BOSTON · CRUISES & BOAT TOURS

15 Cruises & Boat Tours in Boston to Build a Day Around

44 tours  ·  from $30

This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 cruises & boat tours worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.

Boston Duck Boat Sightseeing City Tour with Cruise Along Charles River - From Boston Common to the State House
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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 aboard a restored WWII amphibious duck boat. A personal ConDUCKtor, such as Mike or the Viking, supplies jokes and history as you pass the Common, State House, Quincy Market, TD Garden, and more. The final 20 minutes are on the Charles River.

“Super fun and good way to see Boston on land and in water. Fun ride for the whole family. The conductors are very knowledgeable.”

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Boston: City Cruises Whale Watching Cruise - Stellwagen Bank is where the action happens
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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

Cruise from Boston’s Long Wharf to Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, where New England Aquarium naturalists help you spot humpback, fin, and minke whales. The high-speed boat has outdoor decks, warm indoor seating, large windows, snacks, and room to move when the sea gets choppy.

“It was the best day of my life. You need to be prepared that you might not be able to see the whales since they are wild animals, but if you do, it’s a wonderful experience. We were told that when we participate, we contribute towards the research being done on these wonderful creatures. Worth every penny.”

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Boston: City Cruises Historical Sightseeing Cruise - Bunker Hill Monument and the Revolutionary War
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Boston: City Cruises Historical Sightseeing Cruise

3.City Cruises Historical Sightseeing Cruise

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

From Long Wharf, you’ll circle Boston Harbor with an English-speaking guide, passing the USS Constitution, Bunker Hill Monument, Old North Church, South Boston, and Castle Island. Guides such as Kevin, Holly, Liz, and Mike mix American history with humor. Choose an open deck or large-window indoor seating.

“The tour guide was awesome, very knowledgeable and made it for an enjoyable time!”

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City Cruises Boston Historic Sightseeing Harbor Cruise - Starting at 1 Long Wharf
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City Cruises Boston Historic Sightseeing Harbor Cruise

4.City Cruises Boston Historic Sightseeing Harbor Cruise

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

Set out from 1 Long Wharf on a one-hour narrated cruise past the USS Constitution, Boston Tea Party ships, Fort Independence, Old North Church, and Boston Light. Guides such as Kevin and Holly bring Boston’s past to life. Choose the upper deck for the clearest views, or stay inside in cold weather.

“We sailed on a beautiful day and our narrator Kevin was excellent. We learned so much about Boston. So glad we went. Thanks”

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Boston: Boston Harbor Sunset Cruise - Meeting at Rowes Wharf without missing the boat
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Boston: Boston Harbor Sunset Cruise

5.Boston Harbor Sunset Cruise

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

Meet at Rowes Wharf for a 90-minute Boston Harbor cruise with English commentary, skyline views, and a close look at USS Constitution. Choose indoor or outdoor seating, watch for the ship’s sunset cannon salute, and buy snacks or drinks from the onboard bar.

“Great time with my kids on the water. Beautiful night. The tour guides and bartenders were very nice.”

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Boston Harbor Sunset Cruise - Old North Church from the harbor
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Boston Harbor Sunset Cruise

6.Boston Harbor Sunset Cruise

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

Board Classic Harbor Line at Rowes Wharf for a two-hour Boston Harbor sunset cruise. Expect skyline views, Old North Church, Charlestown Navy Yard, USS Constitution, and light captain’s commentary. Choose the open-air deck or heated cabin, with cocktails, snacks, and seasonal treats sold onboard.

“It afforded us great views of the harbor, sun-set, and night-time sky line but was too long. 1.5 hours would have been perfect.”

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Classic Tall Ship Cruise in Boston Harbor - Raising the sails adds a little adventure
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Classic Tall Ship Cruise in Boston Harbor

7.Classic Tall Ship Cruise in Boston Harbor

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

Spend about 90 minutes aboard the Liberty Star with Captain Fredo and crew members Jess and Max. Expect open-air harbor views, light commentary, drinks for purchase, and possibly a chance to help raise the sails. The route depends on wind and weather.

“Amazing! Perfect ship, perfect crew. We had a great time! Captain Freddo was great! And they serve alcohol so that's a plus!”

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Schooner Fame Sailing Tour - What you see around Salem Sound
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Schooner Fame Sailing Tour

8.Schooner Fame Sailing Tour

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

Join Captain Mike and the crew of the replica privateer schooner Fame from Pickering Wharf in downtown Salem. During this roughly 1-hour-40-minute sail, you can help raise the sails, steer, hear stories about Salem Sound, and watch the cannon fire. Children under five are not allowed.

“The crew so nice, let you steer schooner and very informative. Had a great time today! Definitely recommend this excursion.”

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Boston: Harbor Sunset Yacht Cruise - The Northern Lights feels more like a small ship than a tour boat
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Boston: Harbor Sunset Yacht Cruise

9.Harbor Sunset Yacht Cruise

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

Spend two hours aboard the classic Northern Lights, a 115-foot yacht with indoor seating, open decks, a bar, and six bathrooms. See Castle Island, the inner harbor, Boston’s skyline, and the USS Constitution’s sunset cannon fire while the captain provides light commentary.

“Food was good, bit pricey and limited options but alright. The viewing deck was spacious and clean. Good customer service.”

