30 years ago today the International Whaling Commission met at the Brighton Hilton Metropole on 23 July 1982 and made the decision to ban whaling. This year, the world’s leading whale charities and whale watching businesses are returning to the same location to join forces on behalf of whales worldwide.

The ocean waters off New Englandoffer some of the best whale watching experiences in the world from May until October. Many species of whales including Humpback, Finback, Right and Minke Whales, can be seen daily throughout the season as they migrate to the rich feeding grounds off the coast of New England. The same individual whales, identified by their tail markings and given names, often return to this region each year and are greeted like old friends by whale watching crews.

Whale hunting was a lucrative business for New England in the 18^th and 19^th centuries, with hundreds of ships leaving the region’s ports on dangerous expeditions. Visitors can learn all about the history of New England whaling at the New Bedford Whaling Museum and the Nantucket Historical Association Whaling Museum

Whale watching excursions are offered by numerous companies throughout four of the six New England states, including the city of Boston.  Here are a few of the many tours on offer:

 The Gulf Of Maine – Bar Harbor Whale Watching Tours Near Acadia National Park

Enjoy an adventurous whale watching trip along theGulfofMainewith Bar Harbor Whale Watching Tours, who promise to make visitors’ whale watching dreams come true. Bar Harbor Whale Watching Tours use a catamaran for their whale watching excursions, as the speed of the catamaran can transport visitors quickly to the whale feeding grounds to maximize viewing time. TheGulfofMaineis mainly home to Humpback, Finback and Minke . A professional narrator on board the boat educates the guests on whales, marine life and conservation efforts with Allied Whale, a local organization dedicated to the study and protection of whales in theGulfofMaine.

The three hour whale watching excursions costs $59 per adult; $33 for juniors aged 6-14; $9 for children five and under. www.barharborwhales.com

Captain Bill and Sons Whale Watch Celebrates 50 Years of Operating Tours in Massachusetts

Now in the 50^th year of offering whale watching excursions, family owned Captain Bill and Sons Whale Watch, based inGloucester,Massachusetts, offers popular three to four hour excursions to see the world’s largest mammals as they surface, feed and breech in the important feeding areas of Stellwagen Bank and Jeffreys Ledge. These unique and awe-inspiring whale watching tours are led by a naturalist who gives careful instructions on whale spotting techniques, whale behaviour and biology. The Whale Center of New England is a free exhibit where visitors can get up close and personal to a Humpback skeleton.

Whale watching excursions costs $48 per adult; $32 for juniors aged 16 and under; children under three go free. www.captbillandsons.com

Atlantic Whale Watch Operated the First Whale Watch Excursion from New Hampshire in 1974

In July 1974 Captain Brad Cook and naturalist Scott Mercer operated the first whale watching excursion fromNew Hampshire. The Atlantic Queen II was custom built and includes many features and amenities put forward by passengers over the years. The vessel has over 300 feet of rail space to ensure views of the whales are spectacular for all, and the enclosed, comfortable cabins provide spacious accommodation in the event of rain.

Whale watching excursions costs $36 per adult; $25 for juniors aged 16 and under; children under three go free. www.atlanticwhalewatch.com/

Port Galilee Warm Waters Are Popular Summer Feeding Grounds for Whales off the Rhode Island Coast

The warm ocean off the Port of Galilee, Rhode Island, attract all types of whales including Humpback, Minke, Pilot, False Killer and even Sei whales. The Frances Fleet offers multi-hour excursions to see them all. The majestic Finback whale, the second largest mammal to have ever lived in the ocean, feeds in the port as the warm waters also attract giant ocean sunfish, sharks, tuna and marlin, making this the perfect whale watching spot.

Trips began on 3^rd July and run until 28 August: the cost is $45 for adults; $35 for children. www.francesfleet.com 

For further information on New England, visit www.discovernewengland.co.uk

For additional companies offering New England whale watching, visit http://www.discovernewengland.org/new-england-activities/whale-watching/   

For more information and/or high resolution images please contact: Jo Thomas at KBC PR & Marketing on 01825 763636 or email jo.thomas@kbc-pr.com