2026 Daytime Pelagic and Marsh Cruise Program

Join us on summer daytime pelagic trips and marsh cruises this summer. Note that these popular trips regularly sell out. Once sold out we will keep a waitlist in the event that anyone cancels.

8/5 Update

As of 8/5 seats are still available on the following trips:

  • Captain John’s Whale Watch Cruise, Plymouth
    • Thursday, August 27
    • Cosponsored with the South Shore Bird Club
    • 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
    • Meet at dock by 1:30 PM
    • Meeting Location: 10 Town Wharf, Plymouth
    • Group ticket: $57
    • More Info about the Trip and Register Here

Daytime Pelagic Trips

The BBC has reserved a limited block of discounted group tickets on these public tours. These trips are open to all.

  • 7 Seas Whale Watch Cruise, Gloucester – Friday, July 17
  • Captain John’s Whale Watch Cruise, Plymouth – Thursday, August 27

Please watch for a repeat of our popular late fall trips from Gloucester and Hyannis in our newsletter announcements.

Marsh Cruises

Based on the immense popularity of these trips last summer, we are planning 3 trips through the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge and one NEW trip through the Essex River Marsh! All of these popular trips sell out quickly, and we keep waitlists in the event of cancellations.

Parker River Marsh Cruises

Explore Parker River National Wildlife Refuge from a new perspective on a cruise through the Parker River marshes! Join us on the Yankee Clipper docked in Newburyport Harbor for a leisurely cruise through the Refuge. Enjoy close views of shorebirds, gulls, terns, and Saltmarsh Sparrows on this tour. Group discount tickets are available by registering on the BBC website no later than July 15; seating is limited. Confirmation and additional information will be provided to registrants.

Meeting location for all trips: Yankee Clipper, Waterfront Promenade Park, Merrimac Street, Newburyport.

Essex River Marsh Cruise

This narrated cruise is scenic, relaxing, and educational. Join us for a cruise along the Essex River as we glide past islands, historic mansions, wildlife, and stunning scenery. The marsh itself is part of the Essex River estuary, which serves as the feeding ground for many species of beautiful birds and abundant wildlife. Group discount tickets are available by registering on the BBC website no later than July 15; seating is limited. Confirmation and additional information will be provided to registrants.

  • Tuesday, August 11

Overnight Pelagic Trips from Hyannis

Our overnight pelagic trips from Hyannis, MA to Hydrographer Canyon on August 22 – 23 and August 24 – 25 are still accepting names for the waitlist. Learn more here.

Seabird Webinar

On August 6 join us for a seabird webinar A Forgotten Kinship presented by Dr. Sea McKeon, Marine Program Director at the American Bird Conservancy. Registration details will be added here when available.

News Categories

Upcoming Field Trips

  • Fruitlands Museum, Harvard

    Harvard - Fruitlands Museum 102 Prospect Hill Rd., Harvard, MA, United States

    Cosponsored with Boxborough Birders. We will look for warblers, thrushes, sparrows, and raptors, among many other birds. Expect to walk about 2 miles on trails through meadow and woods, with some steep sections. Heavy rain cancels the trip.

  • Cold Spring Park, Newton

    Newton - Cold Spring Park 1200 Beacon St, Newton, MA, United States

    This large multi-use city park offers an easy 1.4-mile loop through mixed forest, open green areas, and red maple swamplands, attracting a surprising array of resident and migratory birds. Porta Potties available.

  • Mass. Audubon Boston Nature Center

    Mattapan - MAS Boston Nature Center 500 Walk Hill St, Mattapan, MA, United States

    Join us to observe resident birds and fall migrants in a unique urban habitat that attracts many uncommon and rare species. Birders of all levels will enjoy this walk. The trails are (generally) flat and easy to walk, though there are some rough patches. A water bottle, sunblock, insect repellent, and waterproof clothing including a

  • CANCELLED Plum Island

    Parker River NWR - Lot #1 Refuge Rd., Newbury, MA, MA, United States

    Cancelled due to availability of the leader.

  • Plum Island

    Parker River NWR - Lot #1 Refuge Rd., Newbury, MA, MA, United States

    We will be looking for Shorebirds and Fall migrants. We will drive and walk to various places on the Refuge. Note that an entrance fee or pass is required. Restrooms available.

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