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Boston is a beautiful city right on the waterfront. Daphne and I had the opportunity to live there for just over three years and experience a lot of what it had to offer. Living nearly across the street from a beach meant that we were constantly at the water’s edge. But we also looked for every opportunity possible to be out on the water. One of those great opportunities was to explore the best Boston Harbor Cruises.
We’ve had the opportunity to try several of these Boston Cruises during our time there. Here, we’ll give you some of our favorites to try out, with some of the pros and cons of each of them. So, come join us on the water as we review the Best Boston Harbor Cruises.
Ready to head to Boston? Here are some handy resources!
Lunch & Dinner Boston Harbor Cruises
Why not get a great meal while looking out over the beautiful water? All of these cruises include a full meal to enjoy during your cruise. Of course, they will be more expensive, but the incredible food, along with the incredible views, will make this an incredible date night option.
The Odyssey
A luxurious super-yacht with dinner, dessert, drinks, and dancing onboard. It’s one of the more expensive options on our list, but it includes a lot. It’s a two-hour cruise to a couple of the little islands in Boston Harbor. Along with the cruise, you get a three-course meal, and you can purchase alcohol on board. There is also a nightclub with a DJ on board if you want to get in some dancing. Or head up to the observation deck and enjoy the beautiful views of the harbor. It’s a great opportunity for a more formal dinner date. Finally, they do have vegetarian options as well if you need them, just let them know in advance. Paid parking is available nearby but may be expensive.
Spirit of Boston
Taking a slightly different approach, the Spirit of Boston features an all-you-can-eat buffet meal. The buffet includes salads, entrees, and desserts. All are prepared fresh on the ship. They also have live entertainment, dancing, and interactive games. Climate-controlled decks with panoramic windows allow for sightseeing even in cold or unpleasant weather. Most of the dining room seating also has beautiful views to enjoy. They also allow children, with those under 3 years old to travel for free. Additionally, they offer a lunch cruise to save some money.
Sightseeing Boston Harbor Cruises
If you’re looking to save some money but still enjoy a cruise of the beautiful Boston Harbor, these might be for you. Since most of these leave from the North End, there are dozens of incredible restaurants within walking distance if you want to eat first and then set sail.
Boston Harbor Cruises
If you’re looking to save some money but still see the harbor views from a ship, this is one of the cheapest. However, it doesn’t include dinner. There are food and drinks for sale on the ship, but not a meal. Tickets can be as cheap as $48 per person for the 2-hour sunset cruise. They also have multiple times every evening, which gives you some flexibility in your schedule. Just note that they sell out well in advance, so book early if this is your first choice.
Moonlight Harbor Cruise
If you want to see the Boston City Lights, this is one of the few tours that leave after dark. The cruise takes about 1.5 hours and hits all of the high points in the harbor. Seaport, Airport, Cruise Ship Terminal, the Navy Yard, and East Boston. Additionally, it has a cash bar and light snacks available for purchase onboard.
Dog-Friendly Boston Harbor Cruise
If you want to take your furry friend with you on a harbor cruise, then this is the perfect choice. A cruise designed for dogs (and their humans). This 1.5-hour cruise covers most of the popular Boston Harbor sites and allows your pup to enjoy the sea breeze as well. Of course, as it’s advertised as a dog-friendly event, your dog will have lots of opportunities to make new friends on the water as well.
Want to see more of Boston with your pet? Check out all our favorite Dog Friendly Boston Stops!
Boston Historic Cruise
If Boston History is your thing, this is the cruise for you. With a focus on the historical sights of Boston, where events such as the Boston Tea Party and Revolutionary War activities took place. They’ll also give you a close-up look at the USS Constitution, the oldest still operating Navy ship. Boston Light, the oldest continuously manned lighthouse, is also on the tour.
Adventure Boston Harbor Cruises
If you want more than just beautiful views, these cruises might be for you. Go on an adventure on the high seas of Boston Harbor with these one-of-a-kind Boston Harbor Cruises.
Sailing Cruise On A Tall Ship
Go sailing on the 125-foot Liberty Clipper or the 67-foot Liberty Star, both beautiful sailboats. You’ll get the same beautiful views of the Boston harbor with the added excitement of seeing the incredible crew running the sails and using the wind to move these massive ships. There may even be an opportunity for you to assist in hoisting the sails. There are drinks and snacks available for purchase on board.
