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10 Top Boston Harbor Cruises

Venture on the water to explore Beantown's waterfront, maritime history and more.

Courtesy of City Cruises by Hornblower

Take in stunning city views from the water.

Boston is the most populous city in New England – and for good reason. This Massachusetts metropolis may host modern shopping, dining and cultural attractions, but Boston is built upon a rich American tapestry created over the centuries that's still visible in its quaint neighborhood streets and stone houses. The city's historic harbor along the Massachusetts Bay set the scene for a significant portion of Boston's story; once the site of Revolution-era protests like the Boston Tea Party, this body of water is now primarily used for revelry. No visit to Massachusetts' capital city would be complete without some time on Boston Harbor.

If you're planning to spend some time in Beantown during the warmer months, consider boarding a schooner for an hour or two of sightseeing, or head out on a boat you can pedal or sail yourself. Cruises on the harbor offer a range of historical tours, romantic dinners on the water, unique brunches with friends or even the chance to spot some endangered whales. Whether you opt for a tall ship or a smaller, more eco-friendly vessel, soak in city views and enjoy your time on the water with the following top Boston Harbor cruises.

Boston Harbor City Cruises by Hornblower

Hornblower's City Experiences brand offers a wide variety of land-based and on-the-water tours, which includes City Cruises. While the brand has greatly expanded over the past century to 125 U.S. cities and more than 100 countries, it all began with Boston Harbor Cruises, founded in 1926.

Today, Boston Harbor City Cruises encompass a range of ways to see the city from the water. You can book a brunch, lunch or dinner cruise on a dining vessel like the 600-passenger Boston Odyssey; time your sailing for sunset; or plan a big outing for a holiday such as the Fourth of July. Dare to ride Codzilla, a thrilling speed boat designed to leave slow-paced sightseeing tours in its wake. Zoom around the harbor for around 45 minutes at up to 40 miles per hour – and since you likely will get wet, ponchos are available on board. This 70-foot harbor boat, complete with a toothy paint job, also boasts an original soundtrack.

If you're looking for a different kind of enjoyment with a little less aquatic adrenaline, Boston Harbor City Cruises partners with the New England Aquarium for a series of spectacular whale watching trips. From Boston's Central Wharf, you'll head to Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, one of the world's most active marine sanctuaries. Whales in the region include humpbacks, minke whales, the endangered right whales and more. You can also try to spot sea birds, dolphins and other marine life – but if you don't see whales on your cruise, a free ticket will be offered to you for a future whale watching trip.

See more of Boston: Things to Do | Hotels

Classic Harbor Line Boston

Courtesy of Classic Harbor Line Boston

With a fleet that includes schooner Adirondack III and motor yacht Northern Lights, Classic Harbor Line is a great choice for a Boston Harbor cruise. Join a guided sightseeing tour or charter your own yacht for the day; the schooner is designed for 40 people or less, while the motor yacht can accommodate just under 150 guests. Classic Harbor Line offers themed cruises, if your interest is piqued by either an adults-only nighttime City Lights sailing (perfect for couples) or a cruise that pairs a day of harbor islands and lighthouses – including the country's oldest – with a picnic lunch. The two-hour sunset cruise aboard Northern Lights is accompanied by the nightly cannon fire from the USS Constitution , also known as "Old Ironsides" – the world's oldest commissioned warship still afloat, built in 1794.

If you want to sail Boston Harbor with a cold beer, you can't go wrong with Sails & Ales, a special themed cruise created in partnership with the local favorite Harpoon Brewery. Sail along the waterfront at sunset past sights like Independence Fort as your Harpoon representative explains beermaking techniques. You'll sip four flagship or seasonal beers plus one cider. A ticket for a future free tour of the brewery is included, and you'll know exactly where it is because this cruise sails right past it.

Boston Green Cruises

Right on Rowes Wharf behind the Boston Harbor Hotel, Boston Green Cruises has a fleet of three vessels: the 350-passenger Sir Winston and two low-emissions boats known as Beach Cat, a 44-foot catamaran that seats 30 people, and Zulu. Boston Green Cruises, which calls itself Boston Harbor's first eco-friendly fleet, offers a 60-minute, fully narrated sightseeing tour for all ages that covers the city's marquee waterfront sights. A 90-minute sightseeing cruise is also on offer on one of the company's smaller ships and includes time passing the historic locks along the Charles River. If you're looking for the ultimate intimate Boston Harbor cruise, consider a private charter, which can run anywhere from two to eight hours. Be aware that in the event of inclement weather, cruises will be rescheduled but not refunded, per company policy. Past Boston Green Cruise participants have said the captain they sailed with was friendly and knowledgeable, providing a great history lesson on the harbor.

