We strive to share our love of marine life with the public in the hope of spreading greater awareness of the Gulf of Maine and inspiring environmental stewardship. Through conducting research and education aboard local whale watching vessels, we are able to reach thousands of people each year and collect data on hundreds of whales.
The whale watching season runs from mid-May through mid- October. Whale watching is a great experience – you never know what you’ll see! Through whale watching aboard one of our recommended vessels, you’ll also be supporting our research and education efforts! Each whale watching company is privately owned and makes their own schedules and reservations. Please contact companies directly to make your reservation. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during July and August.
Recommended Whale Watch & Tour Companies
- Granite State Whale Watch, Rye, NH: Naturalist-led whale watches aboard the Granite State, (603) 964-5545. Facebook page
- Isles of Shoals Steamship Company, Portsmouth, NH: Isles of Shoals tours, school field trips, and charters aboard the Thomas Laighton (603) 431-5500.
What to Expect
Check out this video (best viewed in HD) of what you might see on a whale watch, and how you will learn about marine life! Thanks to Ryan and Seamus from Small Town Pictures for producing this video!
Naturalists & Educational Programs
Our staff and research associates work aboard boats at each of the companies above and each has over 15 years experience observing local marine life. On whale watches, naturalists and interns collect valuable research data, but their main role is education. An experienced naturalist can make the difference between a good and great trip!
We also have many educational displays and visuals for both adults and children, including real whale baleen, children’s books, fact sheets and posters!
How to Prepare for a Whale Watch
It’s usually 10-15 degrees cooler on the water, so make sure to bring extra layers. Wear sturdy shoes and take motion sickness medicine before you board the boat if you’re prone to seasickness. Forgot your camera? Don’t worry – for a nominal donation, you can usually purchase the photos taken by your naturalist. These are taken using professional-quality digital cameras and you get a copy of every photo taken on the trip! Ask your naturalist or a volunteer/intern on board the boat for details.