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:
- Parker River NWR Marsh Cruise
- Monday, August 24
- 8:00 AM – 10:30 AM
- Meet by 7:30 AM for boarding
- More Info about the Trip and Register Here
- 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
- 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
- Meet at dock by 7:45 AM
- Meeting Location: 63 Rodgers Street, Gloucester
- Group ticket: $45
- More Info about the Trip and Register Here
- 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
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.
- Saturday, August 8
- 7:15 AM – 9:45 AM
- Meet by 6:45 AM for boarding
- More Info about the Trip and Register Here
- Wednesday, August 19
- 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM
- Meet by 4:30 PM for boarding
- More Info about the Trip and Register Here
- Monday, August 24
- 8:00 AM – 10:30 AM
- Meet by 7:30 AM for boarding
- More Info about the Trip and Register Here
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
- 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Meet by 4:30 PM for boarding
- Meeting Location: Essex River Cruises, 35 Dodge St, Essex, MA
- Group Ticket: $38
- Free parking available onsite.
- More Info about the Trip and Register Here
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
Field Trips / Events
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Millennium Park
Boston - Millennium Park Canoe Launch 300 Gardner Street, Boston, MA, United StatesJoin us to observe resident birds and winter migrants in a unique urban habitat that is a favorite for many bird species, including uncommon and rare birds. Birders of all levels will enjoy this walk. The trails are (generally) flat. A water bottle, water proof clothing including a hat, gloves, and trail shoes are recommended. [...]
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Delaney WMA in Stow
Stow - Delaney WMA Boat Launch 353 Harvard Road, Stow, MA, United StatesDelaney WMA in Stow is an Important Bird Area with a variety of habitats, including a shallow lake, a slow-running stream and a marsh, all bordered by mixed conifer/deciduous forest. We’ll go for a slow-paced 2-to-3 mile walk along trails with moderate terrain changes to see how many species we can find.
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Bear Creek Sanctuary (on behalf of Soheil Zendeh and WINWaste)
Saugus - Bear Creek Sanctuary (WINWaste) 100 Salem Turnpike, Saugus, MA, United StatesBear Creek is an upland sanctuary built on the WINWaste (formerly Wheelabrator) landfill at the northeast corner of Rumney Marsh in Saugus and Revere. Access information is below. Wear waterproof walking shoes and be prepared to hike 3 – 4 miles. The property is mostly very open, so be prepared for sun, wind and weather. [...]
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Parker River NWR
Parker River NWR - Lot #1 Refuge Rd., Newbury, MA, MA, United StatesWe will explore various hot-spots on the refuge for fall migrants. Anything is possible during fall migration! Note that an entrance fee or pass is required to enter Parker River NWR. There are decent bathrooms at lot 1 where we start. Beginners welcome! Late arrivers can phone John at 781 859 9450 to find out [...]
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Franklin Park – Scarboro Pond (Early Birders Series) Rescheduled from 11/7
Boston - Franklin Park Tennis Courts (Meeting Spot) MA, United StatesJoin fellow birders in their 20s-30s as we visit Franklin Park! Located in Roxbury, Boston’s largest open space is home to a plethora of natural features, including miles of trails, playing fields, a pond, and plenty of birds! Here we will look for all sorts of songbirds, including late fall migrants and early winterers. Whether [...]