Boston · BOSTON BOAT TOURS

The 15 Best Boston Boat Tours

112 tours  ·  from $27 a head

From a 50-minute harbor loop to four hours out to the whales, the water is where Boston makes sense. The 15 below are compared on price, time on board and what you actually see from the deck.

Boston Duck Boat Sightseeing City Tour with Cruise Along Charles River - Choose a departure point that fits your day
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Boston Duck Boat Sightseeing City Tour with Cruise Along Charles River

1.Boston Duck Boat Sightseeing City Tour with Cruise Along Charles River

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 9,378 reviews · from $59Our pick

See Boston by road and river in a renovated World War II amphibious vehicle. A ConDUCKtor narrates the route past Boston Common, the State House, Quincy Market and more before a 20-minute cruise on the Charles River. Choose a departure near the Museum of Science, New England Aquarium or Prudential Center.

“It was really fun. A great experience. Our driver and guide were both very knowledgeable and entertaining. Really interesting to see how we could go both on land and water.”

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Boston: City Cruises Whale Watching Cruise - Stellwagen Bank is the main event
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Boston: City Cruises Whale Watching Cruise

2.City Cruises Whale Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 4,710 reviews · 3h 30m · from $85

Sail from Long Wharf to Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary on a high-speed boat, with outdoor viewing decks and a warm, windowed cabin. New England Aquarium naturalists explain the whales and other wildlife you may see. Humpbacks, fin whales, minkes and dolphins are possible, but sightings are never guaranteed.

“Guides were well versed and so helpful and smart!!”

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Boston Duck Tour: The Original and World-Famous - A brisk route through Boston’s landmarks
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Boston Duck Tour: The Original and World-Famous

3.Boston Duck Tour: The Original and World-Famous

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 3,935 reviews · from $60

See Boston by road and river on an 80-minute ride in a WWII-style amphibious vehicle. A live ConDUCKtor shares local history and jokes as you pass landmarks such as Boston Common and Quincy Market, then splash into the Charles River. Guides vary; past tour leaders have included Beth Metal, Flo, Ben, and Robin the Riveter.

“Bobby and Kim were great. We enjoyed this tour very much.”

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City Cruises Boston Whale Watching Cruise by High-Speed Boat - The naturalist makes the waiting worthwhile
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City Cruises Boston Whale Watching Cruise by High-Speed Boat

4.City Cruises Boston Whale Watching Cruise by High-Speed Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3,115 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $85

Leave Boston’s Long Wharf aboard a high-speed catamaran for a roughly three-and-a-half-hour whale watch at Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. Watch from open decks, then warm up in the indoor cabin. A naturalist explains whale behavior, conservation, and tracking. Humpbacks, fin whales, minkes, dolphins, and seabirds may appear.

“It was amazing! The whales showed up and gave us a show! Truly a special experience! And the crew were amazing and informative! They were all invested in making sure the guests had a great safe experience!”

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Afternoon Grand Tour | Gansett Cruises in Newport, RI - Fort Adams, Hammersmith Farm, and the shoreline
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Afternoon Grand Tour | Gansett Cruises in Newport, RI

5.Afternoon Grand Tour | Gansett Cruises in Newport, RI

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,869 reviews · 1 hour 10 minutes (approx.) · from $42Top rated

Sail Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay’s East Passage aboard the restored lobster boat MV Gansett. A guide points out Fort Adams, Hammersmith Farm, Newport Bridge, and Clingstone, with stories about the waterfront and its mansions. The 75-minute afternoon cruise includes Del’s Lemonade; a cash bar sells local beer, wine, and hard cider.

“Our tour guide was hilariously informative, and the rest of the staff was attentive and friendly. We learned lots of interesting info about the area and the surrounding boats. Drinks were great, too. 100% recommend!”

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Boston: City Cruises Historical Sightseeing Cruise - Bunker Hill Monument and the harbor islands
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Boston: City Cruises Historical Sightseeing Cruise

6.City Cruises Historical Sightseeing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,771 reviews · 1 hour · from $46

Cruise Boston Harbor for an hour from Long Wharf, passing the USS Constitution, Bunker Hill Monument, Old North Church, and Castle Island. An English-speaking guide shares local and Revolutionary War stories, with guides such as Kevin, Holly, and Liz praised for humor and clear narration. Choose an open deck or a large-window indoor seat; snacks and drinks cost extra.