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Sightseeing Day Sail around Boston Harbor - Fan Pier and the modern waterfront
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Sightseeing Day Sail around Boston Harbor

10.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 1.5 or 2 hours. Expect a relaxed harbor trip past the Seaport, Fan Pier, Fort Independence, Spectacle Island, and Long Island. Crew members answer questions, while a card-only bar serves drinks.

“Erick the captain was great and you can see he has lots of experience. Claire and Adam were very kind.”

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Narrated Sunset Cruise of Boston Harbor - Fish Pier and the working harbor
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Narrated Sunset Cruise of Boston Harbor

11.Narrated Sunset Cruise of Boston Harbor

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

Board at Rowes Wharf for a 90-minute English-narrated cruise past Fish Pier, Logan Airport, East Boston, Charlestown, the USS Constitution, and the North End. You’ll see Boston shift from daylight to city lights, with outdoor seating, a full bar, snacks, and drinks available to buy.

“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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City Cruises Boston Codzilla High-Speed Thrill Boat Ride - The first run: engines, music, and the Codzilla story
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City Cruises Boston Codzilla High-Speed Thrill Boat Ride

12.City Cruises Boston Codzilla High-Speed Thrill Boat Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 424 reviews · 45 minutes (approx.) · from $56

Join Boston Harbor City Cruises at Long Wharf for a 45-minute Codzilla ride with turbo-charged engines, sharp turns, spins, loud music, and narration about the boat’s arrival in Boston. You may hear narrator Remy, and you should expect a serious soaking.

“It was so much fun it exceeded our expectations. Sadie was scared that she would get too wet she was so happy and she did get wet my grandson wanted to get really wet he did and was so happy”

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Sunset Sailing Cruise on a Tall Ship in Boston Harbor - Sunset views of Boston from the water
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Sunset Sailing Cruise on a Tall Ship in Boston Harbor

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

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

Join Liberty Fleet of Tall Ships at Fan Pier Marina for a two-hour sunset sail aboard a traditional Boston tall ship. Expect skyline and harbor views, a relaxed crew, drinks from the galley bar, and occasional chances to help with the sails. Captains Fredo and the deck crew have earned special praise for their warm, playful service.

“Really nice cruise around Boston Harbor. The crew was awesome and the skyline views were incredible!”

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Boston: City Cruises Sunset Skyline Cruise with Commentary - Long Wharf departure and the first city views
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Boston: City Cruises Sunset Skyline Cruise with Commentary

14.City Cruises Sunset Skyline Cruise with Commentary

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 381 reviews · 1h 30m · from $55

Spend 90 minutes on Boston Harbor City Cruises’ narrated sunset boat ride from Long Wharf. See Logan Airport, Castle Island, the North End, and the USS Constitution while guides such as Kevin and David Coffin share Boston stories. Bring a jacket, and arrive early for the best seats.

“Enjoyed the cruise. It was a great day for weather and seeing the sunset.”

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Boston: City Cruises Harbor Codzilla High Speed Thrill Boat - Why the Boat’s Design Matters
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Boston: City Cruises Harbor Codzilla High Speed Thrill Boat

15.City Cruises Harbor Codzilla High Speed Thrill Boat

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

Codzilla is a 45-minute Boston Harbor speedboat ride with 2,800 horsepower, speeds up to 40 mph, loud music, narration, sharp turns, and 360-degree spins. Depart from One Long Wharf near the New England Aquarium. Crew members such as Ethan may add humor and local facts. Expect spray, noise, and serious motion.

“We did the Godzilla and all the stuff was simply sweet and amazing and fun super fun one thing that I have to say is that I enjoy so much”

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New in Cruises & Boat Tours

★ 4.6Boston Harbor Fall Foliage Weekend Brunch CruiseFrom $8518 reviews
★ 4.6Boston Harbor: Winter Holiday Weekend Brunch CruiseFrom $10624 reviews
★ 4.5City Cruises Boston Premier Brunch Cruise on OdysseyFrom $10428 reviews
★ 3.4Scenic Moonlight Harbor CruiseFrom $3327 reviews
★ 5.0Boston Walking/Boat Revolutionary Tour; 1 if by Land, 2 if by SeaFrom $9831 reviews
★ 4.8Boston Premium Driving Tour with Boat Cruise and Bunker HillFrom $16932 reviews
★ 4.5New England Fall Lunch Cruise in Boston HarborFrom $8244 reviews
★ 4.3Boston Harbor: Fall Foliage Luncheon CruiseFrom $6950 reviews
★ 4.3Downtown Boston Harbor Weekend Cruise with BrunchFrom $10669 reviews
★ 4.3City Cruises Boston: Premier Brunch or Dinner Harbor CruiseFrom $10474 reviews
★ 4.5Boston Holiday Cocoa CruiseFrom $8285 reviews
★ 4.9Historic Schooner Sailing CruiseFrom $3984 reviews
★ 4.8Sunset Tall Ship Harbor CruiseFrom $68115 reviews
★ 4.7Charles River Sightseeing CruiseFrom $30109 reviews
★ 4.7Cocoa and Carols Holiday CruiseFrom $6597 reviews

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Boston Harbor Cruises25Boston Sunset Cruises10Boston Sailing and Tall Ship Trips12Boston Brunch and Lunch Cruises9Boston Trolley and Hop-On Hop-Off Tours14
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