Cape Ann Whale Watch

We visited from NY on Labor Day weekend. We resided in Boston and road tripped to Gloucester for whale watching. Luckily, I got the tickets on groupon for $ 29 dollars each. We got to the whale watch early to get a good seat. The parking lot is accessible and close to the dock. There is a really cute gift shop located near the dock which I recommend. Try to go to the gift shop before the trip because after it is packed! There are many tables inside and you are allowed to bring food on board. They do sell different foods and drink on the ship as well.
The captain and staff were very informative and came around to greet guests. We were on the 8 am tour and it took about an hour to travel to the whales, but the ride was peaceful in the morning.
Whale watching was fun, but I wish our captain moved closer to the whales! He kept leaning towards the left which made everyone on the boat fight for a spot and most of the trip I could not see. The whales popped in and out which was pleasantly surprising, however, I wish we were more close so there was a better chance of seeing them again.
There is a survey at the end which allows you to win a free whale watch which is good for residents in the area and kids.

Having never been on a whale watch before I don’t have much to compare with; that being said this was a very worthwhile experience! I will be doing this again for sure! We saw so many sightings, the educators did make it clear that this isn’t always the case tho. However the educators had so much knowledge to share and that in addition to the experience made for a great trip! We made the trip from Connecticut & had to get up around 4:30 am to make the 8:30 am but I would do it again anytime!

We heard about the company after finding a deal on groupon. With nearly 50% off who wouldn’t want to go on a 4 hour boat ride and maybe see a whale or two. We drove 3 long hours through the rain to Gloucester MA so we were very much hoping to see at least one whale. As we boarded the boat we were told to reduce our expectations and that in fact we may well not see anything, and in that eventuality they wouldn’t be able to give us a refund but instead another date for when we could return. Seeing as though I have such terrible luck, at this point I was thankful for their honesty and I resigned myself to seeing nothing noteworthy on this trip.
The seas were particularly choppy on the day we went but the crew were really amazing. They came over to us individually checking we weren’t feeling too queasy and offering us sea sickness tablets if we were. It truly felt like a school trip. I was grateful for all the layers I was wearing it gets chilly out at sea.
As we left the harbor the crew who called themselves the educators talked in detail about the surrounding buildings we were seeing. Then once we were out to sea but not quite at the whale watching sight they came around to educate us about the different types of whale we might see, what/​how they eat, where in the sea we would be going and why. When we got to the location my partner and I went upstairs onto the deck of the boat where we had 360 degree views. Via a microphone system the educators told us what we were seeing and gave us yet more solid information.
We started by seeing a solitary seal bopping it’s way around the waves and then throughout the trip we saw up to 7 humpback whales, three of which were traveling together. I was more than chuffed. They are such majestic animals and truly mesmerizing when you see them up close. Maybe I’m not so unlucky after all :) I just want to say a really big thank you to all the staff on the boat, you guys do a great job of making sure everyone has a great experience.

An amazing experience! Take a morning trip, especially during the summer. We couldn’t believe how long the line for the afternoon trip was. Bring a sweater just in case. Cash for the snack bar is also helpful. The staff is very knowledgeable and ready to answer any questions.

A brief review:
+ Very likely to see Whales (we saw 9 or 10 whales — humpbacks + minkes)
+ Knowledgeable and friendly staff/​guides
+ They will do everything they can to find whales for you
+ Did I mention the whales?
— The guy running the snack bar is a cocky douchebag
— Trips can take a long time (we spent 5.5 hours on the boat) — Patience is needed as the boat ride is VERY boring
— It’s never guaranteed to see whales, so it can just be a glorified boat trip if unlucky
— The boat is usually full and feels a bit cramped
Helpful hints
* Don’t pay the full price (it’s far too expensive) — Get a Groupon or search online for 241s
* Wrap up warm as it’s very cold out on the ocean, even in the perfect 35*C day we went out
* Be prepared for seasickness — don’t turn up hungover, bring medicine if you tend to suffer and expect to see many others vomiting over the side of the boat (it’s not pretty!)
* Bring headphones and music for the boatride
* Turn up earlyish if you want a good seat on the top of the boat
* If you are prone to bad seasickness, avoid the top floor and stay towards the back of the boat

Great experience. The educator girl was very knowledgeable and shared some really cool facts. We saw a good number of whales a couple sharks, and we even got to see a giant turtle. Food on the boat was good and they even have alcohol!
great day, would recommend it to anyone in the area!

