The 5 Best Boston Bay Cruises

1.City Cruises Boston Historic Sightseeing Harbor Cruise

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

Spend one hour cruising Boston Harbor with a live narrator, passing the USS Constitution, Boston Light, Fort Independence, the Tea Party ships, and Old North Church. Guides such as Kevin, Holly, Mike, and Jeff have been praised for clear facts and humor, though lower-deck sound and seating can vary.

“Sit on the upper deck on the left side for best views. Tour guide gave a good overview of the harbor. He did have a bit of an attitude. The woman lining everybody up to board was excellent - gave us great tips to enjoy the cruise. She should have given the tour.”

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2.Tall Ship Harbor Sail

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

Set sail from Fan Pier Marina aboard a classic schooner for 90 minutes of Boston Harbor views. Help raise the sails if invited, watch ferries and planes move through the harbor, and buy Boston-brewed beer, wine, or cocktails onboard. There is no formal narration, but the crew answers questions.

“The overall experience was amazing. We often come to Boston with the family and are always looking forward for new fun things to do. This was so much fun that it will now become one of our standard activities. Amazing do yourself a favor and reserve a cruise.”

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3.Downtown Harbor Sailing Cruise

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

Board Adirondack III or IV for a 90-minute or 2-hour sailing from downtown Boston. The crew raises the sails, points out Castle Island, the Navy Yard, the aquarium, and other harbor sights, and answers questions while you enjoy complimentary water and soda. Drinks and picnics are welcome.

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

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4.New England Harbor Cruise

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

Set out from Rowes Wharf on a classic 1920s-style motor yacht for a 90-minute Boston Harbor cruise. 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, with drinks and snacks available by credit card.

“The boat was comfortable and clean. The weather was perfect and the boat was not full, this allowed us to walk around for the best views. My only suggestion would be for the captain to give a better, more clear narration. In my opinion he could have pointed out more of the sights The one complaint was with the bar tender, she was extremely rude.”

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5.Boston Harbor Sightseeing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 186 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $45

Board Northern Lights at Rowes Wharf for a roughly 90-minute Boston Harbor cruise. You’ll pass the Seaport District, Spectacle Island, USS Constitution, and Charlestown while the captain points out major sights. Choose the climate-controlled cabin, covered upper deck, or open bow.

“It's a relaxing way to see the highlights of the Boston Harbor, including a view of the USS Constitution and Bunker Hill. Our boat captain did a fantastic job of briefly describing the various sites on the tour in a clear, interesting manner.”

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