New England Aquarium Whale Watch in partnership with Boston Harbor City Cruises returns to Boston Harbor for 2026 season

BOSTON, MASS. (May 18, 2026) – The New England Aquarium Whale Watch in partnership with Boston Harbor City Cruises (BHCC) will launch its 2026 season today, May 18, 2026, welcoming guests back to Boston Harbor for another unforgettable season of whale watching and marine wildlife encounters just off the coast of Massachusetts.

This year’s opening arrives as Boston prepares for one of its most exciting summers on the water in recent memory, with Sail Boston® and other major waterfront celebrations expected to bring visitors from around the world to the city’s historic harbor.

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Photo Credit: Naturalist Sydney Cicero

Departing daily from Central Wharf, the New England Aquarium Whale Watch transports passengers to Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, a globally recognized feeding ground for humpback whales, fin whales, minke whales, dolphins, seabirds, and other marine life. Throughout each cruise, Aquarium naturalists provide live educational narration and insight into whale behaviors, conservation, and the marine ecosystem of New England waters.

“There’s nothing like the first whale watch departure of the season in Boston,” said Bob Lawler, General Manager and Regional Vice President of Boston Harbor City Cruises. “As we head into an incredibly vibrant summer on the waterfront with Sail Boston® and so much excitement surrounding Boston Harbor, we’re thrilled to once again partner with the New England Aquarium to provide an experience that is inspiring, educational, and uniquely Boston.”

The cruises run approximately three to four hours aboard high-speed catamarans featuring expansive outdoor viewing decks, climate-controlled indoor cabins with large windows, and onboard food and beverage service including a full bar and light snacks available for purchase.

“This is always a special time of year, when passengers are once again setting sail for an up-close look at the incredible marine life off our shores,” said Vikki N. Spruill, President and CEO of the New England Aquarium. “We look forward to welcoming locals and tourists alike to deepen their understanding of the ocean and the importance of ocean conservation—how our daily choices affect marine ecosystems and what we can do to help protect them—during a particularly exciting year for the City of Boston.”

From May through November, New England Aquarium naturalists sail aboard every trip helping guests identify species, interpret animal behavior, and understand the importance of protecting marine ecosystems.

“Each whale watch season is different, offering new experiences and insights,” said Linnea Mayfield Kaplan, BHCC Naturalist Manager. “Aquarium naturalists are eager to get back out on the water and share the wonder of these animals with passengers of all ages. Whether it’s someone’s first whale sighting or their fiftieth, those moments never lose their magic.”

Furthering its ongoing commitment to sustainability, BHCC continues efforts to reduce single-use plastics onboard whale watch vessels, including compostable food containers and the removal of plastic water bottles from onboard menus.

Multiple whale watch departures will be offered daily throughout the season. To view schedules and learn more, visit CityExperiences.com.

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

BHCC is available for expert commentary of marine, tourism, and weather/sea conditions, and media are welcome to come aboard upon request.

About City Cruises

City Cruises offers unforgettable dining, events, sightseeing, and live entertainment cruises across 20 iconic destinations in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. In partnership with the National Park Service and the Niagara Parks Commission, City Cruises is also the only authorized official provider with exclusive ferry services to the Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island, Alcatraz Island, and Niagara Falls Canada. City Cruises’ diverse offerings also include private charters, corporate events, weddings, whale watching and sea life tours, water taxis, speedboat rides, and destination ferries. As part of the Hornblower Group’s extensive portfolio of water- and land-based experience and transportation companies, City Cruises has a rich heritage dating back to 1926 with the founding of Boston Harbor Cruises. With a legacy of innovation and expertise, City Cruises sets the standard for excellence in maritime hospitality. For more information, visit citycruises.com.

About the New England Aquarium

The New England Aquarium is a nonprofit research and conservation organization that has protected and cared for our ocean and marine animals for more than 55 years. We provide science-based solutions and help shape policies that create measurable change to address threats the ocean faces. We inspire action through discovery and help create engaged, resilient communities.

MEDIA CONTACT: Pam Bechtold Snyder—psnyder@neaq.org