Sightseeing Day Sail around Boston Harbor
Active
1h - 2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Choose between either a 1.5 or 2-hour sail around Boston Harbor aboard one of our beautiful schooner Adirondack sailboats! These classic boats are reminiscent of the sailboats from the 1890s. Sail past the seaport district, Castle Island, Fort Independence, Spectacle Island, and Long Island with Long Island Head Light. Great for families and friends who want to sail and see the sights of Boston from the water!
Within minutes of leaving the dock, guests will forget the distractions of life on land and experience the joy of a leisurely sail. Sit back and relax as the crew raises sail and provides beverage service. Drinks are available for purchase by credit card only. Guests are welcome to bring a picnic onboard.
The knowledgeable captain and crew are always ready to answer questions about the sights and history of Boston Harbor and its surrounding areas. From interesting facts to old-time legends, the maritime world of Boston has many great stories to offer.
Available options
Oyster Sail Option
Must be 21+ to attend: Select this option to sail aboard one of our Adirondack Schooners with Oysters included. <br/>Duration: 2 hours<br/>Oysters : Enjoy a curated selection of local oysters, shucked on board and paired with mignonette, lemon, and hot sauce.<br/>Drinks available for purchase : Drinks are not included but available for purchase onboard.
2-hr Peak Day Sail
Duration: 2 hours<br/>Aboard Adirondack II or III
1.5-hr Peak Day Sail
Aboard Adirondack II or III: Peak rates apply.
2-hr Off Peak Day Sail
Aboard Adirondack II or III
1.5-hr Off Peak Day Sail
Aboard Adirondack II or III
What's included
This is not a narrated tour, but the crew is available to answer questions on the sights & landmarks
Duration: Choose between a 1.5 or 2 hour sailing experience
Detailed itinerary
1
Sail around Boston's Seaport District and take in views of many newly constructed buildings along with some classic structures that originally comprised Boston's waterfront community
2
Sail by Fan Pier and see the spanning Moakley Federal Courthouse, the World Trade Center and Harpoon Brewery.
3
Stop 3
Pass by
Sail amongst the Inner Harbor Islands of Boston Harbor including Castle Island featuring Fort Independence and the Donald McKay Monument, Spectacle Island, and Long Island with the Long Island Head Light House.
What's not included
Beverages are not included, but are available for purchase by credit card only.
Gratuities (recommended for the captain and crew)
Food (guests are welcome to bring their own snack aboard)
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.8
359 reviews
5★
317
4★
22
3★
12
2★
3
1★
5
Tripadvisor
4.7
183 reviews
5★
155
4★
14
3★
9
2★
4
1★
1
Important information
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Minimum drinking age is 21 years. Coolers and outside alcoholic beverages are not permitted
Dress for the weather - it's often cooler on the water
Please let us know in advance if assistance is required for boarding
Only animals that perform a manual task to assist a person are permitted aboard. Emotional support animals and pets are not permitted
Plan to arrive at the ticket booth 15-30 minutes prior to the departure time. The meeting point is located directly behind the Boston Harbor Hotel in the Ferry Terminal just steps away from the dock. Boarding begins 5 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time.
This experience will be aboard Schooner Adirondack III or Schooner Adirondack IV
Large group bookings are not permitted. Multiple bookings are subject to added fees or cancellation by operator
Meeting point
The boat departs from Rowes Wharf, directly behind the Boston Harbor Hotel, located at (for GPS) 400 Atlantic Avenue, Boston (02110). Check-in at Rowes Wharf is located in the Ferry Terminal, a climate controlled public space, located on the wharf only steps away from our dock. If guests are lost or running late, please call us at 617-951-2460.
Important notes
Detailed directions and map to our departure location: https://boston-sailing.com/contact-directions/
• Plan to arrive 15-30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time to check-in at the ticket booth located at Rowes Wharf directly behind the Boston Harbor Hotel at the ferry terminal.
• There's no need to print anything prior to check-in at the meeting point. Please bring a photo ID that matches the name listed on the reservation.
• Boarding passes are issued at check-in
• Boarding begins promptly 5 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Dress for the weather - it's often cooler on the water
About Boston
Boston, one of the oldest cities in the United States, is rich in history, culture, and education. Known for its significant role in the American Revolution and its prestigious universities, Boston offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern vibrancy.
Top Attractions
Freedom Trail
A 2.5-mile (4 km) walking route that passes 16 locations significant to the history of the United States, including churches, meeting houses, burying grounds, museums, and historic markers.
Historical
3-4 hours
Free to walk the trail; individual attractions may have admission fees
Fenway Park
Home to the Boston Red Sox, Fenway Park is the oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball and a must-visit for sports fans and history buffs alike.