“It was comfortable cruising. Loved the guide, she explained everything with some humor and jokes. The weather was great for the day, sunny and warm. It was very enjoyable and informative.”

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City Cruises Boston Historic Sightseeing Harbor Cruise - Old Ironsides from the water
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City Cruises Boston Historic Sightseeing Harbor Cruise

7.City Cruises Boston Historic Sightseeing Harbor Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,388 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $46

From Long Wharf, take a one-hour narrated cruise past the USS Constitution, Boston Tea Party ships, Old North Church and Boston Light. Hear Revolutionary War stories and harbor lore, with skyline views from the open deck and indoor seating for colder or wet weather. The guide varies by sailing; narrators have included Holly, Kevin and Mike.

“Enjoyable narration during the cruise providing great stories and history about Boston. Nice introduction for a sightseeing tour from the harbour”

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Boston: Boston Harbor Sunset Cruise - The city looks different from the water
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Boston: Boston Harbor Sunset Cruise

8.Boston Harbor Sunset Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 888 reviews · 1h 30m · from $31

Set out from Rowes Wharf on a 90-minute English-language cruise through Boston Harbor. Your guide points out city landmarks and shares local history, with a chance to see the USS Constitution near sunset. Indoor and outdoor seating may be available, and snacks and drinks can be bought onboard. The boat returns to its starting point.

“A great introduction to the history and sights of Boston from the water. Just enough commentary, so it wasn’t overbearing.”

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City Cruises Salem High Speed Ferry to/from Boston - Arriving in Salem, with the sights close by
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City Cruises Salem High Speed Ferry to/from Boston

9.City Cruises Salem High Speed Ferry to/from Boston

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 727 reviews · 50 minutes (approx.) · from $42

Ride a high-speed catamaran between Boston and Salem in about 50 minutes. You can watch the harbor from an outdoor deck or settle inside, with snacks, drinks, and restrooms on board. Guides such as Donald, Joe, Mikayla, Gary, and Charles have added local history on some sailings. Salem’s attractions are a short walk from the dock.

“Quick direct way to get from Boston to Salem. Pretty views and they point out the sites around both areas”

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Boston Harbor Sunset Cruise - Choosing your seat as the light changes
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Boston Harbor Sunset Cruise

10.Boston Harbor Sunset Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 632 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $54

Set out from Rowes Wharf for an approximately two-hour Boston Harbor cruise with open-air and heated indoor seating. The captain offers light commentary as you pass the Old North Church, Charlestown Navy Yard, USS Cassin Young, and other waterfront sights. Drinks and snacks are available to buy, and the USS Constitution’s sunset cannon may provide the evening’s most memorable sound.

“Unfortunately for us, we had a rainy sunset cruise. However, still had a wonderful time, through some mist and rain, we were still able to see the city and learn some key features. We enjoyed a light bite and enjoyed the seasonal drink menu as well.”

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Classic Tall Ship Cruise in Boston Harbor - The Pace: Fresh Air, Views, and Time to Unwind
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Classic Tall Ship Cruise in Boston Harbor

11.Classic Tall Ship Cruise in Boston Harbor

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 615 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours (approx.) · from $35

Sail Boston Harbor for about 90 minutes aboard the classic schooner Liberty Star. The crew, including Captain Fredo on some sailings, may invite you to help raise the sails. Expect open-air city views, a relaxed pace, and drinks and snacks for purchase, but not a fixed route or guaranteed history talk.

“Dress for the weather and be prepared to enjoy the ride! We met some great business and crew. We would go again.”

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Schooner Fame Sailing Tour - Day sails and sunset trips have different moods
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Schooner Fame Sailing Tour

12.Schooner Fame Sailing Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 571 reviews · 1 hour 40 minutes (approx.) · from $50

Sail Salem Sound on the schooner Fame, a replica privateer ship, with a local captain and crew. You can help raise the sails, try steering if invited, or settle in for the coast and harbor views. The crew shares stories of Salem’s maritime past, and the cannon may fire during the trip. Depart from Pickering Wharf Marina for about 100 minutes.