Massachusetts Bay Lines

Courtesy of Massachusetts Bay Lines

Massachusetts Bay Lines, referred to locally as Mass Bay Lines, offers sightseeing tours and private charters in Boston Harbor – but also floating concerts and DJ sets you can experience with up to 379 of your closest new friends. Beyond traditional sightseeing tours and music cruises, Mass Bay also hosts a handful of themed options. Once per month from May through October, you can take part in a two-hour Full Moon Cruise, which sets sail under the lunar light of a full moon and the city lights of Boston in the background. Passengers 21 and up may choose to celebrate New Year's Eve or Independence Day by cruising in the city known as the birthplace of the American Revolution: The adults-only sailings on Dec. 31, July 3 and July 4 mark the occasions with a cash bar, dancing and a prime place to watch the fireworks. Dog owners will be happy to know Mass Bay even welcomes one four-legged friend per each adult ticket on its Dog Days of Summer sailings – but you're not required to bring a pooch, so if you're simply a dog lover looking to see the sights, head down to Rowes Wharf.

Cycleboat Boston

Courtesy of Cycleboat Boston

If you've walked around Beantown but still want to get some steps in – even on the water – consider booking a sightseeing harbor cruise that you can pedal. Cycleboat Boston lets you ride on bike seats and cycle your way through Boston Harbor to help propel the boat, but it's not required if you'd rather relax in the lounge. Tours focused on U.S. history cover the Boston Tea Party Ships , Bunker Hill Monument and the Charlestown Navy Yard, among other local sites. Pedal along during the day, by night or at sunset; the morning cruises encourage mimosas, but you must provide valid ID and bring your own beverages (with coolers and ice provided). Recent reviews rave about the captain and first mate and say if you're not looking for much of a workout you can just sit back and have fun.

Liberty Fleet of Tall Ships

Courtesy of Liberty Fleet of Tall Ships

Board a schooner from the Liberty Fleet of Tall Ships and sail Boston's historic harbor in fitting style. Your two-hour tour begins by embarking the 125-foot Liberty Clipper at Long Wharf, or you can opt for a more intimate, 90-minute experience on the Liberty Star, which is less than half the size of the Liberty Clipper. Tickets and drink tickets can be purchased ahead online or during your cruise; otherwise, you can bring your own snacks and bag lunches.

The fleet sails Boston Harbor from June through September, offering sunset cruises, history sailings and evening cocktail cruises where the rum never stops flowing (with group discounts available for parties of four). Sailing enthusiasts may want to join the Sail Through Time Cruise, which documents the history of some of Boston's most famous sailing ships, as well as the people who lived and worked on them; you can enjoy this fact-filled day on the water with a docent from Boston by Foot as your guide and even help hoist the sails. Passengers appreciate the serenity of seeing the city from a new perspective.

Boston Electric Boats

@urbanophoto | Courtesy of Boston Electric Boats

India Wharf was one of the largest commercial wharves in the Port of Boston during the 19th century, and today the India Wharf Marina, just a short walk from the aquarium, hosts boats for rental or charter through Boston Electric Boats. Those seeking a self-guided Boston Harbor cruise will be pleased to take advantage of the Be Your Own Captain Rental, available for two hours at a time. No experience or boating license is necessary to pilot the boat – though the company will make sure you're comfortable before you set off – and up to 11 people can sail along with you.

If you'd rather leave the steering to someone else, a Captain Provided Charter accommodates up to six passengers, allowing you to take in the breeze and enjoy any refreshments you may have brought. The boat's canopy provides shade, while the open deck is perfect for basking in the sun; the enclosure windows can be opened or closed to adjust for the weather. These electric boats are more eco-friendly with no fuel odors and a quiet motor. Boaters have commented that preset GPS routes make piloting the boats much easier, and a top speed of 6 miles per hour keeps the ride safe and relaxing.

