Whale Madness and a Salt Sighting
04.30.2026
A True New England Whale Watching Experience
Trusted by generations of guests since 1983
North of Boston's Best Small Business Award Winner 2025
#1 Ranked Whale Watch in Gloucester Since 2009 on TripAdvisor
#2 On Tripadvisor’s List of "Top Family-Fun in the World" Dec 2023
Welcome Aboard the
Privateer IV
From Historic Gloucester to the Waters of Stellwagen National Marine Sanctuary
Departing just 50 minutes north of Boston, we introduce thousands of passengers each year to the whales and marine wildlife found just miles from our Gloucester dock. Our daily whale watch trips run from mid-April through mid-October, offering an educational and inspiring experience in this remarkable marine sanctuary. Family-owned and operated for four generations, 7 Seas Whale Watch has worked from this very dock for over 70 years. We look forward to welcoming you aboard.
What You Could See on Your Whale Watch
GUARANTEED SIGHTINGS! The productive waters off Massachusetts are home to a variety of species of whales and other marine wildlife. Over our 45+ years in business we have a 99% success rate in finding whales. In the unlikely event you do not see a whale on your trip you will receive a voucher for a FREE whale watch that you can use anytime in the future.
Recent Sightings & Photos
Check out our Facebook feed for the latest sightings, photos, and updates from the water.
Recent Instagram Posts
Explore additional photography and video highlights from our whale watches on Instagram.
Departing from the Heart of Cape Ann
Located on Cape Ann, Gloucester’s historic working harbor provides one of the closest and best departure points for reaching the feeding grounds of Stellwagen Bank.
OCTOBER 7 - 9 2026
Wednesday, we were greeted by a large gathering of HUMPBACK WHALES bubble-net feeding. We found ourselves in the right place at the right time, surrounded by the sounds of whale exhales and seabirds eager to catch some of the fish the whales pushed toward the surface.
Thursday, we found many whales again, this time spread farther throughout the area in smaller associations of two to four individuals. The highlight of the trip was our encounters with SHORT-BEAKED COMMON DOLPHINS! Over the past couple of years, we’ve seen this species a handful of times, particularly in the fall. A playful pod approached the boat and raced through our wake, and we encountered several more pods throughout the trip.
Friday, we continued south through bumpy seas, but our efforts were rewarded when we reached an area with multiple humpback whales. We had sightings of mom and calves, a bit of surface activity, and another encounter with common dolphins, along with ATLANTIC WHIE-SIDED DOLPHINS. ...
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OCTOBER 9, 2026
Fall whale watching is the best.
People often ask when is the best time to go whale watching. While the number of whales changes throughout the year, and anytime spring through fall can be great, there's just something about fall that's special: The colors, the low-angle to the light that always makes for some of your favorite trips of the year.
So far this fall the weather has often been... well... challenging. But the whales have been great!
All of the video in this post was taken in the first week of October 2026. I hope it captures what a spectacular time this is in New England.
Enjoy!
*Please switch to 720p for best quality.
**I'm especially excited to share the Common Dolphin video. It's the best I've ever managed to get of this rare and beautiful species (that we've seen many times over the past week!)
***I included some scenery shots taken around the Gloucester area. Watch to the end for a special surprise. ...
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OCTOBER 3 - 5 2026
We’ve ridden the swells, felt some sea spray, and made some awesome memories along the way! October often brings a little extra adventure, and those who embrace it have enjoyed some rewarding sightings of HUMPBACK WHALES, ATLANTIC WHITE-SIDED DOLPHINS, and a variety of seabirds.
It’s been a great season for mother and calf sightings. Over the past few days, we’ve caught up with calves we’ve watched grow all season long and encountered mother and calf pairs for the first time this year. Even in October, we’re still adding individuals to our season’s sighting list! The calves have kept us entertained, playing on their own, with one another, and with seaweed brought in by the wind.
Speaking of wind, it’s kept us at the dock today, but we look forward to getting back offshore and making the most of these last few weeks of the season! ...
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OCTOBER 3, 2026
From this morning's whale watch: When a Great Shearwater nearly gets taken out by a breaching whale (Thumper's calf)... ...
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OCTOBER 1 and 2, 2026
Oh, October, we’re only two days in, and you’ve already been remarkable!
Our trips over the past couple of days have taken us to the southern end of Stellwagen Bank, where whales and seabirds continue to gather in great numbers. It’s been a longer journey, but we’ve been rewarded with a little bit of everything, from feeding groups to playful calves!
These photos capture a few highlights from these past couple of trips. Every day on the water brings something different, and while we can’t promise these same moments, that unpredictability is part of what makes whale watching so exciting. October is off to a wonderful start. Come see what the final month of the season brings! ...
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October 2, 2026
Today's trip was incredible. This was taken just a few minutes ago on Stellwagen Bank... ...
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