Sixty-one homes across Boston’s North Shore, looked after by the family that has welcomed guests here since 1985. Book direct and skip the platform fees.
Hosted by Atlantic Vacation Homes4.74· 199 reviewsSince 1985Book direct, no service fees
Atlantic Vacation Homes4.7199 reviews · 157 Google + 35 direct + 4 Airbnb + 3 Booking.comSince 1985
Atlantic Vacation Homes is a family-owned, full-service vacation rental and real estate company rooted in the four coastal towns of Cape Ann, a little more than half an hour north of Boston.
Hear first when this host opens direct rates or adds a new place.
Waterfront antiques, beach houses a short walk from the sand, cottages in Rockport’s lanes. Three are open to book on this site today; the full collection is on atlanticvacationhomes.com.
The booking sites add a traveler fee of up to 15% to the same home you can book here. Book with us and that fee stays in your pocket, you get our Best Price Guarantee, and the person who answers the phone knows how many steps it is from the driveway to the front door.
I was born and raised in Gloucester and grew up in this business; my mother Carole built it from the ground up. I came home after college and a career in sports management to carry what she built into its next chapter, and I have worked every role here, from reservations to maintenance.
What has not changed is the promise: a home that is clean, fully equipped and exactly as described, a local team you can reach, and the best price when you book with us directly. Call us at (978) 290-4331 or write to info@atlanticvacationhomes.com with any question at all. We would love to show you our Cape Ann.
Jonathan Fonvielle
President, Atlantic Vacation Homes
Pack Lighter
A company that belongs to the place
Through our Pack Lighter program, guests leave unopened food behind and we deliver it to The Open Door food pantry in Gloucester. Our staff volunteer with the Rotary Club of Gloucester, Action, Inc., the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce and Discover Gloucester; retired linens go to Cape Ann Animal Aid and the Beverly High School culinary program; and we partner with Triangle, Inc. to employ young people and adults with disabilities.
Affiliations
Partners and memberships
In motion
A few seconds on Cape Ann
The river at River Watch, the beach from Over By Good Harbor, Rockport harbour.
Cape Ann is a little under an hour from Boston and Logan Airport by car, up Route 128 to the A. Piatt Andrew Bridge. The MBTA commuter rail runs from North Station to Manchester, Gloucester and Rockport, and the CATA buses and the Rockport shuttle cover the towns in summer. Head north along the coast for Newburyport and Plum Island; south for Beverly and Salem.
Notes from the North Shore
Seasons, festivals, day trips and the homes to book for them, from the Atlantic Vacation Homes team.
Whale Watching Season on Cape Ann: A Boston’s North Shore Guide
By Atlantic Vacation Homes · January 19, 2026
Cape Ann is one of the most well known whale watching hubs on Boston’s North Shore, with Gloucester, Massachusetts serving as a historic departure point for some of the region’s best offshore wildlife tours you will not want to miss on your next coastal getaway.
Find your perfect vacation rentalin one of the charming seaside towns, all located along Boston’s North Shore. Whale watching season fills up quickly, so book early your vacation rental early to ensure you don’t miss out on this bucket list experience.
Bucket list Goals
Whale Watching is a beautiful way to spend a few hours of your day to create memories that will last a lifetime. The World Wildlife Fund deemed Cape Ann, 40 miles north of Boston, one of the Top 5 Whale Watching Destinations in the world. With a variety of whale species roaming the deep cool waters of Cape Ann you are bound to see one of these beautiful creatures if you book a Whale Watching tour on your next Cape Ann Vacation.
How do you prepare for whale watching?
With boats departing from Gloucester Harbor, sightings often concentrated around Stellwagen Bank, and nearby coastal towns like Rockportmaking it easy to pair a day on the water with a classic North Shore visit. When embarking on a whale watching tour be sure to pack the essentials.
Sweatshirt, Jacket, or Rain Jacket
Camera
Snacks
Water
Battery backup
Sunglasses
Hat
Sunblock
Towel
Phone
When is the best time for whale watching?
Spring is the start or whale watching season in Cape Ann, which generally runs from mid-April through mid-October. During the summer months the Humpbacks and Finbacks come back to these cold water coasts.
Do whales come out in the rain?
Yes! Whales don’t care if it’s raining and sometimes it helps with a sighting. Bring a raincoat on a light sprinkling day and enjoy your trip!
How close do whales get to the boat?
Most boats are within 100 – 200 yards of Pods and let the whales come to them. Whales make the choice how close they want to get. They are usually following food while eating or swimming and playing.
Whale Watching On Boston’s North Shore.
Whale Watching in Cape Ann while on vacation is a MUST DO activity and a perfect adventure for all ages or your vacation crew.
