Add dates

New England Cruises & boat tours

Our most recommended New England Cruises & boat tours

Newport, RI: Narrated Lighthouse Cruise

1. Newport, RI: Narrated Lighthouse Cruise

Sit back and relax on this leisurely boat tour around historic Newport Rhode Island. Once aboard, you will cross the lower part of Narragansett Bay as you sail into the famous Newport Harbor. Take in the breathtaking coastline, marvel at iconic lighthouses, and view magnificent harbor mansions along the way.   During the spring cruises, you'll witness Daffodil Days, where you can celebrate spring's arrival with fresh blooms and fresh air. In the fall, you can cozy up on the covered upper deck. The main salon is warm and features a grand central bar. Seasonal beverages will be served at the bar where cash and credit card are accepted.    On the tour, you will see and hear about the lighthouses of Goat Island, Rose Island, Castle Hill, and Lime Rock, and also learn about neighboring sites like the harbor mansions, churches, historic Fort Adams, Jamestown Village, the Newport Pell Bridge, and more. You may even see a local seal in the water.    Either before sailing or upon your arrival back to shore, take a moment on land to walk around and soak up the vibrancy of the port. Take a pause and enjoy a sweet or savory treat in one of the many cafes lining the port.    Feel free to pick up a drink, have a seat, and take in the sights. Coastal Queen is spacious which allows you to move about throughout the cruise. 

Boston Duck Tour: The Original and World-Famous

2. Boston Duck Tour: The Original and World-Famous

Make a splash on an 80-minute “Duck” tour of Boston and see the city from the land and water on one non-stop journey. Climb aboard your World War II-style amphibious landing vehicle at the Museum of Science or Prudential Center, and set off to discover unique neighborhoods. You will be welcomed on board by one of the legendary “ConDUCKtors®” who will narrate your tour and tell you about Boston as the birthplace of freedom and place of “firsts.” Travel by the golden-domed State House to Bunker Hill, and continue to Boston Common and Copley Square. Hear about the “Big Dig,” and marvel at fashionable Newbury Street. Go to historic Quincy Market, and more. As the best of Boston unfolds, your “ConDUCKtor®” will give you lots of little-known facts and interesting insights into the heritage of the city. Then, just when you think you've seen it all, it's time for a splash into the Charles River. Enjoy views of Boston and Cambridge that you won't get anywhere else. All tours feature a fun, informative local guide. In addition, foreign language tours depart every half hour from the Museum of Science location. These tours utilize cutting-edge GPS technology to offer tours in Spanish, German, French, Mandarin, Japanese, Italian, Portuguese (Brazilian dialect), Cantonese and Korean, at no additional cost to you. If you require this multilingual commentary, be sure to choose the option from the Museum of Science.

Newport, RI: Evening Cocktail Cruise of Narragansett Bay

3. Newport, RI: Evening Cocktail Cruise of Narragansett Bay

Experience Newport Harbor and Lower Narragansett Bay as the sun goes down while sipping a special complimentary drink. See mega yachts, lighthouses, historic church steeples, the Newport Pell Bridge, Rose Island, the Jamestown shoreline, historic forts, and so much more from aboard the Coastal Queen. Enjoy panoramic views from the warm and weatherproof main salon or from the open-air upper deck. Additional refreshments are available for purchase at the cash-only bar onboard. Coastal Queen staff follow the most current health guidelines to ensure your experience is safe and enjoyable. After the cruise, take a moment to walk around and soak up the vibrancy of this coastal town. Checkout out the shops or enjoy a sweet or savory treat in one of the many cafes lining the port.

Boston: Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

4. 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.