Boston Harbor Islands Ferry

Beginning in May, a ferry service provided by Boston Harbor City Cruises connects downtown Boston to the Boston Harbor Islands. This transport gives a unique chance to experience some of the wilder elements of Boston's seaways, with ferries that run to Spectacle Island, Georges Island and Thompson Island during the warmer months.

On Thompson Island, accessible only on weekends, you'll get a brief orientation to start your visit; on Saturdays, a National Park Service ranger hosts a guided walk to explore the island ecosystems, including salt marsh, beaches, meadows and forest. Spectacle Island is a 114-acre island perfect for a day of hiking and swimming, with an accessible lifeguarded beach and occasional weekend jazz concerts. Georges Island offers up the history, as it houses the Civil War-era Fort Warren; ranger-led tours are available.

Charles Riverboat Company

The Charles Riverboat Company was founded in 1990 and remains a family-run business whose five vessels now carry more than 50,000 passengers per year. The company believes that whether you're a visitor or a local, seeing the city from the water is a spectacular experience that all will enjoy. Guided historic sightseeing cruises feature Harvard University, modern skyscrapers like the Prudential Building and more. Learn about the architecture and building design of landmarks along the harbor and Charles River on the two-hour Architecture Cruise.

As you might expect, many of the Charles Riverboat offerings focus on its namesake river, which flows into Boston Harbor, whether you want to see fall foliage, hear haunted tales or simply enjoy a cocktail at sunset with live music on the Charles River. The company also has a booming charter business for graduations, engagements, retirements and other special celebrations, with recent customers citing extraordinary service from staff.

Boston Duck Tours

If you can't choose between tours on land and boat, you don't have to. It's nearly impossible to visit Boston and not run into one of its renowned duck tours. This type of amphibious automobile was originally created as a military vehicle under the code name "DUKW," and now these boat-bus hybrids can transport tourists in and out of the water. To cap off your city visit, venture slightly beyond Boston Harbor with this cruise along the Charles River.

The vehicles used today by Boston Duck Tours are uniquely designed to roll past city sights like Boston Common , the Old North Church and the Fanueil Hall Marketplace before or after launching into the Charles River for views of the Cambridge and Boston skylines. This Boston boat experience is unlike any other, led by beloved "conDUCKtor" guides: You might meet Duck Tracy, Florence Waters or Professor Quackenstein, who will regale you with their own take on Boston's top attractions. A lighthearted but thorough excursion through city history, Boston Duck Tours has won many accolades. Past customers remember these unique tours as one of the best parts of their visit – and as a special draw for kids, the tour guides may allow children to briefly steer the boat in the water for a particularly memorable experience.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Boston Tours
• The Top Things to Do in Rhode Island
• The Top River Cruise Lines
• The Top Statue of Liberty Cruises
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The Best Ways to Explore Boston by Boat

Get out of your car and get on a boat.

Photo by Christopher Evans/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald via Getty Images

Whether you’re looking for a way to cool off, see Boston through new eyes, or just avoid the perpetually bad traffic, a range of ferries and water shuttles provide a lovely option for summer travel around the area. Before there were bridges and tunnels and cars and trains, Bostonians traveled by boat—crisscrossing the harbor and rivers by ferry. Throughout much of the 20th century, water transportation options declined as folks climbed aboard the Blue Line and into their cars.

But in recent years, there’s been a resurgence in options for exploring Boston Harbor by boat, and the longer, warmer days mark the return of seasonal service. With parks to explore, breweries to try, and museums to visit at one end or the other, not to mention stunning views of the skyline and shoreline along the way, the trip is part of the adventure. Whether the vessel departs from Long Wharf or one of the newer docks, now is the perfect time to head to the water and climb aboard.

Route: Downtown to Charlestown

On the way: The upper deck of this little ferry is the place to be. As the boat slowly pulls out of Long Wharf, take in the view of the Custom House Tower with its magnificent clock face. The bottom of the original Custom House building once sat at the water’s edge, but reclamation efforts have put quite a bit of city between it and the modern shoreline. Pulling into Charlestown, the ferry dock at Pier 4 provides a picture perfect view of the Bunker Hill Monument.