Sports/Historical
1-3 hours (tour or game)
Tour: $20-$25; Game tickets: $30-$200+
Boston Common
America's oldest public park, Boston Common is a central gathering place for both locals and visitors, offering green spaces, walking paths, and seasonal activities.
Parks/Historical
1-2 hours
Free (Swan Boats: $4-$5 per ride)
Museum of Fine Arts (MFA)
One of the most comprehensive art museums in the world, the MFA houses nearly 450,000 works of art, ranging from ancient Egyptian to contemporary.
Museum
2-4 hours
$27 (adults), free for children under 17
Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area
A group of islands in Boston Harbor offering outdoor recreation, historic sites, and stunning views of the city skyline.
Nature/Historical
Half-day to full-day trip
$5-$15 per person, depending on the island and activities
Must-Try Local Dishes
Clam Chowder
A creamy, hearty soup made with clams, potatoes, onions, and sometimes bacon or salt pork. Boston-style clam chowder is typically made with milk or cream and is served with oyster crackers.
Soup
Contains dairy and sometimes pork; vegetarian and vegan versions are available at some restaurants.
Lobster Roll
A buttered, toasted split-top roll filled with lobster meat, usually dressed with mayo or butter. Some versions include celery or other vegetables for added crunch.
Sandwich
Contains shellfish and may contain dairy or eggs; gluten-free buns may be available at some restaurants.
Boston Cream Pie
A layered dessert consisting of sponge cake filled with custard or cream and topped with chocolate glaze. It's the official dessert of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Dessert
Contains dairy, eggs, and gluten; vegan and gluten-free versions may be available at some restaurants.
Oysters
Boston is known for its fresh oysters, which can be found at many seafood restaurants and raw bars. They are typically served on the half-shell with various toppings or sauces.
Appetizer
Contains shellfish; vegan and vegetarian options may be available at some restaurants.
Popular Activities
Hiking in the Blue Hills Reservation
Kayaking or paddleboarding in the Charles River
Biking along the Charles River Esplanade
Rock climbing at Brooklyn Boulders
Picnicking in the Boston Common or Public Garden
Strolling along the Charles River Esplanade
Enjoying a spa day at one of Boston's many luxury spas
Reading a book at the Boston Public Library
Best Time to Visit
Late spring to early fall (May to October)
This is the best time to visit Boston for pleasant weather and outdoor activities. The city is vibrant with festivals and outdoor events.
10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F)
50°F to 77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: Spanish, Chinese, Portuguese, French, Italian
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
Eastern Standard Time (EST) (UTC-5) or Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) (UTC-4) during daylight saving time
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Boston is generally a safe city for travelers, with a low crime rate and a strong police presence. However, as with any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit. Some areas of the city, such as certain neighborhoods in Dorchester, Roxbury, and Mattapan, have higher crime rates and should be avoided, especially at night.
Important Precautions:
- • Be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure, especially in crowded tourist areas and on public transportation
- • Use licensed taxis or rideshare services, and always check the fare before starting your journey
- • Be cautious of strangers approaching you with petitions or surveys, and avoid sharing personal information
Getting there
By air
- Logan International Airport • 3 miles (5 km) from city center
By train
South Station, North Station
By bus
South Station, Logan Airport
Getting around
Public transport
The MBTA subway system is efficient and affordable, with four main lines (Red, Blue, Green, and Orange) connecting major attractions and neighborhoods.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Downtown/Financial District
Back Bay
North End
South End
Fenway-Kenmore
Beacon Hill
Day trips
Salem
16 miles (26 km) from Boston • Half-day to full-day trip
A historic coastal city known for its connection to the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. Salem offers a mix of historic sites, museums, and waterfront activities.
Lexington and Concord
10-15 miles (16-24 km) from Boston • Full-day trip
Two historic towns that played significant roles in the American Revolution. Lexington and Concord offer a mix of historic sites, museums, and scenic walking trails.
Cape Cod
60-80 miles (97-129 km) from Boston, depending on the destination • Full-day trip or overnight stay
A popular summer destination known for its beautiful beaches, charming coastal towns, and outdoor recreation. Cape Cod offers a mix of relaxation and adventure.
Festivals
Boston Harbor Hotel Chowder Festival • October (annual)
Boston Pride • June (annual)
Boston Film Festival • September (annual)
Pro tips
- Visit the Freedom Trail early in the morning or on a weekday to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience
- Take advantage of free or discounted admission days at museums and other attractions, such as the Museum of Fine Arts' free Wednesday evenings or the Boston Public Library's free exhibits and events
- Explore Boston's diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique character, history, and attractions
- Try local specialties, such as clam chowder, lobster rolls, and Boston cream pie, at historic and iconic eateries like Union Oyster House, Neptune Oyster, and Mike's Pastry
- Attend a Red Sox game at Fenway Park, one of the most iconic and historic baseball stadiums in the world
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
