Voyager III

Want to see where we keep the really big animals?
Reserve your tickets online now!

Welcome aboard the Voyager III for Boston's best whale watch! Enjoy the view as our high-speed catamaran whisks you to the whale feeding grounds just 30 miles east of Boston. You can view recent sightings and share your photos on the Whale Watch Log.

 

Note on Whale Watch Travel Time

This has been a fantastic season on the New England Aquarium Whale Watch, but it has also been one of the warmest summers on record. The increased water temperature seems to be keeping the whales significantly farther offshore than in previous years. This means that we need approximately an hour and a half to travel more than 38 miles from Boston Harbor to reach the feeding areas, and the same amount of time to return. That makes the travel time longer than the time we have with the whales.

If you have already purchased a ticket and now feel this is not the experience you would like to have, you may visit the Whale Watch Booth on the Aquarium Plaza or call 617-973-5206 for a full refund. We are confident that the Aquarium’s Whale Watch is the best in New England, and we want our guests to have accurate information about changes that might affect the experience.

 

Click play to view images taken by visitors during 2009.

  • Reservations are strongly recommended. Buy your tickets online or call 617-973-5206
  • Trips run for 3 to 4 hours; make sure to get ready
  • Interact with naturalists and educators onboard
  • We have full-service snack and concession bars
  • The main deck is handicap-accessible
  • Voyager III leaves from the New England Aquarium dock
  • Discounted parking is available at the Boston Harbor Parking Garage
  • Schedule runs from early April to late November
  • Pricing information

Our destination is Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary, a rich feeding ground for whales, dolphins, sea birds and other marine life. This area is home to several kinds of large whales, including humpback whales, finback whales, minke whales, as well as pilot whales and the critically endangered right whales. White-sided dolphins may also put in an appearance.

Experience a Whale Watch


Guaranteed Whale Sightings

On this fun family voyage, whale sightings are guaranteed! See the most recent sightings on the Whale Watch Log. In the rare event we do not see any whales, passengers will receive a complimentary New England Aquarium Whale Watch ticket to use at a future time. New England Aquarium is one of the leading marine conservation organizations in the world — let us show you what experience offers!

A Great Learning Opportunity

In addition to providing great whale watching, we have naturalists onboard to talk with you about the behavior, conservation status and migration patterns of whales, dolphins and sea birds. You'll learn how to identify different species, how scientists keep track of individual animals and more.

Whale Watch Guidelines

The New England Aquarium Voyager III whale watch vessel follows voluntary speed guidelines designed by whale researchers, whale watch experts and conservationists to avoid the possibility of harassment or injury to whales while giving visitors a chance to see these amazing animals in their natural habitat. Read more.

Great Conditions for Whale Watching

The last several years have been among the best on record, with passengers regularly sighting more whales than usual on their trips. This is due in large part to the return of high numbers of humpback whales to their feeding grounds in the Stellwagen Bank. The return of the humpbacks is tied to an increase in the population of their favorite food. Humpbacks are expected to return in force over the next several years.

The New England Aquarium Whale Watch vessel, the Voyager III, is owned and operated by Water Transportation Alternatives, Inc. with permission to use the New England Aquarium registered trademark. The New England Aquarium Corporation disclaims any liability for the operation of the Voyager III.