What you can do there: This ferry connects two of the biggest draws for Boston tourists: the New England Aquarium and the USS Constitution. Inside the Aquarium, watery exhibitions wrap around a giant ocean tank with touch tank experiences along the way. Not enough time for a full Aquarium visit? The outdoor harbor seal enclosure provides great entertainment for passerby whether the seals are frolicking or floating.

In the Charlestown Navy Yard, visitors can climb aboard the 225-year old USS Constitution or the USS Cassin Young, a World War II-era destroyer. Every day, “Old Ironsides” fires her canons at 8:00 a.m. and again at sunset. The ceremony is fun to watch, but it tends to startle anyone who isn’t expecting it.

$3.70 each way, daily, mbta.com/schedule .

Route: Seaport to East Boston

On the way: The trip between Lewis Mall and Fan Pier offers views of the Nantucket Lightship and plenty of sailboats. Be on the lookout for seaplanes (and regular airplanes) arriving and departing. Occasionally, the boat captain’s friendly dog adds an extra dose of delight to the ride.

What you can do there: This trip is bookended by art. On the Seaport side is the main building of the Institute for Contemporary Art, with rotating exhibitions in the fourth floor galleries as well as indoor and outdoor performances. Bookworms may appreciate the new outpost of Porter Square Books nearby, which is sharing a space with Grub Street’s Center for Creative Writing.

At the other end of this trip is the ICA’s Watershed, an extension of the museum that’s open from May 26 to September 5. It’s also accessible via an ICA water shuttle service included free with museum admission. Also in the East Boston Shipyard are Downeast Cider and the Seabiscuit, a coffee shop that serves Australian meat pies. Thanks to two summers of mural painting by a group called SeaWalls, there’s an abundance of street art about oceans to explore around the neighborhood (check this map for details).

$5 each way, weekday service during commuting hours, seaportferry.com .

Route: The Salem Ferry

On the way: As the ferry makes its way around the end of Deer Island and picks up speed, the temperatures drop and the North Shore appears. It’s an especially pleasant reprieve on a hot day. Passing Winthrop, Revere, Lynn, Nahant, Swampscott, and Marblehead, the shoreline changes from a combination of beaches and industry to homes perched on cliffs. After passing a smattering of islands, the boat pulls slowly into Salem Harbor with a view of Fort Pickering’s Lighthouse and hundreds of sailboats on mooring balls. There is a very small chance of spotting a whale along the way.

What you can do there: Some of Salem’s oldest homes are clustered along the water, including the famed House of Seven Gables, which is a short walk from the ferry pier. Down the street, the National Park Service manages the Custom House where Nathaniel Hawthorne worked. Clustered around Essex and Washington Streets is the bustling hub of the walkable downtown with a mix of shops, restaurants, and witch-themed experiences. The Peabody Essex Museum is a must-see, with galleries that capture the maritime past of Salem as it traded with ports around the world, the captivating 19th-century Yin Yu Tang Chinese House, and a rotating mix of special exhibitions focused on art, fashion, and science.

$25 one way with discounts for round trip, daily May 26-October 31, commuters, children, seniors, and locals, cityexperiences.com .

Route: North Station to Seaport

On the way: A ride on this ferry provides the most comprehensive water tour of Boston’s Inner Harbor. Passengers who want to be outside can stand at the stern, but the large windows make the sunny interior a great place to look out in all weather. When departing from Lovejoy Wharf, the views include the operations buildings of the Charles River dam and locks, an intimate look at the ongoing construction of the new North Washington Street Bridge, and a 180° view of the USS Constitution.

What you can do there: Lovejoy Wharf’s boardwalk overlooks the Zakim Bridge and TD Garden. In addition to the ferry dock, it is home to Converse and their flagship retail store, which offers customized shoe designs. Night Shift Brewing and the Alcove have patio seating for drinking and dining, and Row House hosts outdoor workout classes on their rowing machines. With time to spare before the next train or a big game, the new Hub Hall inside North Station offers another cluster of restaurant options.

Around the Seaport’s ferry dock, the best lookout spots are from the top of the Fan Pier Pavilion Roof, from the amphitheater seating at the ICA, and on the steps leading to the water at Pier 4. For outdoor dining, Gather at District Hall feels like an institution in this rapidly changing neighborhood. Over on Thompson Place is Trillium Brewing’s headquarters and beer garden.

