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Boston Harbor

Boston Harbor: Our most recommended tours and activities

Boston: Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

1. Boston: Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

Go whale watching off the coast of Boston on a comfortable, high-speed catamaran with maximized outdoor and indoor viewing capacity. Look out for humpback, finback, and minke whales, as well as white-sided dolphins on this adventure cruise. Benefit from the best-guided experience, with professional researchers from the Whale Center of New England, the region's foremost authority on whale populations, on-hand to provide you with expert commentary. After you find your crew at the dock, board the high-speed catamaran that offers the fastest, most comfortable way to explore the Atlantic.  Make the most of the 3 outside viewing decks, climate-controlled cabin space with cushioned seating, tables, state-of-the-art sound and video systems, and a galley offering snacks and beverages for purchase. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for:  Humpback whales The humpback’s name comes from the way its back arches out of the water when preparing for a deep dive. “Megaptera” is its true scientific name, which means “large-winged,” in reference to its long flippers. Finback whales Finbacks are second only to Blue Whales in overall size, measuring in at 45-70 feet in length and weighing approximately 40 tons as full-grown adults. Minke whales A sleek, small dolphin-like baleen whale, Minkes are the most abundant whale in the world today with a population numbering well over 1 million worldwide. White-sided dolphins Found only in the North Atlantic, in waters just south of New England and north to Norway, these playful mammals feed on single prey such as squid, unlike whales, who feast on large numbers of small fish.

Boston: Hop-on Hop-off Old Town Trolley Tour

2. Boston: Hop-on Hop-off Old Town Trolley Tour

Enjoy a hop-on hop-off tour aboard Boston’s charming orange and green Old Town Trolley and visit more than 100 points of interest in the city at your own pace. Enjoy the freedom to hop on or off all day and discover sights like the Boston State House, Liberty Wharf, and the Charlestown Navy Yard. Take in double-decker height views while protected from the elements. The comfortable enclosed trolleys allow you to experience elevated viewing come rain, snow, or shine. Choose between 1-day and 2-day ticket options with free unlimited re-boarding. The Boston Trolley tour covers all the major areas including downtown, Beacon Hill, Back Bay, the theater district, and the waterfront. Conductors narrate the tour, offering a fun mix of trivia and humorous stories. There are 14 stops conveniently located close to over 100 points of interest in Boston, these are: • Stop 1: New England Aquarium/Faneuil Hall Marketplace • Stop 2: Historic North End • Stop 3: USS Constitution/Charlestown Navy Yard • Stop 4: North Station/TD Bank Garden • Stop 5: Old State House * Stop 6: Beacon Hill/Antique Row • Stop 7: Cheers Bar "The Original" • Stop 8: Prudential Center/Skywalk Observatory (Currently closed due to construction) • Stop 9: Christian Science Plaza/Symphony Hall • Stop 10: Copley Place Shopping Galleries • Stop 11: Copley Square/Trinity Church • Stop 12: Old Town Trolley Welcome Center • Stop 13: Boston State House/ Boston Common/Beacon Hill • Stop 14: Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum (discounted admission included)

Provincetown: Whale Watching Cruise in Cape Cod with a Guide

3. Provincetown: Whale Watching Cruise in Cape Cod with a Guide

Immerse yourself in the wildlife of Cape Cod on this beautiful and intellectually enriching guided cruise through the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. Departing from Provincetown, embark from the closest port to the sanctuary, cutting down on the journey time and increasing your time viewing the abundant whales and marine life. This unique whale watching experience offers a wide spectrum of educational tools, which are specifically designed to enhance your awareness of whales, other marine life, and the marine habitat that surrounds you. The goal is to have each passenger depart the cruise with a greater understanding and appreciation of the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary and the wealth of life it supports.

Boston: Historical Sightseeing Cruise

4. Boston: Historical Sightseeing Cruise

Board a sightseeing cruise in Boston and take a tour around Boston Harbor. Experience breathtaking views, refreshing sea breezes, and vividly told stories of Boston's past and present as you admire the city's sights from the water. Depart from Long Wharf, then Cruise past the USS Constitution, the oldest commissioned US Navy warship afloat today, marvel at the Bunker Hill Monument, and catch a glimpse of the fabled Old North End Church steeple. Hear heroic tales told by expert narrators and learn about local legends from the Revolutionary War. You'll also discover how the harbor was transformed into one of the cleanest waterways in the country. Enjoy the best view no matter the weather, with spacious outdoor viewing decks when the weather is fine, and indoor spaces with large windows if you want to be indoors. Onboard refreshments and snacks are also available for purchase.

Boston: Afternoon Sailing Trip Around Boston Harbor

5. Boston: Afternoon Sailing Trip Around Boston Harbor

Embark on a scenic sailing trip on board an authentic tall ship in Boston Harbor. Sailing offers a great family-friendly way to see Boston from a new viewpoint. Choose between a 1.5-hour sail on the Liberty Star or a 2-hour sail on the Liberty Clipper. Hop on board and be transported back to the time when the tall ships would come in from the Old World. You can help set the sails, take the wheel, or sit back and enjoy the passing scenery of the Boston Harbor and the surrounding islands with the city skyline as a backdrop. The Liberty Clipper is a 125-foot gaff-rigged schooner designed after early American privateers. There is a cash-only bar on the ship with beer, wine, mixed drinks, sodas, bottled water, and snacks available. The Liberty Star is another gaff-rigged schooner modeled after 19th-century vessels that were once known for their speed and agility. The vessel offers a similar taste of what it was like to sail the magnificent ships that were once a common sight in every port. 

