Boston’s top 5 places to sight sharks and sea life this summer

Sitting on the East Coast in the heart of Jaws country, the Boston area presents the perfect opportunity to indulge your enthusiasm for all things aquatic. Whether you want to catch a fish, swim with sharks, or watch for whales, the city and surrounding area can cater to you.

If you want to get up close and personal with sharks in Boston, then the New England Aquarium is the place to go. This attraction is home to an exciting exhibit where visitors can explore the science of sharks and learn about the species’ amazing anatomy, environments, and evolutionary adaptability, through interesting and engaging interactive exhibits. For those who are looking to connect with this coolest of sea creatures, there is even a Shark and Ray Touch Tank where visitors can feel the fish and learn more about the shark’s unique physical characteristics.

When: Open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm and Saturday and Sunday 9am to 6pm.

Where: 1 Central Wharf, Boston, MA 02110

Watching Shark Week can spark an interest in the inhabitants of our oceans, and a whale-watching cruise can be a great way to learn more about the fascinating creatures that lurk beneath the waves. Leaving from the Boston waterfront at Long Wharf, the whale-watching trips take you out to Stellwagen Bank Marin Sanctuary, where you can spot humpbacks, finbacks, minkes, and pilot whales, as well as dolphins and seabirds all in their natural habitat.

When: Cruises leave from 9am to 2.30pm weekdays and from 9am to 5pm weekends

Where: 1 Long Wharf, Boston, MA 02110

If you fancy reeling in a monster of your own, then consider a fishing charter off the Massachusetts Coast – right in the heart of Jaws country. Join expert saltwater angler Captain Mike Bousaleh who will guide you to the perfect spots for striped bass, bluefish, tuna, cod, haddock, flounder, and even sharks. Any fish caught will be expertly cleaned and filleted by the crew, who can even recommend local restaurants that will be happy to cook up the catch for you to enjoy once back ashore.

When: By arrangement

Where: 64 Washington Ct, Quincy, MA 02169

Looking for a real monster sea experience? Take a ride on Codzilla at the Boston waterfront. This brightly painted boat is described by the operators as “70 feet of aluminum and bad attitude” and has a 2,800-horsepower engine, driving it at speeds up to 40 miles per hour as it spins and turns under the expert pilotage of the experienced captain. Hang on to your hats and be aware you may get wet.

When: Codzilla rides leave daily from 12pm to 6pm

Where: 1 Long Wharf, Boston, MA 02110

While Shark Week programming can help you learn a lot about this species, there’s nothing that comes close to actually seeing sharks up close, which you can do at a selection of locations within striking distance of Boston, including at Cape Cod Shark Adventures. These shark experts know exactly where to find species including blue sharks, mako sharks, and if you are lucky, great whites. Once you reach your location, you can don your snorkel and enter the shark cage to enjoy 360-degree views of the sharks as they swim – an absolutely unforgettable underwater experience.

When: By arrangement

Where: Pick-ups available at Cape Cod, Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard

Whether you’re celebrating sharks from the comfort of your couch or in the wild, fans of sea life will be spoiled for choice when it comes to selecting activities on and off the water.