Route: Encore Water Shuttle

On the way: The boat trip to the Encore Boston Harbor is the best way to explore the Mystic River, and there’s certainly not a swankier way to travel than in the small luxury yachts that provide the service. In contrast to the elegant interior, the trip passes boat yards and working port areas and heads under the Tobin Bridge. For a particularly striking view, make sure to take in the cresting hills of Charlestown from the north, with the Boston skyline from the Custom House to the Prudential tower spread out in miniature behind them.

What you can do there: The hotel, casino, and adjoining restaurants provide a taste of Vegas on the shores of Everett. More adventurous and outdoorsy passengers can explore the waterfront parks and paths along the Mystic and Malden Rivers on foot or with Bluebikes.

Free, afternoons and evenings Thursday through Sunday, May 1 – September 30, visitwynn.com .

Route: Boston Harbor Islands

On the way: While traveling to Georges Island, ferry riders see several of the other thirty-four harbor islands: Thompson, Spectacle, Long, Gallops, and Rainsford. Though each one has its own ecology from beaches to marshes to cliffs, most of the islands look like lumpy green hills because they’re drumlins created by glaciers.

What you can do there: This summer, Spectacle and Georges Islands are awash in activity as the Boston Harbor Islands National and State Parks celebrate their 25th and 50th anniversaries, respectively. Spectacle Island offers swimming, kite-flying, yoga classes, and Sunday afternoon concerts. Georges Island is home to Fort Warren, which might be haunted and definitely stays cool in the summer, as well as grills and picnic areas and the occasional vintage baseball game.

$24.95 round trip, bostonharborislands.org .

Route: Hingham and Hull Ferries

On the way: Leaving the Inner Harbor, passengers on the MBTA ferries to Hingham and Hull can watch cranes unload cargo ships at Conley Terminal, people fishing off the pier at Castle Island, and working boats of all sizes. The vessels are relatively new and offer a pleasant indoor space for the year-round service as well as generous outdoor deck space.

What you can do there: There’s not much at Pemberton Point in Hull, but bring a bike and there’s plenty to explore in this peninsular town. The public library is in the former summer house of the writer John Boyle O’Reilly, Fort Revere provides a great vantage point for seeing three lighthouses (Boston Light, Graves Light, and Minot Light), and the Hull Lifesaving Museum is overflowing with nautical history. Five relatively-flat miles from the ferry dock is the incredibly popular Nantasket Beach with a carousel and mini-golf across the street.

Adjacent to Hingham’s ferry dock in Hewitt’s Cove is a whole range of restaurants and shopping opportunities, as well as a movie theater. With a bike, it’s easy to access Great Esker Park and Bare Cove Park on either side of Back River. Other nearby parks include Webb Memorial State Park and World’s End, both technically part of the Harbor Islands despite their attachment to the mainland, as well as the expansive Wompatuck State Park.

$9.75 each way, weekdays year round, weekends from late May to early October, mbta.com .

Route: Pier 6 to Reel House

On the way: Like most of the water taxis in Boston Harbor, this launch boat sits close to the water and provides more intimate views of the docks and piers depending on the tides. Looking west, passengers get a view of Langone Park in the North End; looking east, there are clear views of the bridges that cross Chelsea Creek.

What you can do there: The complimentary shuttle boat started several years ago to connect folks in East Boston to Charlestown’s Pier 6 restaurant and to connect folks in the Charlestown Navy Yard with the Reel House in East Boston. The shuttle now continues on to the Tall Ship as well. At either end, there’s plenty of Harborwalk to explore on foot, interspersed with working port areas. If there’s a kiddo on the adventure, both LoPresti Park and Menino Park have good playgrounds.

Free (but tip the captain), Friday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. (May to October), bostonlaunchcompany.com .

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IN THE HEART OF

Historic boston harbor.

Your Harbor Haven: where small town charm meets big city convenience.

Located on historic Long Wharf in Boston Harbor , Boston Waterboat Marina is just steps away from Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, New England Aquarium, Old Ironsides, and countless world class restaurants. You’ll love the charm and spectacular views that our quiet and safe marina has to offer.

family owned for over 150 years

Whether you’re traveling on a vessel that’s 30 feet or 180 feet long, our #1 mission is to provide you with excellent service. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff is here to ensure that your visit is not only pleasant, but also an unforgettable experience.

