Boston · BOSTON HARBOR CRUISES

Boston Harbor Cruises: 15 Ways onto the Water

45 tours  ·  from $27 a head

The harbor islands, the USS Constitution and the skyline from the water: these 15 cruises cover them on tall ships, sightseeing boats and sunset sails, each priced and clear about how long you spend afloat.

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

1.City Cruises Boston Historic Sightseeing Harbor Cruise

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

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

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

3.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

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

5.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

6.Sightseeing Day Sail around Boston Harbor

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

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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Narrated Sunset Cruise of Boston Harbor - Watching the skyline change at twilight
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Narrated Sunset Cruise of Boston Harbor

7.Narrated Sunset Cruise of Boston Harbor

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 532 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $29Best value

Depart Rowes Wharf for a 90-minute Boston Harbor cruise with live English narration. Pass Fish Pier, Logan Airport, East Boston, Charlestown, and the USS Constitution as the light changes over the skyline. A full bar and snacks are available to buy. Arrive early if you want a seat on the upper deck.

“The trip was awesome, very little noise from the engine, the narration was a nice touch, drinks were good. No music or dancing, a bit quite.”

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Sunset Sailing Cruise on a Tall Ship in Boston Harbor - Sunset, Breeze, and the Onboard Bar
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Sunset Sailing Cruise on a Tall Ship in Boston Harbor

8.Sunset Sailing Cruise on a Tall Ship in Boston Harbor

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 414 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $68

Spend about two hours sailing Boston Harbor aboard a traditional tall ship, with the city skyline and harbor islands as your backdrop. The crew handles the sailing and may invite you to help with the sails. Drinks and snacks are available for purchase. Crew members have included Captain Fredo, Jess, and Max, though the team can vary.

“Weather was great, but conversations with crew was the most enjoyable. They were very welcoming and knowledgeable and seemed to love what they do.”

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City Cruises Boston 90-Minute Harbor Sunset Sightseeing Cruise - Old Ironsides and the cannon at day’s end
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City Cruises Boston 90-Minute Harbor Sunset Sightseeing Cruise

9.City Cruises Boston 90-Minute Harbor Sunset Sightseeing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 411 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $56

Cruise Boston’s inner and outer harbors for 90 minutes, with live English commentary, skyline views at sunset, and a look at the restored Boston Tea Party ships and USS Constitution. The Constitution’s cannon and flag lowering mark the day’s end. Depart from Long Wharf, May through October. Food and drinks are sold on board.

“The boat tour was great. Great views & the tour guide made it very enjoyable & funny. Only bad part was the annoying family that was being very loud & listening to music the whole time on their phone. Would have liked to throw them overboard. Would still highly recommend though!”

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Boston: City Cruises Harbor Codzilla High Speed Thrill Boat - Boston Harbor Views Between the Spray
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Boston: City Cruises Harbor Codzilla High Speed Thrill Boat

10.City Cruises Harbor Codzilla High Speed Thrill Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 318 reviews · from $40

Codzilla leaves One Long Wharf for a 45-minute harbor ride powered by twin turbo-diesel engines and 2,800 horsepower. Expect a loud soundtrack, playful narration, fast turns, and 360-degree spins, plus a real chance of getting soaked. The crew keeps safety in view, and crew member Ethan has been praised for his lively hosting, though staff can vary by departure.

“It was a wonderful afternoon adventure. The 2 man crew were fun and helped get the guests fully involved in the experience.”

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City Cruises Boston: Harbor Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise - Buffet dining: what to expect on your plate
Boston Boat Tours, Boston Harbor Cruises, Boston Tours, Buffet Experiences, Dining Experiences, Dinner Experiences, Lunch Experiences, Tour Reviews

City Cruises Boston: Harbor Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise

11.City Cruises Boston: Harbor Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 306 reviews · 2 - 3 hours · from $77

Board the Spirit of Boston at Commonwealth Pier for a 2 to 3-hour lunch or dinner cruise with a buffet, table service, and live DJ. Look for the Seaport, Zakim Bridge, North End, USS Constitution, and Castle Island from the ship’s decks. Boarding starts an hour early, and drinks beyond tea and coffee cost extra.

“Everything from boarding to wait time was excellent. The staff, the food, the drinks were all excellent definitely worth the money to bring your loved one or friends out I highly recommend.”

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Boston: Harbor Champagne Sunset Sail from Rowes Wharf - The Fish Pier and Fan Pier bring the working waterfront into view
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Boston: Harbor Champagne Sunset Sail from Rowes Wharf

12.Harbor Champagne Sunset Sail from Rowes Wharf

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 299 reviews · 2 hours · from $82

Spend two hours sailing Boston Harbor aboard Schooner Adirondack III or IV, passing the Fish Pier, Inner Harbor Islands, Navy Yard, and city waterfront. The crew answers questions about local sights and maritime history. Beer, wine, champagne, and soft drinks are available for purchase by credit card; bring a picnic and a warm layer.

“We enjoyed our 4th of July sail. The crew did a great job catering to us all. My 11 year old son really enjoyed the sailing talk the crew gave. It was so fun!”

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Boston: Tall Ship Harbor Sail - Boston Harbor from the Water
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Boston: Tall Ship Harbor Sail

13.Tall Ship Harbor Sail

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 261 reviews · 1h 30m · from $35

Set sail from Fan Pier Marina aboard a classic schooner for 90 minutes on Boston Harbor. The crew raises the sails, and you can relax with skyline views or ask about local landmarks and history. There is no formal narration, but you may be invited to help with the sails. Drinks cost extra, and you can bring snacks.

“Great afternoon treat for anyone visiting the city. The crew was awesome!”

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Boston: Downtown Harbor Sailing Cruise - The crew makes the difference
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Boston: Downtown Harbor Sailing Cruise

14.Downtown Harbor Sailing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 227 reviews · 90 minutes - 2 hours · from $66

Set sail from downtown Boston aboard the classic schooner Adirondack III or IV for a 90-minute or two-hour harbor cruise. Pass the Inner Harbor Islands, Castle Island, the Charlestown Navy Yard, and waterfront landmarks while the captain and crew answer questions. Soda and water are included; wine, local beer, and food you bring are extra.

“Great boat, crew, weather, sights and beverages so what’s not to like?!. Great experience”

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Boston: New England Harbor Cruise - Warships and monuments from a different angle
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Boston: New England Harbor Cruise

15.New England Harbor Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 223 reviews · 1 hour - 90 minutes · from $45

Spend about 90 minutes on a 115-foot yacht cruising Boston Harbor. The captain points out major sights, including the USS Constitution, Bunker Hill Monument, Fort Independence, and the Seaport District. Choose a climate-controlled cabin or open deck, and buy drinks and snacks aboard.

“My family and I enjoyed ourselves. The overall experience exceeded our expectations. Good value for the money. Thank you.”

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