Whale watching cruise from New York
How can you see whales off the US East Coast? Here's everything you need to know about whale watching departing from New York.
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What you need to know about whale watching in New York
- Whales visit New York too! Every year from June to September, whales migrate along the American coast and you can spot them on tours departing from New York.
- New York sits directly on the whales’ migration route during their twice-yearly journeys, as shown on the WWF migration map. From November to April, whales stay in the tropical waters of the Caribbean, where they breed and give birth. In summer, they travel north to the cold waters off New England, Canada, and Greenland.
- When the season opens in summer, board a whale-watching vessel and experience real adventure! The whale-watching cruise departs from South Street Seaport at the southern tip of Manhattan and lasts about 3 hours. The vessel passes the Statue of Liberty before heading toward Sandy Hook, a barrier peninsula guarding the entrance to New York Harbor and the best spot to see whales off New York.
- Keep in mind that whales are wild animals, so sightings cannot be guaranteed. The cruise will teach you about the marine life off New York’s coast, and with luck, you may also spot dolphins.
Book your whale-watching excursion in New York
- To reserve your spot, visit the whale-watching cruise booking page. Book early—the season is short and cruises run only on Saturdays and Sundays. You’ll notice that some dates are already full.
- The price includes the cruise from New York, an English-speaking guide, and taxes. It does not include a tip for the guide or beverages and snacks available for purchase onboard.
- Departure is from Pier 11 at South Street Seaport, across from Wall Street. Your confirmation will include all the details you need.
Practical information
- The cruise is accessible to everyone, including people using wheelchairs. Restrooms are available onboard.
- Bring a camera and binoculars if you have them. We also recommend packing sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Bring a light jacket or sweater—the ocean breeze is always cool.
- The cruise duration may extend slightly depending on whale activity and sightings. Don’t schedule another activity or airport transfer immediately after the cruise.
- Cancellation policy: Due to high demand, reservations cannot be modified or canceled. However, if weather prevents the cruise from operating, the company will offer you a full refund or the option to reschedule.
Whale-watching cruise in photos
Frequently asked questions
What is the best season for whale watching in North America?
Whale-watching season on the U.S. East Coast runs from May to November. In May and April, whales leave the Caribbean and head north to their feeding grounds near the Arctic, passing off New York. They spend the summer between Greenland and New England searching for food. In October and November, they migrate south again toward the warm Caribbean waters where they spend the winter.
What whales can you see off the U.S. East Coast?
In North America, you may encounter one of four major families: humpback whales, finback whales, minke whales, and North Atlantic right whales (also called Biscay whales). The humpback whale is the most iconic: an adult weighs up to 30 tonnes and measures 15 m (49 ft) long.