gauranteed to see "a" whale. What they don't tell you is the types of whales-as like I have said it depends on the time of year.



This early in the season you will most likely see tons of Mikies, some Fin backs and seals and dolphins. It's in my personal experience that the middle to the later portion of the season is when you see mostly humpbacks with a few minkies here and there. I would say the time frame is about June-September for them.



Like I said before there is no particular time of day that is best. Times don't matter to whales....what matters is the food supply. In my own experience, I have seen more "active" open mouth feeding, breeching days after a storm. As that is when the ocean's floor has been interupted and brings the plankton closer to the service. But bare in mind when you do go days before or after a storm the seas are rougher than usual. You can be prepared to possibly see 3-5ft seas. If you tend to get motion sick those days are not for you.



Now, I am not saying only to go during rough weather. You can see many other activities during the nicer weather. If you are bringing kids that is the best time to go.



As for planning ahead.....PLEASE don't eat hotdogs or fast food prior to your departure. Too many people become sick and end up having a miserable time. Eat a decent lunch that is well rounded and balanced.



Choosing a company: I am partial to the Aquarium for a few reasons: they do not crowd the animals, they give them there natural space and NEVER get with in the limits that are mandated by law. Your safety is number one and is never compramised even if you have to be back for another trip. They will give you the 45minutes of "whale" time that you pay for with out question. Each and every naturalist on board is a trained Naturalist and gives you the correct information. You can find other activities on board, as well as examples of whale body parts, maps, and a staff that will answer any and all questions. Too, all of the outside programs that are part of the Aquarium also support research and funding for the Aquarium.



There are many companies out there just in the Boston area alone. The one and only company that I would never set foot on personally would be Boston Harbor Cruises...no matter what boat it was-Harbor Cruise or Whale Watch. They have had several mishaps and have compramised staff and patrons too many times for me to count.What time of the day is the best time 2 go Whale Watching in Boston? Suggestions as to what company 2 use 2 go
I do not remember the name of it but there is a whale watch out of Newbryport Mass that I want on and it was Awesome. We saw so many whales and dolphins. I got soaked by a whale spitting out water on us because it was right up against the boat. It was so cool.