Boston: Sunset Skyline Cruise with Commentary

6. Boston: Sunset Skyline Cruise with Commentary

Admire the Boston skyline from the water on a relaxing sunset cruise. Learn about the city's iconic sights with commentary on board and watch the sun dip behind the city, painting it in bright orange hues. Watch and listen as the USS Constitution fires her cannon at sun down, witnessing a ceremonious moment to mark the end of another day. On this cruise, be introduced to all the history, sights, and lore that Boston Harbor has to offer. Plus, be on hand to witness the USS Constitution's sunset serenade as she fires her cannon and lowers her flag ceremoniously, signaling the day's end.

Boston: Boston Harbor Sunset Cruise

7. Boston: Boston Harbor Sunset Cruise

Meet at Rowes Wharf and set off on a guided boat tour. This sunset cruise will give you unparalleled views of Boston's famous landmarks. Escape the heat and admire Boston’s beautiful skyline and the historic USS Constitution as the sun sets behind the city. Your expert guide will be able to tell you about some of the city's landmarks and history. As evening sets in, the sunset cruise will highlight popular and famous scenes set at Boston Harbor from both past and present. Snacks and cold beverages including water, juice and soda; as well as a full bar, are available on every boat.

Boston: Sunset Tall Ship Harbor Cruise

8. Boston: Sunset Tall Ship Harbor Cruise

Set sail onboard a genuine tall ship such as the 125' Schooner Liberty Clipper or the 67' Liberty Star and be transported back in time. See the Boston skyline, its harbor, and the different neighborhoods from the water during this sunset cruise. While breezes keep you cool you are welcome to help the crew hoist the sails the old-fashioned way (use those muscles) or just relax, enjoy a drink, and watch as others haul sails. Take a turn at the helm (steering wheel). Both ships offer both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages for sale. Do you think you might get hungry while you are onboard? Bring your favorite take-out and make it a picnic (sorry, no coolers or BYOB permitted). Choose between a 1.5-hour cruise on the 67" Liberty Star or a 2-hour cruise on the 125" Liberty Clipper.

Boston Harbor: Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise

9. Boston Harbor: Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise

Experience an elegant dining cruise on the Boston Harbor aboard the luxury cruising vessel, Odyssey. Choose between a buffet brunch and a 3-course dinner, or celebrate someone special with Mother's Day and Father's Day cruise options. Take in the city skyline while enjoying live music and a dance floor. Your voyage begins with being welcomed aboard by the captain and crew. The ship's photographer will take a picture to capture the memory.  After being seated at your private table, tuck into your gourmet brunch buffet or 3-course dinner consisting of creative meals prepared fresh daily by the onboard executive chef. Dance to the live DJ or relax on one of three climate-controlled decks as you enjoy the scenery of the Boston skyline. Sample Dinner Menu (subject to change): Starters (choice of one): Watermelon and baby arugula salad For dinner on Wednesdays - Saturdays only: Hornblower signature seafood chowder Jumbo shrimp cocktail (extra charge) Seafood Tower (extra charge) Main (choice of one): Root vegetable fricassee Broiled salmon filet with roasted tomato vinaigrette Oven-roasted chicken breast with rosemary and thyme For dinner on Wednesdays - Saturdays only: Braised beef short ribs with Fresno pepper demi glaze Choice of Dessert (choice of one): Signature chocolate cake Mixed fruit with strawberries New York-style cheesecake Sample Buffet Brunch Menu (subject to change): Early Risers: Breakfast pastries Scrambled eggs Breakfast meats; potatoes French toast Late Risers: Kale quinoa salad Green goddess pasta salad Ceasar salad Oven-roasted whitefish Kid’s chicken tenders/fries Hand-carved strip loin Hand-carved oven-roasted Turkey Desserts: Odyssey's signature dessert: cakes, brownies, seasonal fruits

Boston: Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise on Boston Harbor

10. Boston: Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise on Boston Harbor

Admire the sights of Boston with a 2-hour lunch or 3-hour dinner cruise on Boston Harbor. Savor an extensive buffet aboard the Spirit of Boston, and visit any of the 3 climate-controlled decks to watch the city glide by. Upon arrival, receive a personal greeting and have your photo taken by the ship's photographer to capture the memory. After being seated at your private table, feast on your lunch or dinner buffet consisting of creative meals prepared fresh daily. While you eat, listen to tunes from an onboard DJ. After your meal, go out on deck for panoramic city views. SAMPLE BUFFET MENU Salads Caesar Salad Romaine Lettuce | Aged Reggiano Parmesan Cheese | Herb Croutons Bow Tie Pasta Salad Scallions | English Cucumbers | Roma Tomatoes | Dill & Mustard Vinaigrette Vegetables, Potatoes, and Pasta Roasted Broccoli Florets, Creamed Corn and Cheddar Cheese Casserole, Mashed Potatoes Entrees Baked Ziti Pasta, Oven-Baked Atlantic Flounder, Filet Honey, and Sesame Chicken, Italian Beef Meatballs, Braised Beef Short Ribs Desserts Seasonal Spirit Dessert Display Please note that menu items are subject to change.

Available activities

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Other Sightseeing Options in Boston Harbor

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What people are saying about Boston Harbor

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 5,259 reviews

Our harbor tour was great! The weather was working with us during our hour tour. Seeing Boston from the harbor was wonderful. Give you a different perspective. Plus, the guide was very good. Easy to hear, funny and very informative. I would highly recommend the tour.

The 2 tour bus drivers we had the pleasure of travelling with were incredibly entertaining as well as full of fun facts, I wish I could remember their names!

The overall experience was very enjoyable. The boat that we went out in was in excellent condition and was well staffed with a courteous crew.

Perfect day. Great way to view and understand a bit more about Boston. Thanks

We loved the time we spent with Janet. She was warm and knowledgeable.