One of the whales you're likely to see on a Boston Whale Watch from a Boston Harbor Cruise is the humpback whale. These Northern hemisphere humpbacks can reach an average weigh about 37 tons, and a length of 50 feet. Sadly, they're also among the most endangered, and it's estimated that only 8 percent of their original population remain today.

This is Boston's only three-hour whale watch cruise aboard high-speed catamarans. This cruise will get you to and from the whales in less time, which allows you more time to watch the whales. All trips are narrated by professional researchers from the Whale Center of New England which is the regions foremost authority on Boston's whale population.

The cruise catamarans feature 3 outside decks for fantastic viewing capability. Inside you will find climate controlled cabin space with cushioned seating, tables, with state-of-the-art audio and visual, and a galley offering beverages and snacks for purchase.

The humpback got its name because of the way its back arches out of the water when getting ready to take a deep dive. Each Humpback has distinct black and white markings on its tail. Also, since no two tails are alike, scientists use these markings to distinguish one humpback from another.

When humpbacks are leaping up into sight, we're sorry to say they're not doing it to put on a show for you. A method they use to plow through heavy populations of food with their mouth wide open and ready to catch, also known as "lunge-feeding". While you or your group is taking pictures, they're dining on schooling fish like anchovies, cod and capelin.

Humpbacks are also famous for what we've come to know as their "singing". These mammals can put Pavarotti to shame: they're capable of hitting octaves that include frequencies human ears can't even pick up. Male humpbacks are the divas in this species, with songs lasting as long as a half hour - and then repeated with slight changes. While singing, the whale floats essentially motionless with their head down in the water. The purpose of the song is believed related to their mating routine, and possibly male dominance/aggression behavior. Scientists also believe humpbacks communicate by slapping the water with their fins and tail, which create noise and can be heard from far away under water.

Tours are offered daily from April through October and departure times vary depending on the time of year your trip is planned. Reservations are not required but are strongly encouraged as space is limited. The tour departs from in Boston from Long Wharf and passengers should meet at the address 15 minutes prior to departure.

Don't forget your camera and binoculars as well as your sunscreen and sun glasses. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring a jacket in case your cruise runs into some cooler weather out on the water. In warm weather dress light and in cooler weather layers are recommended. Just plan accordingly and to what fits your groups schedule best.

If planning your next trip becomes a hassle for you on your own, remember you can contact a group travel specialist to assist you with your travel plans. From making all your reservations at all touring sights and your hotel to setting up your meals and planning your entire itinerary, your group travel specialist will take care of everything so you don't have to.

As always, where ever your recreational plans lead you, enjoy your trip.

Lisa Van Horn