“It was awesome! Beautiful day and smooth sailing! Captain was great and his mates were as well! Truly a wonderful experience !”

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Boston: Harbor Sunset Yacht Cruise - A classic yacht, not a bare-bones ferry
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Boston: Harbor Sunset Yacht Cruise

13.Harbor Sunset Yacht Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 570 reviews · 2 hours · from $54

Spend two hours on the 115-foot Northern Lights, a 1920s-style New England yacht, cruising Boston Harbor as daylight fades. Expect open-deck and climate-controlled seating, light commentary, music, and a sunset cannon salute from USS Constitution. Drinks and snacks cost extra, and the bar accepts credit cards only.

“The cruise is very enjoyable and interesting. If you want to sit on the top deck, you'll need to be at the dock at least 30 minutes before.”

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Sightseeing Day Sail around Boston Harbor - Castle Island, Fort Independence, and the Harbor Islands
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Sightseeing Day Sail around Boston Harbor

14.Sightseeing Day Sail around Boston Harbor

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 541 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours (approx.) · from $66

Set sail from Rowes Wharf aboard Schooner Adirondack III or IV for a 90-minute or two-hour trip around Boston Harbor. You’ll pass the Seaport, Fan Pier, Castle Island, and harbor islands, with a crew ready to answer questions. This is not a formal narrated tour. Drinks are available for purchase by card, and you can bring a snack.

“We lucked out on the weather and sailing was so relaxing and beautiful! The crew was really informative and we learned a lot of things about the islands and area in which we sailed. A wonderful experience!”

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Sunset Cruise with Gansett Cruises in Newport, RI - From Market Square to the harbor
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Sunset Cruise with Gansett Cruises in Newport, RI

15.Sunset Cruise with Gansett Cruises in Newport, RI

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 538 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $50

Take a one-hour sunset cruise through Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay’s East Passage aboard a restored 50-foot lobster boat. Hear local stories from the crew, look for the Newport Bridge and a lighthouse, and enjoy a complimentary quahog stuffie and Champagne toast. Choose shaded, cushioned seating or the open upper deck; drinks from the onboard bar cost extra.

“I was definitely pleasantly surprised! I have gone to Newport in the past and went to other sunset cruises, but this one was small but intimate, great communication and friendly staff. It was such an enjoyable experience, would recommend to all my friends and family.”

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New in Boston Boat Tours

★ 5.0Twilight Cruise: After The Sun Goes DownFrom $463 reviews
★ 4.5Newport Scenic Sunset Cruise on Classic Boat Rum Runner IIFrom $5013 reviews
★ 5.0Golden Hour CruiseFrom $4616 reviews
★ 5.0Early Bird Mimosa Cruise – Family Friendly!From $377 reviews
★ 5.0America’s Cup Evening Sailing Adventure Newport, RIFrom $4010 reviews
★ 5.0Spend the Day on Buzzards Bay – Sailing TripsFrom $2,5596 reviews
★ 5.0Golden Hour Escape: Private Sunset Sail in Coastal Maine20 reviews
★ 5.0Discover Maine’s Coastal Charms: Half-Day Scenic SailFrom $2593 reviews
★ 4.5Best Of Boston: Harvard, MIT, Harbor Cruise Small Group Day TripFrom $14910 reviews
★ 5.0Boston Walking/Boat Revolutionary Tour; 1 if by Land, 2 if by SeaFrom $9831 reviews
★ 5.0Holiday Sunset Cruise in Boston HarborFrom $7011 reviews
★ 5.0Dog Day of Summer Harbor Cruise in BostonFrom $288 reviews
★ 4.5Boston Harbor Night CruiseFrom $4513 reviews
★ 4.5City Cruises Boston Premier Lunch CruiseFrom $1237 reviews
★ 4.5Boston Harbor Fall Brunch CruiseFrom $10623 reviews

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Boston Harbor CruisesBoston Sunset CruisesBoston Whale WatchingBoston Holiday ToursBoston Fall Foliage Tours
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Out and about in Boston

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At the table

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After dark

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