The 10 Best Boston Boat Tours

1.Boston Duck Boat Sightseeing City Tour with Cruise Along Charles River

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 9,378 reviews · from $59Our pick

Ride a renovated WWII amphibious duck boat through Boston, then splash into the Charles River for skyline views. Your narrator covers landmarks from Boston Common to Bunker Hill, with morning and afternoon departures from the Museum of Science, New England Aquarium, or Prudential Center.

“It’s very informational and it’s worth the money paid. There are different tour times to choose from”

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2.City Cruises Boston Whale Watching Cruise by High-Speed Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3,115 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $85

Board a high-speed catamaran at Boston’s Long Wharf for a roughly three-and-a-half-hour trip to Stellwagen Bank. A naturalist guide, including guides such as Colin on some departures, explains whale behavior and conservation. Expect outdoor viewing decks, indoor seating, a snack bar, and possible rough seas.

“A slightly strange review - the trip was curtailed due to another passenger being injured but the operator handled everything really well and announced refunds for all passengers with no questions asked.”

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3.City Cruises Boston Historic Sightseeing Harbor Cruise

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

Spend one hour on Boston Harbor with a narrator such as Kevin, Holly, Mike, or Jeff, hearing Revolutionary War stories while passing USS Constitution, Boston Light, Old North Church, Fort Independence, and the working port. Choose the upper deck for clearer views, but bring a layer for the wind.

“What a wonderful afternoon spent getting to know Boston and it's beautiful sites. Our guide was very knowledgeable and extremely engaging. Absolutely worth doing.”

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4.Boston Harbor Sunset Cruise

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

Meet at Rowes Wharf for a 90-minute English-language cruise around Boston Harbor. Your captain or narrator points out city landmarks, the USS Constitution, Logan Airport traffic, and harbor history as daylight fades. Outdoor and indoor seating are available, with snacks, soft drinks, and a full bar onboard.

“Everything was fabulous, we loved it, we had a perfect night, it would’ve been helpful. If the guy was a little bit louder cause we couldn’t hear everything that he was saying, and it was definitely informative. Everyone was lovely!!”

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5.City Cruises Sunset Skyline Cruise with Commentary

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

Spend 90 minutes on Boston Harbor with live English commentary, sunset views, and a close look at Castle Island, Logan Airport, the North End, and the USS Constitution. Guides such as Kevin and David Coffin are known for lively storytelling, while the traditional cannon salute makes a memorable finale.

“Beautiful evening and very good and timing tour, much better cruise than other one, thanks”

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6.City Cruises Harbor Codzilla High Speed Thrill Boat

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

Ride Boston Harbor’s 70-foot Codzilla from One Long Wharf for 45 minutes of high-speed turns, spins, music, and narration. Expect a wet seat, loud soundtrack, and views of the harbor, islands, and forts. Crew members such as Ethan have been praised for keeping the ride lively and safety-focused.

“The speed boat ride was very fun. The only thing I didn’t like was that ponchos were not provided as promised. So we got soaking wet and had to go home right after the ride.”

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7.Harbor Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise

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

Board Spirit of Boston at Commonwealth Pier for a 2 to 3 hour harbor cruise with a chef-prepared buffet, table service, live DJ, dancing, and skyline views. You will pass the USS Constitution, Zakim Bridge, North End, and Castle Island, with time to enjoy the rooftop deck.

“It was awesome! Games all over, dancing, great music”

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8.Harbor Champagne Sunset Sail from Rowes Wharf

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

Spend two hours sailing Boston Harbor aboard Schooner Adirondack III or IV. From Rowes Wharf, you’ll pass the Fish Pier, Castle Island, Fan Pier, the Navy Yard, and Inner Harbor Islands while the crew explains local sights. Bring a picnic, dress warmly, and buy champagne, wine, beer, or soft drinks by credit card.

“Highlight of our trip to Boston! This was so much fun. Highly recommend.”

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9.Salem by Boat – Witch Trials & Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 263 reviews · from $129

Ride the ferry from Boston to Salem, then follow an English-speaking guide through witch trial sites, the Witch Museum or Real Pirates Museum, Hocus Pocus locations, and historic streets. Guides such as Elizabeth, Stephanie, Alex, and Cameron are known for lively storytelling. Lunch and personal exploring time are included, but not the meal.

“I had a great day and absolutely loved the whole Salem experience. The only thing that spoilt it for me was something you had no control over as I had fallen and hurt my knee which meant that I was not able to walk round as much as I would have liked to so will mean a second visit next time I am in Boston.”

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10.Tall Ship Harbor Sail

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

Spend 90 minutes sailing Boston Harbor from Fan Pier Marina aboard a classic schooner with the Liberty Fleet of Tall Ships. Expect skyline and harbor-island views, drinks for purchase, optional sail handling, and a friendly crew rather than formal narration. Bring snacks and a jacket.

“It was a great sailing experience & a beautiful day to sail the Boston harbor. The crew was very entertaining & I would highly recommend!”

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