Wow what a great experience. We went out on Saturday August 29^th @ 8:30 am on the Hurricane II. Went about 28 miles out and we saw 4 very large humpbacks a momma humpback and her calf. They were so amazing and so unaffected by us being there.
The Boat, captain and whole day was fantastic. But I have to acknowledge I particular person as making the trip truly exceptional. Erica, one of the on board educators. She came over to us about 1 hour into the trip and asked if we wanted to learn about whales. There were 4 of us there, middle aged and boy did she ever teach us about whales. She was so excited and well informed she made the trip so much more interesting and fun. I hope that she will continue with her education in Marine Biology. She came back later on and we did a match the tail fin to the picture, this was a lot of fun also. We watched her interact with other guest on the boat and at no time did she ever seem bored. Her enthusiasm made all of us so much more engaged. All the staff, were very knowledgeable and made the trip something we will never forget. We will be more supportive of the efforts to increase the population of the whales, the ocean and marine life in general.
Please if you have never gone on a whale watch, go on this one and hopefully Erica will be on board, but if she isn’t it will still be the best day of admiring these beautiful creatures in their habitat.
Zapata’s
West Newfield, Maine

Great trip with the family yesterday on a beautiful summer day. The trips has plenty of good views of several whales including a group of five today which is rare. We’ve been out with Cape Ann before and they linger when you are getting good views but they will try different spots if the activity is slow. Good crew as always too!

Had a ton of fun. Went out to Stellwagon bank and saw a bunch of whales. Easy parking. Often has groupons. Big boat. Galley.

We only saw a single humpback, which was a bit disappointing. But this is the nature of the whale watch — you never know what you’re going to see.
My only real complaint, however, was that it was way too crowded.

Went out to see the whales and it was awesome! The crew was great & very knowledgeable about the whales. We saw 6 whales and they could identify each one. It was a great trip… Johnny was our captain and got us out there quickly even though the whales were farther out than usual. We got thereof before the other 3 boats that showed up so we got more time to see the whales. This was a great experience with a great staff and I highly recommend it. If I’m back in the area I’ll definitely go again.

I bought 8 groupons to take my whole family that was visiting my husband and I. I had no problem using my groupon when I called. When I got there the staff was very friendly and welcoming. They tell you before you leave that you may not see a whale, and it may only be one if you do since it is animals in the wild. So for the ones that gave a one star for not seeing a whale are a little unfair. We were very lucky and saw several whales, and even had a few come up close to the boat! The staff was awesome captain Johnny has a great crew, and the educators are very knowledgable.

We had an awesome time today during our whale watch! We were very lucky and saw lots of whales. One of the best aspects: the trip was not rushed at all. Also, the staff was very friendly. Highly recommend considering Cape Ann for your whale watch!

Went 4^th of July and what a great time it was. Does get cold so make sure you bring a jacket and pants. Got to see over 20 different whales staff was friendly and quite helpful with whale facts and types. They come around with replica teeth from whales and also a picture of all different types of whales. Loved it will come back again when in the area.

What an amazing experience. The staff was nice and informative. It is a truly enjoyable ride. Bring a jacket or sweatshirt. it’s cold and windy out there

This is the first time that I have been whale watching, the experince was great! on our trip they brought the boat within 12 feet of two whales whom were sleeping. it’s also educational, they educate you on what you are seeing. there are also snacks, these snacks are between two and five dollars. the entire trip was 5 hours. would reccomend

Saw a seal, a few fin whales, and a bunch of humpbacks. One of the humpbacks was laying belly up for a good half hour waving at us and playing in the waves. It was a great trip although it was 5 hours long. Glad I took Dramamine! Overall it was informative and fun!

HOLY $&@%!!! It was cold!!!
DRESS WARM PEOPLE!!!
Ok so the staff here… BEAUTIFUL!!! Totally loved them! Great people! Trip was gorgeous, don’t eat too much before your trip might get sea sick!!! We saw a total of about 6 – 8 whales Cubs with moms and some males! SO BREATH TAKING!!! Congratulations if your reading this review your about to experience a miracle of life or considering it! A MUST DO! the food on boat was great! The hot dogs and nachos were super awesome! Yum! And the gift shop, not too expensive on some stuff which made it even better! Wonderful experience all around!!!

Cape Ann Whale Watch promises you whales, and you will get whales. Cape Ann’s geography is ground zero for humpback whales, but as you get further into summer, the odds that you’ll see other species (fins and minkes especially) goes way up. There’s also a chance to see other awesome things, like dolphins riding the boat wake, basking sharks, and ocean sunfish. At the right time in New England, you might even see right whales, which are extremely rare anywhere else.
There is a naturalist on board, and while knowledgeable, sometimes you wish they’d just be quiet and let the whales speak for themselves. When I was a kid (who grew up in Cape Ann in the 80’s), boats could get VERY close to whales. Now, federal law mandates that boats keep a greater distance, but still, you will get a good look at whales. Consider putting down your camera and just taking it all in.
Cape Ann Whale Watch’s boat is large and comfortable, but expect a bunch of first timers on board vomiting their guts out since they have no experience with motion sickness. The creature comforts on boat are restrooms and a galley. You’re only going to be gone for four or five hours — how hungry can you be? Pack your own picnic basket if you think you’re going to die of starvation or thirst in that time frame.

They love what they do are enthusiastic to share it with you. Definitely going back…