Boston Harbor Cruises and Tours

Dinner cruises, tall ships, Harbor Islands, & more cruises

Boston Harbor cruises and tours offer you a fun way to appreciate the city's most important historic sites, see the Boston Harbor Islands, and enjoy city skyline views from the water. 

If you have a special maritime interest, such as lighthouses or tall ships, Boston probably has a cruise that specializes in it.  In addition, other cruises offer added entertainment, such as gourmet lunches and dinners, music and dancing, sunsets and romance.

Most Harbor cruises last from about 45 minutes to 2 or 3 hours.  This means that even if you only have a small amount of time, you may still be able to fit one into your schedule. 

Many Boston Harbor cruises depart from convenient Downtown Boston wharves, while others leave from nearby Fan Pier across Fort Point Channel, easily reached by walking over the Moakley Footbridge.

What Boston Harbor cruises can you choose?

Boston's oldest and largest cruise company is the aptly named Boston Harbor Cruises (BHC), whose boats have been plying New England waters since 1926 - except during World War II, when the founder served as a U.S. Navy Seabee. 

BHC is now the largest private operator of passenger vessels in the United States, as well as in Boston.  You'll see their cruise boats everywhere!

BHC operates many of the most popular Boston Harbor cruises, all of which leave from Long Wharf, between the New England Aquarium and the Boston Marriott Long Wharf. 

Here are several harbor cruises ranging from sedate to wild to consider:

Historic Sightseeing Cruise

This 90-minute tour gives you a great overview of all of the historic and current highlights of Boston's Inner and Outer Harbors.  In addition to fabulous city views, you'll the nation's oldest continously manned lighthouse on Brewster Island.  You'll also see a number of the other Boston Harbor Islands - in fact, you'll probably see some of the Harbor Island and whale watching cruises go by in the distance. 

The tour guide talks about everything from the Revolutionary War to local sea legends.  You'll get a good view of the Port of Boston, which is actually quite impressive, as well as some of the city's most expensive waterfront condos - also quite impressive!

If you're touring Boston for the first time, this is an excellent tour for you because you get lots of information on a variety of topics that will enhance your enjoyment of the city - and you get to see some wonderful Boston sites. 

Even if you've lived here in Boston, you'll still probably find the tour guide's information interesting - and the views spectacular!

USS Constitution Cruise

If you only have a little time - or if you're fascinated by old warships and nautical history - this 45 minute cruise will be perfect for you. 

The cruise boat goes up around Boston's North End, where you can fantasize about moving into one of the luxe waterfront condos or more affordably, decide that your next Boston stay must be in the to-die-for-fabulous Battery Wharf Boston Hotel. 

But don't let your fantasies interfere with your listening, because the cruise tour guide will be telling you all about the nearby Revolutionary War sites, such as Old North Church and Bunker Hill.

Once the cruise boat reaches Charlestown, it pulls up right beside the USS Constitution (nicknamed "Old Ironsides").  If you want, you can get off the cruise boat and join one of the free ship tours or visit the (free) Charlestown Naval Museum.

Take a ride on the wild side . . . Codzilla!

Thrill-seekers, kids, and lunatics love Codzilla.  If there were an award for "Wildest Daytime Boston Harbor Cruises Experience," Codzilla would win, hands down.

What is Codzilla?

Codzilla is a sea monster . . . um, no, actually, it's a souped-up, 2,800 horsepower, twin turbo-charged engine water-borne muscle boat. . . well, cruise boat trying to look like a shark . . . or at least not totally like a codfish. 

During the 40-minute, 40 mph romp around the harbor, the Codzilla crew revs up the engine, blasts out the music, and makes sure you'll feel the wind on your face.

You'll probably feel some water too - in fact, some passengers emerge from Codzilla quite wet.  Dress accordingly, and expect to end the trip somewhere between damp and soaked.  Don't bother wearing a hat or anything else that might blow off . . . even glasses have been known to blow overboard. 

The crew will give you a plastic bag for small belongings, and you can also buy a $2 plastic poncho if you want to get less wet.

If you're more into sensation than sightseeing or just looking to have some fun, this Boston Harbor cruise is the ride for you!

What other kinds of Boston cruises can you take?

Lots of more specialized types of Boston Harbor cruises are available.  Here are a few entertaining options you should check out:

• Boston dinner cruises  (you can choose lunch cruises, too)
• Tall ship cruise around the Harbor . . . and beyond
• Lighthouse tours
• Romantic cruises and sunset cruises
• "Party" cruises (fondly known locally as "Boston booze cruises")
• Boston whale watching cruises

And don't forget about:

• Charles River cruise adventures
• Boston Whale Watching expeditions
• And cruises to the Boston Harbor Islands

Insider tip

Some of these Boston Harbor cruises use recorded narratives, while others have a real person acting as "tour guide" (sometimes doubling as the boat's captain).  If real vs. recorded matters to you, check with the cruise company ahead of time about the specific cruise that you're planning to take.

Details about Boston Harbor Cruises

Location:  All of these Boston Harbor Cruises Line cruises depart from Long Wharf, near the Boston Marriott Long Wharf in the Downtown waterfront
Open:  Varies, depending on the cruise.  The USS Constitution cruise runs from early April through late November - or even later, depending on the weather.  The others start later and end earlier.
Cost:  Varies - the 2010 cost for the USS Constitution Cruise is $16 for Adults, the Historic Sightseeing Cruise is $21 for Adults, and the Codzilla cruise is $25 for Adults.  Somewhat discounted prices are available for Children 4-12 and Seniors; Children under 4 ride free. 
Discounts:  Look for the BHC cruise brochures at your hotel, Boston Information Centers (Boston Common and near Old State House), and next to The Daily Catch Restaurant at Fan Pier in South Boston (just across Ft. Point Channel via the Moakley Footbridge).  You'll often see a "coupon" in the upper right corner saying something like "$2 off with this coupon."  Show or mention this when you make reservations or get your tickets.
For more information and tickets:  Boston Harbor Cruises: 617-227-4321; website;  you can also buy tickets at BHC's kiosk at Long Wharf where the cruises depart.
Reservations:  Recommended, especially for Codzilla
Nearest T:  Blue Line/Aquarium
Nearest parking:  Boston parking garages near North End attractions