Located on historic Long Wharf in Boston Harbor , Boston Waterboat Marina is just steps from Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, New England Aquarium, Old Ironsides, and countless world class restaurants.

Charm and spectacular views punctuate this quiet and safe marina. Accommodating vessels from 30 ft. up to 180 ft. long, Boston Waterboat Marina’s #1 mission is service. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff promises your visit to be a very pleasant experience.

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Boston Harbor | Boston Sightseeing Boat Tours | Classic Harbor Line

Before or after your excursion with us, be sure to visit the Rose Kennedy Greenway for a bite or peruse through the open-air market, discover some historical facts along our waterfront walking Path, check out the penguins at the New England Aquarium, or head over to Faneuil Hall and Quincy market for dinning and shopping.

There’s so much to see around Boston’s waterfront and this is the perfect place to do your Boston Sightseeing Boat Tour.  

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Experience the historic lighthouses of Boston Harbor on our special two-hour narrated cruise.

Voyage through maritime history with a special three-lighthouse tour featuring close-up views of Long Island Light, Graves Light, and Boston Light – America’s first light station.

Delve into history as you travel to the edge of Boston Harbor on an exciting 2-hour cruise and encounter three iconic lighthouses, and enjoy onboard narration provided by Boston Harbor Islands park staff and volunteers from the United States Coast Guard. Learn about the maritime traditions of Boston Harbor, enjoy unforgettable views of the park and city, and experience one of the most unique and historically significant ports in the country.

Trip Details

Tours depart from the Boston Harbor Islands Welcome Center on the Rose Kennedy Greenway (across from the Marriott Long Wharf Hotel and next to the Greenway Carousel) . Please arrive *at least* 30 minutes prior to departure for check-in. A Park Ranger will guide visitors to the dock 15 minutes prior to departure.

Groups of 25 or more may inquire about our discount pricing by emailing [email protected] .

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There is is no public access to Little Brewster Island or Boston Light due to ongoing maintenance following winter storms. Weather and sea conditions can occasionally force cancellations. Please check your email or voicemail before arriving for your trip.

Food and water are not available on the boat. Plan to bring your own food and drink. Alcoholic beverages, smoking, and vaping are not permitted on the cruise.

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What To Expect on a Whale-Watching Tour from Boston

By: Author Dave Lee

Posted on Last updated: March 26, 2024

The opportunity to see a friend get married in Boston led to one of the best whale-watching tours of my life. Based on previous excursions in Ecuador and Iceland, I had low expectations. But Boston beat them by a long shot, and I didn't even have to leave the United States.

In this post, I'll share my experience on a whale-watching catamaran cruise from Boston Harbor and some fun facts about the humpback, fin, and minke whales you can see.

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Boston Harbor

Aboard sanctuary, stellwagen bank national marine sanctuary, wrapping up, whale watching tour.

It was 2 p.m. on Monday, July 3, 2023, when Kel and I arrived at Long Wharf in Boston Harbor for our cruise. The day before, we'd attended my friend Kate McCulley's wedding in Boston Public Garden. And the day after, we planned to drive up the New England coast to Portland, Maine .

We booked the $74 per person tour through Get Your Guide's website. Their email confirmation instructed us to arrive 30 minutes before departure and to pick up physical tickets at the Boston Harbor City Cruises kiosk. Once those were collected, we got in the long line to board the Sanctuary, a New England Aquarium Whale-Watching vessel.

At 2:15 p.m., the boarding process began. I don't know how many hundreds of people these whale-watching boats can carry, but it's impressive to see everyone fit on board. I worried the capacity crowd would make it hard to get a good vantage point to see whales when the time came.

Our tour departed Long Wharf on time at 2:30 p.m. and puttered through calm Boston Harbor at a safe speed. As we made our way east out of the channel, planes could be seen landing at Boston Logan International Airport to the north. The sky was mostly cloudy.

Whale watching tours from Boston travel east through Massachusetts Bay for about 21 miles to reach the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary . The 842-square-mile reserve is between Cape Ann in Rockport, MA, to the north and Cape Cod to the south. The protected waters are considered part of the Gulf of Maine, the fastest-warming body of water on the planet due to global warming.

