The whale population off the Massachusett coast is larger than it has been in decades. Whale watch cruises leave from Boston Harbor, as well as from several other port cities within about an hour either direction: Gloucester and Salem to the north and Plymouth to the south. Gloucester is America's oldest and original seaport. The cruises all head for Jeffrey's Ledge or Stellwagen Bank, two of the prime fishing grounds in Massachusetts Bay where the whales spend their summers eating and playing. You don't even have to leave the sight of land to see whales as they breach (jump out of the water), spout and pilot (stick their noses in the air). Whales most commonly seen in the Massachusetts Bay are minke, finback, and humpbacks. Humpback whales come to New England every year to feed on small fish, eating over 1,000,000 calories a day, they grow 40 - 50 feet long and attain an average weight of 35 - 40 tons. And they can still do spectucular breaching from the water! Other whales you may see are Northern Rights, Pilots, Blues, and Belugas, plus Dolphins, Porpoises, Harbor Seals, and Sea Birds.
Other activities and attractions in the Boston area include many historic sites and museums, follow the Freedom Trail, trace Paul Revere's Ride, go to Fenway Park, shop, enjoy fine restaurants. And of course, there are a few Irish Pubs for the adults to enjoy.