Boston , United States

Boston Harbor Sightseeing Cruise

Active

(186 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Cruise around Boston Harbor on classic 1920s-style Yacht Northern Lights. Relax in the indoor grand salon area or venture to the top, outdoor deck for more sweeping views of the Harbor. Some notable sites include great views of Boston's skyline, Old North Church, Bunker Hill Monument, USS Cassin Young, and the USS Constitution along with Boston's Harbor Islands. Bring your camera! Grab a beverage or light snacks from the bar (available for purchase by credit card).

Available options

1.5 Hour Boston Harbor Cruise

Enjoy a 1.5 hour cruise in Boston Harbor.

1 Hour Boston Harbor Cruise

Enjoy a 1 hour tour around Boston Harbor.

What's included

Cruise aboard Northern Lights

Enjoy moderate commentary on the main sights by the captain. This is not a fully narrated tour

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

Cruise around some of the Inner Harbor Islands and enjoy the sights including Spectacle Island, which has been transformed by the Big Dig Project of Boston.

Stop 2 Pass by

Cruise by the USS Constitution and enjoy a unique view of the boat from the water

Cruise by this historic boat for a unique view from the water

What's not included

Food and drinks are not included, but are available for purchase by credit card

Gratuities are not included, but recommended for the Captain and crew

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.5

116 reviews

5★

4★

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1★

Tripadvisor 4.6

70 reviews

5★

4★

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1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Plan to arrive 15-30 minutes prior to the departure time to check-in at the ticket booth and obtain boarding passes

Bring a photo ID that matches the name listed on the reservation

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Minimum drinking age is 21 years

Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately

There is a climate controlled main cabin with seating, a covered upper deck and an open bow

Infant seats are available if given advance notice

Only animals that perform a manual task to assist a person are permitted aboard. Emotional support animals and pets are not permitted.

Please let us know in advance if assistance is required for boarding

This cruise is moderately narrated by the Captain. Enjoy commentary on the main sights as we cruise. Please note this is not a fully narrated tour.

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

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