In terms of the best family-friendly activities, a whale watching tour in Gloucester almost takes the best spot, according to Tripadvisor.
The 7 Seas Whale Watch has been ranked the second-best place on Tripadvisor’s top family-friendly fun in the world. The list, which was released on Wednesday, ranks “Exciting Upper Pigeon Smoky Mountains Rafting Trip” as the number 1 activity in Hartford, Tenn.
The list is a part of the Needham-based travel website’s Travelers Choice Best of the Best Thing to Do Afterwards.
“When I think about what makes a trip truly unforgettable, it’s those can’t-miss and truly unique activities like a sunset sail with my family, a bike tour with the most hilarious and knowledgeable tour guide, or doing something out of my comfort zone, like ziplining through the forests of New Zealand, said Kate Urquhart, general manager of experiences at Tripadvisor. “With no other accolades of its scale, the Travelers’ Choice Things to Do Awards are in a class of their own, highlighting activities travelers have determined are essential when visiting a destination,” she noted further.
“Given the productivity of the region and the fact that we have seen whales on OVER 99 percent of our whale watches during the past 30+ years, chances are very good that you will see whales!,” 7 Seas Whale Watch wrote on its website.
The following quote of a user’s whale watching experience was also shared by Tripadvisor: “The boat was in good repair, the crew expert and helpful, and the whales…. Oh my. Minke, humpback, and finback whales, along with dozens of dolphins and sea lions.”
Tripadvisor rated 530 activities in its Travellers Choice “Best of the Best” Things to Do Awards in the following categories: top overall experiences; best things to do in 10 cities around the world; adventure activities; food experiences; nature and hiking; water adventures; out-of-the-ordinary experiences; sailing & day cruises; wine experiences; biking tours; luxury tours; and family-friendly fun.
“The activities cracking the list for 2021 are largely outdoor and water-based, not surprising in light of the outdoors craze prevailing throughout the pandemic,” the company wrote in a press release.
Three more Massachusetts activities made it into the list. “Privateer Schooner Sailing Tour Salem Sound” with Schoomer Fame in Salem was ranked at no. 8 spots on the list of top sailing tours in the U.S. Two Boston food tours; “Cocktails & Cannoli: Boston’s North End Food Tour” and “Boston’s North End Small-Group Walking Food Tour” ranked at no. 8 and no. 11 spots respectively on the list of top food experiences in the U.S.