A few months earlier, I learned about the superheated waters of the Gulf of Maine on a lobster boat tour in Bar Harbor . The warm waters are causing lobsters to migrate north toward Canada, thereby threatening Maine's lobster industry.

During our trip to the marine reserve, I couldn't help but notice how loud the boat was. An app on my watch registered 75 decibels in the first-floor interior cabin and a very loud 90 db out back by the engines once we were traveling at full speed. Unfortunately, the rear is the best place to sit for passengers prone to seasickness. Bring earplugs if that may be you.

After 45 minutes of cruising, I could still see land and had some 5G cell coverage. We reached the reserve after 75 minutes and saw our first whales around 2:55 p.m. (85 minutes after departing Long Wharf).

The catamaran slowed as we entered an area with other tour boats and whales breaching the surface to breathe. We'd been instructed to look for the sprays of water from their blowholes, and we soon saw many. One of the guides on board began narrating the scenes, drawing our attention to whales based on their location relevant to the ship.

My concerns about having difficulty seeing the whales due to the crowd were unfounded. People lined the edges of all three decks, and while the ship felt full, it didn't feel overcrowded. I was also able to move from one deck to another.

The three kinds of whales you're likely to see when whale watching from Boston are humpback whales, fin whales (finback whales), and minke whales. Atlantic white-sided dolphins may also be seen along with them in these waters. While the majority of whales we saw were humpbacks, I'd like to introduce you to all three.

Humpback Whales

Humpback whales are the stars of the show on Boston whale watching tours. These magnificent creatures, known for their acrobatic displays and haunting songs, can grow to 60 feet long and weigh 40 tons. They can live 80 to 90 years.

During the tour, you might be lucky enough to witness their incredible behaviors, such as breaching, where they propel their massive bodies out of the water, or tail slapping, creating a thunderous splash. Humpbacks are known for their long migrations, traveling thousands of miles between their feeding grounds in the cold waters off Boston and their breeding grounds in warmer climates.

Fin whales have been nicknamed the “greyhounds of the sea” due to their speed. These sleek and fast swimmers are the second-largest whale species (after blue whales), reaching lengths of up to 85 feet.

Fin whales are easily recognizable by their distinctive coloring, dark back and white underbelly, and a unique asymmetrical coloration on their lower jaw. They're often seen gracefully gliding through the water, occasionally showing their dorsal fin and blowing a tall spout of water into the air.

A week after this incredible whale watching tour out of Boston, I saw fin whales during a windjammer cruise in Maine . The chance to see these massive whales from the deck of a sailboat was extraordinary.

Minke Whales

Minke whales are the smallest and most elusive baleen whales you might encounter on a Boston whale watching tour. They typically measure 20 to 30 feet long and are known for their sleek, dark bodies and white underbellies.

Minke whales are often shy and quick, making them more challenging to spot. However, their curious nature sometimes brings them closer to boats, offering lucky observers a closer look. Despite their size, minke whales can be acrobatic, occasionally breaching or showing their graceful movements as they navigate through the waters of the North Atlantic.

Related: Snorkeling with Whale Sharks in Cancun

North Atlantic Right Whales

The 50-foot-long, 70-ton North Atlantic right whale also visits the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary but is critically endangered. Boats are prohibited from approaching them, so whale-watching tours focus on the other three species that allow for close encounters.

We spent about 35 minutes in the presence of many whales, some of which came incredibly close to our vessel. The guide, speaking with us the whole time, sounded legitimately impressed by the numbers.

It's hard to know whether our experience was indicative of all July whale-watching trips or whether we were fortunate. Regardless, the tour set a new high mark for me regarding what to expect on a whale-watching tour.

By comparison, my low mark was set on a whale-watching trip from Reykjavik , Iceland. We didn't see any whales (only dolphins), though I was visiting at the tail end of the season (April to September).

Once we had spent time with the whales, the high-speed catamaran needed about 90 minutes to return to Long Wharf in Boston Harbor, where we disembarked. The tour lasted about 3.5 hours and aligned with what the companies advertised.

Dave is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Go Backpacking and Feastio . He's been to 66 countries and lived in Colombia and Peru. Read the full story of how he became a travel blogger.

Planning a trip? Go Backpacking recommends:

• G Adventures for small group tours.
• Hostelworld for booking hostels.