Whether you’re watching for whales or cruising in a duck boat, harbor cruises offer the chance to experience Boston’s scenery and history from right outside Boston Harbor. See the skyline or dine on the water with one of the popular tours below.
Highlights
- Watch the sunset from Boston Harbor as fades into night
- Enjoy brunch, cocktails, or dinner on the water and get views of the Boston skyline
- Learn about Boston’s colonial past and the role it played in helping America become an independent nation
- Hear the sound of the cannon boom as it’s fired from the USS Constitution or tour Old Ironsides, America’s oldest warship
- Hop on a speedboat and spin in circles for a rush
- Most cruises last 1 to 3 hours
Sightseeing Cruises
Boston Harbor cruises are a great way to take in the sights from the water, and some are even combined with land-based walking tours that offer an up-close look at the city’s history and scenery. Alternatively, ply the placid Cambridge River on a fun, amphibious duck boat, or search for whales in the waters offshore from April to October. Whichever route you take, don’t miss the opportunity to tour the USS Constitution—a three-masted warship that dates back to 1797.
Dining Cruises
There’s definitely no shortage of restaurants in Boston, but none can compete with the romance of dining out on the water. Choose a filling, floating brunch with views of the area’s harbor lighthouses or an evening filled with dinner, dancing, and dessert on the deck of a ship.