Adirondack Schooner
For another historic sailing adventure, this 80-foot schooner will take you on a sunset cruise of Boston Harbor. With an experienced captain who loves to tell stories of seamanship, you’ll get to see what it takes to sail such a beautiful ship. Riding on the deck will ensure you’ll feel the wind in your hair, smell the sea breeze, and ensure unobstructed 360 degree views of the harbor. You’ll be able to watch the sunset from the harbor in a way that you’ve never seen before. Beer, wine, and soft drinks are offered for purchase during the cruise.
Boston Whale Watching Cruise
Want to get in some time with nature during your cruise? This cruise, on a high-speed Catamaran, will take you out into a National Marine Sanctuary for some whale watching. Narrated by a naturalist from the New England Aquarium, you’ll get fascinating facts from an expert about the incredible marine life you’ll see. The sanctuary is home to humpback, right, and fin whales, along with dolphins. They also guarantee whale sightings, or they’ll give you a free voucher for another cruise.
Codzilla High-Speed Thrill Boat
If you want high thrills, Codzilla races through the Harbor at 40mph, splashing all aboard. The 2,800-horsepower boat likes to hit the waves hard and play the music loudly. The only boat out there of this size that you’ll see doing 360 spins in the middle of the harbor. They anticipate you getting wet and provide free waterproof bags and ponchos. By far, this will be the most thrilling cruise that you’ll find out in the Boston Harbor.
Bonus: Boston Duck Tour
This one is listed as a bonus because it is both a cruise and a driving tour. Boston started the Duck Boat craze and has been doing it ever since. The amphibious vehicle takes you on a tour of Boston, including the historic streets and modern structures. Then it splashes down into the Charles River for a view of the city from the water. Fun Fact: There is a point in the Charles River (one of few in the world) in which a boat could be under a car, under a train, under a plane at the same moment … theoretically. They also offer commentary and narration in a series of different languages.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should I eat near the cruise departure location?
Almost all of the cruises listed above leave from either Long Wharf, Central Wharf, or Rowes Wharf. All three wharves are in the same vicinity in a neighborhood known as North End. North End is famous for its incredible Italian food. If you walk 2,000 feet north from the Wharf, you’ll be surrounded by options for food. The only downside is that many get very full around dinnertime, so you’ll want to consider reservations.
Pro-Tip: You MUST stop by our absolutely favorite Boston bakery in North End: Bova’s Bakery. It’s open 24/7/365, so go either before or after your cruise and it’ll be there for you.
Where should I park near the cruise departure location?
Parking near the wharves can be challenging, and there are likely no free options. There are paid parking garages (Dock Square, 200 State, Rowes Wharf Garage & Boston Harbor Garage) nearby, but they will be expensive, especially if you’re out on a cruise for a few hours. I would strongly recommend taking a rideshare, taxi, or public transportation. The Aquarium Subway Stop (Blue Line) is located right at the top of the Long Wharf.
If you need help navigating the Boston Public Transportation system, we’ve got you covered here.
How should I book tickets for a Boston Harbor Cruise?
The easiest way to book tickets for any of the cruises we recommended is to click the link we included under each heading. We recommend Viator or GetYourGuide to get your tickets as they provide reviews, great customer service, and a generous cancellation policy on most events. You can also find lots of other Boston area activities on either site as well to future enhance your Boston trip.
Are the cruises handicap accessible?
Most of the cruises listed are handicap accessible, with some exceptions. Some allow access to some parts of the ship but not others. Notably, one is handicap accessible to the entire ship, except the bathrooms. Clicking the link on the cruise that you’re interested in will bring you to a booking page that includes handicap-accessible information.
In Conclusion: Boston Harbor Cruises
Boston is beautiful, and seeing it from Boston Harbor is an even better way to enjoy it. All these cruises have different benefits and costs. I would highly recommend any trip to Boston, including some time on a cruise. There are so many other things to do in Boston while you’re there, including road trips out of Boston or getting some good food in the city. But, when you need a break from all of that, nothing soothes the soul better than waves and water.
