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Boston Harbor Cruises & boat tours

Our most recommended Boston Harbor Cruises & boat tours

Boston: Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

1. Boston: Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

Go whale watching off the coast of Boston on a comfortable, high-speed catamaran with maximized outdoor and indoor viewing capacity. Look out for humpback, finback, and minke whales, as well as white-sided dolphins on this adventure cruise. Benefit from the best-guided experience, with professional researchers from the Whale Center of New England, the region's foremost authority on whale populations, on-hand to provide you with expert commentary. After you find your crew at the dock, board the high-speed catamaran that offers the fastest, most comfortable way to explore the Atlantic.  Make the most of the 3 outside viewing decks, climate-controlled cabin space with cushioned seating, tables, state-of-the-art sound and video systems, and a galley offering snacks and beverages for purchase. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for:  Humpback whales The humpback’s name comes from the way its back arches out of the water when preparing for a deep dive. “Megaptera” is its true scientific name, which means “large-winged,” in reference to its long flippers. Finback whales Finbacks are second only to Blue Whales in overall size, measuring in at 45-70 feet in length and weighing approximately 40 tons as full-grown adults. Minke whales A sleek, small dolphin-like baleen whale, Minkes are the most abundant whale in the world today with a population numbering well over 1 million worldwide. White-sided dolphins Found only in the North Atlantic, in waters just south of New England and north to Norway, these playful mammals feed on single prey such as squid, unlike whales, who feast on large numbers of small fish.

Boston: Historical Sightseeing Cruise

2. Boston: Historical Sightseeing Cruise

Board a sightseeing cruise in Boston and take a tour around Boston Harbor. Experience breathtaking views, refreshing sea breezes, and vividly told stories of Boston's past and present as you admire the city's sights from the water. Depart from Long Wharf, then Cruise past the USS Constitution, the oldest commissioned US Navy warship afloat today, marvel at the Bunker Hill Monument, and catch a glimpse of the fabled Old North End Church steeple. Hear heroic tales told by expert narrators and learn about local legends from the Revolutionary War. You'll also discover how the harbor was transformed into one of the cleanest waterways in the country. Enjoy the best view no matter the weather, with spacious outdoor viewing decks when the weather is fine, and indoor spaces with large windows if you want to be indoors. Onboard refreshments and snacks are also available for purchase.

Boston: Boston Harbor Sunset Cruise

3. Boston: Boston Harbor Sunset Cruise

Meet at Rowes Wharf and set off on a guided boat tour. This sunset cruise will give you unparalleled views of Boston's famous landmarks. Escape the heat and admire Boston’s beautiful skyline and the historic USS Constitution as the sun sets behind the city. Your expert guide will be able to tell you about some of the city's landmarks and history. As evening sets in, the sunset cruise will highlight popular and famous scenes set at Boston Harbor from both past and present. Snacks and cold beverages including water, juice and soda; as well as a full bar, are available on every boat.

Boston: Sunset Skyline Cruise with Commentary

4. Boston: Sunset Skyline Cruise with Commentary

Admire the Boston skyline from the water on a relaxing sunset cruise. Learn about the city's iconic sights with commentary on board and watch the sun dip behind the city, painting it in bright orange hues. Watch and listen as the USS Constitution fires her cannon at sun down, witnessing a ceremonious moment to mark the end of another day. On this cruise, be introduced to all the history, sights, and lore that Boston Harbor has to offer. Plus, be on hand to witness the USS Constitution's sunset serenade as she fires her cannon and lowers her flag ceremoniously, signaling the day's end.

Boston: New England Harbor Cruise

5. Boston: New England Harbor Cruise

Boston Harbor is home to 34 islands and nearly every island has a story to tell. From its fortifications and hauntings to lighthouses and wildlife sanctuaries, the harbor is full of rich and unique history that will keep your attention throughout the trip.  Notable things to see include the Old North Church, Bunker Hill Monument, USS Cassin Young, the USS Constitution, Fort Independence, Boston's Seaport District, and Spectacle Island. The motor yacht's design was inspired by classic New England 1920s style steamships. She is one of the most comfortable and versatile cruise vessels in the Boston Harbor. She is 115-feet in length, features six bathrooms and provides ample seating throughout the ship. She is built for taking groups of people on spectacular sightseeing adventures. Thus, she is excellent for taking out groups of friends and family to see the harbor. Sit back and relax in the climate-controlled cabin or enjoy the sea breeze on the open top deck. During your harbor cruise, the captain will provide narration and the crew will be around to assist in making your trip more comfortable. Be sure to visit the fully stocked bar on the main deck to purchase refreshments.

Boston: Afternoon Sailing Trip Around Boston Harbor

6. Boston: Afternoon Sailing Trip Around Boston Harbor

Embark on a scenic sailing trip on board an authentic tall ship in Boston Harbor. Sailing offers a great family-friendly way to see Boston from a new viewpoint. Choose between a 1.5-hour sail on the Liberty Star or a 2-hour sail on the Liberty Clipper. Hop on board and be transported back to the time when the tall ships would come in from the Old World. You can help set the sails, take the wheel, or sit back and enjoy the passing scenery of the Boston Harbor and the surrounding islands with the city skyline as a backdrop. The Liberty Clipper is a 125-foot gaff-rigged schooner designed after early American privateers. There is a cash-only bar on the ship with beer, wine, mixed drinks, sodas, bottled water, and snacks available. The Liberty Star is another gaff-rigged schooner modeled after 19th-century vessels that were once known for their speed and agility. The vessel offers a similar taste of what it was like to sail the magnificent ships that were once a common sight in every port. 

