Where to See Harbor Seals in Massachusetts

While some in the fishing industry gripe that seal conservation has been too successful—see our A-to-Z guide to New England seafood in our August 2025 issue—most people whose fishing nets aren’t getting decimated by hungry marine mammals love to spot the playful creatures swimming about. Here are four spots in Massachusetts to try to see them.

Half siblings Amelia and Trumpet in May 2025. / Photo by Vanessa Kahn/New England Aquarium

New England Aquarium

Best time to visit: 11:15 a.m. or 3:30 p.m. daily to catch a free training session—or any time, really, because the outdoor exhibit is always open.

Why Go: For the guaranteed close-up harbor-seal sightings right in downtown Boston: Two seal families splash around in the 42,000-gallon exhibit, which is free to view, located outside of the aquarium’s entrance. (We attended Amelia and Trumpet’s 40th birthday party, and it was just as adorable as you’d expect.)

1 Central Wharf, Downtown Boston, neaq.org.

Chatham Fish Pier

Best time to visit: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday through Sunday, late June through early October, when pier hosts are on hand to chat about the fishing industry (and plenty of seals are awaiting the day’s boats).

Why Go: Watch from lobster-trap chairs on the observation deck that offers a great peek at the seals. Plus, you can grab lunch at the pier market.

54 Barcliff Ave. Extension (off Shore Road); park in the upper lot and walk down to the pier, following the green pedestrian walkway; capecodfishermen.org/pier-program. 90 miles from Boston.

Two gray seals at Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge. / Photo by Shannon, Keith/USFWS

Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge

Best Time to Visit: September and October to catch the seal haul-out (when seals come onto land for R&R).

Why Go: This is one of the largest gray-seal haul-outs on the East Coast. Bonus: lots of shorebirds to spot.

30 Wikis Way, Morris Island, Chatham, 508-945-0594, fws.gov/refuge/monomoy. 90 miles from Boston.

Great Point Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge

Best Time to Visit: Book a two-hour tour Thursday through Sunday in the spring and summer via the Trustees of Reservations if you’re not up for obtaining an over-sand vehicle permit and driving yourself around.

Why Go: You’ll find 7 gorgeous miles of beach, a red-cedar maritime forest, and wildlife (not to mention the iconic Great Point Lighthouse). Popular fishing spot = happy seals, especially along the east beach.

Wauwinet Gatehouse, 111 Wauwinet Rd., Nantucket, 508-228-5646, thetrustees.org. 70 miles to Hyannis from Boston, plus a one-hour ferry to Nantucket.