Boston: Harbor Codzilla High Speed Thrill Boat

7. Boston: Harbor Codzilla High Speed Thrill Boat

Spark your adrenaline on a high-speed boat ride around Boston Harbor. Ride at break-neck speeds and enjoy the lively atmosphere on board with loud music and crew interaction. This is no ordinary boat ride. True to its name, Codzilla is monstrously fun, a thrill a minute as you scream across the water at up to 40 mph, with a few hairpin turns and 360-degree spins thrown in for evil measure. Take a cruise on the wild side as you scream for more after riding Codzilla. The wind roars, the music blares and the waves will splash during a wet and wild 40-minute ride at full blast. The ride features an original soundtrack and a show scripted by Hollywood screenwriters. Sit back and relax? Not on this cruise. The boat, Codzilla, is 70 feet of marine aluminium and bad attitude, prowling the ocean with 2 turbo-charged diesel engines, state-of-the-art water jets and 2,800 horsepower. Its unique hull design makes it capable of thrilling 360-degree turns and spinning on a dime. So be sure to secure all hats, scarves, eyewear and bad hairpieces. 

Boston: Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise on Boston Harbor

8. Boston: Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise on Boston Harbor

Admire the sights of Boston with a 2-hour lunch or 3-hour dinner cruise on Boston Harbor. Savor an extensive buffet aboard the Spirit of Boston, and visit any of the 3 climate-controlled decks to watch the city glide by. Upon arrival, receive a personal greeting and have your photo taken by the ship's photographer to capture the memory. After being seated at your private table, feast on your lunch or dinner buffet consisting of creative meals prepared fresh daily. While you eat, listen to tunes from an onboard DJ. After your meal, go out on deck for panoramic city views. SAMPLE BUFFET MENU Salads Caesar Salad Romaine Lettuce | Aged Reggiano Parmesan Cheese | Herb Croutons Bow Tie Pasta Salad Scallions | English Cucumbers | Roma Tomatoes | Dill & Mustard Vinaigrette Vegetables, Potatoes, and Pasta Roasted Broccoli Florets, Creamed Corn and Cheddar Cheese Casserole, Mashed Potatoes Entrees Baked Ziti Pasta, Oven-Baked Atlantic Flounder, Filet Honey, and Sesame Chicken, Italian Beef Meatballs, Braised Beef Short Ribs Desserts Seasonal Spirit Dessert Display Please note that menu items are subject to change.

Boston: Harbor Sunset Yacht Cruise

9. Boston: Harbor Sunset Yacht Cruise

Embark on a sunset yacht tour of Boston Harbor. Step aboard the classic Northern Lights yacht, a coast guard certified vessel with a captain and crew. The motor yacht Northern Lights is stylized after the classic New England 1920s-style steamships. Sit back and relax in a climate-controlled (with heating and air-conditioning) cabin, or enjoy the sea breeze on the open-top deck. Be sure to visit a fully stocked bar on the main deck to purchase refreshments by credit card, to sip refreshing drinks as you cruise along the harbor. The Northern Lights yacht is one of the most comfortable and versatile cruise vessels in Boston Harbor, at 115 feet in length it features six bathrooms and provides ample seating throughout the ship for up to 149 passengers. Built for taking groups of people on spectacular sightseeing adventures, she is the perfect vessel for taking groups of friends and family out to see the harbor.

Boston: Sunset Tall Ship Harbor Cruise

10. Boston: Sunset Tall Ship Harbor Cruise

Set sail onboard a genuine tall ship such as the 125' Schooner Liberty Clipper or the 67' Liberty Star and be transported back in time. See the Boston skyline, its harbor, and the different neighborhoods from the water during this sunset cruise. While breezes keep you cool you are welcome to help the crew hoist the sails the old-fashioned way (use those muscles) or just relax, enjoy a drink, and watch as others haul sails. Take a turn at the helm (steering wheel). Both ships offer both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages for sale. Do you think you might get hungry while you are onboard? Bring your favorite take-out and make it a picnic (sorry, no coolers or BYOB permitted). Choose between a 1.5-hour cruise on the 67" Liberty Star or a 2-hour cruise on the 125" Liberty Clipper.

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Frequently asked questions about Boston Harbor Cruises & boat tours

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Other Sightseeing Options in Boston Harbor

Want to discover all there is to do in Boston Harbor? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Boston Harbor

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 757 reviews

What a great cruise! It was very leisurely, the boat was all decorated for the holidays, it was not at all crowded. The crew offered free hot chocolate and there was plenty of space to roam around. First the sunset then all the lights in the harbor. Because it was sunset cruise, we got to hear daily cannon go off on USS Constitution. Perfect timing, plenty of time to get dinner! Highly recommend!

Our harbor tour was great! The weather was working with us during our hour tour. Seeing Boston from the harbor was wonderful. Give you a different perspective. Plus, the guide was very good. Easy to hear, funny and very informative. I would highly recommend the tour.

Amazing trip to whale watch. We were able to see tons of whales and seals along the way. The boat was crowded but still plenty of room to move around and enjoy the time on the boat! Amazing staff and well organized.

It was a very lovely experience, from the onboarding through the tour to the in boarding experience was lovely.

Perfect day. Great way to view and understand a bit more about Boston. Thanks