Penobscot Bay: Historic Schooner Day Sailing Trip

5. Penobscot Bay: Historic Schooner Day Sailing Trip

Experience one of the top things to do in Camden sailing along Maine's magnificent rocky coastline. Climb aboard the elegant Appledore II, a historic schooner. Feel like an adventurer from the 19th-century while enjoying state-of-the-art accommodations onboard a modern windjammer. Stroll along the wide decks as you take in the sights without needing to duck beneath the rigging. With a capacity of only 49 passengers, there is abundant seating to make yourself comfortable for this intimate sailing trip. Enjoy the chance to sail your own wooden ship as the crew welcomes your participation. Offer to help raise the sails and take a turn at the wheel of this hard-working, seaworthy schooner. Ask your crew about the history of the boat which has sailed around the world, docking at many harbors along the way. Twice a year, she still sails the Eastern seaboard between her 2 home ports of Camden, Maine and Key West, Florida.  Start the tour by departing from Bayview Landing and heading out of Camden Harbor. Discover why Camden is often called the jewel of the Maine coast as you sail past the impressive lighthouse, Curtis Island Light, dating from 1836, and into Penobscot Bay. Considered to be one of the top cruising bays in the world, Penobscot Bay will amaze you with its uninhabited islands, wildlife, and views of Camden Hills and other coastal mountains dropping off into the sea. During the tour, look along the shore for Mount Battie, historic inns, and elegant summer mansions of the rich and famous with their million dollar yachts. Watch lobstermen hauling in their traps. On a typical day, you may see porpoises playing in the water, ospreys, eagles hunting for fish, and even the occasional whale. Watch for seals sunning themselves on rocks and cute guillernots (cousins of the puffin), with their bright red feet, wobbling as they walk along the rocky shoreline. Quench your thirst with cocktails, beer, wine and soft drinks, all available for purchase during your sailing cruise. As Camden Harbor comes back into view, relax and feel the wind sweep through your hair as your memorable sailing ship cruise draws to a close.

Newport, RI: Lighthouse and Mimosa Cruise

6. Newport, RI: Lighthouse and Mimosa Cruise

Start your day in with style on a 75-minute, narrated lighthouse tour of scenic Newport Harbor. Take in some classic New England scenery aboard the boat, while sipping a morning drink. Listen as local guides share their knowledge of the four lighthouses surrounding Newport Harbor. Along the way, see historic church steeples, the Jamestown shoreline, the Newport Pell Bridge, Clingstone, Hammersmith Farm, the Newport Harbor mansions, mega yachts, offshore lobster and fishing vessels, and so much more. Kick back in the warm, covered, and virtually weatherproof main salon, or hit the open-air upper deck for catching the ocean breeze. Wherever you choose, enjoy sipping your drink while taking in the panoramic views in absolute comfort

Boston: Harbor Sunset Yacht Cruise

7. Boston: Harbor Sunset Yacht Cruise

Embark on a sunset yacht tour of Boston Harbor. Step aboard the classic Northern Lights yacht, a coast guard certified vessel with a captain and crew. The motor yacht Northern Lights is stylized after the classic New England 1920s-style steamships. Sit back and relax in a climate-controlled (with heating and air-conditioning) cabin, or enjoy the sea breeze on the open-top deck. Be sure to visit a fully stocked bar on the main deck to purchase refreshments by credit card, to sip refreshing drinks as you cruise along the harbor. The Northern Lights yacht is one of the most comfortable and versatile cruise vessels in Boston Harbor, at 115 feet in length it features six bathrooms and provides ample seating throughout the ship for up to 149 passengers. Built for taking groups of people on spectacular sightseeing adventures, she is the perfect vessel for taking groups of friends and family out to see the harbor.

Boston: Historical Sightseeing Cruise

8. 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.

Portland: Best of Maine Lighthouse Scenic Cruise

9. Portland: Best of Maine Lighthouse Scenic Cruise

Sit back and relax on this 2-hour cruise along the serene Casco Bay in Portland, Maine. Immerse yourself in the rich history of Portland and see the four iconic lighthouses, sights of Portland Harbor and the picturesque waterway Diamond Pass. During the cruise, you'll explore the bustling inner harbor and main shipping channel to get close up views of civil war era forts and the lighthouses that guide mariners into Portland Harbor. Along with the historical waterfront, you'll also get the chance to see the Portland Head Light, Bug Light and the Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse.

Portland: Schooner Tall Ship Cruise on Casco Bay

10. Portland: Schooner Tall Ship Cruise on Casco Bay

Set sail on a two-hour cruise from Portland along the rugged coast of Casco Bay. Pack a meal and your favorite wine or beer, and sit back and relax as you slip through the peaceful waters of Maine. Enjoy views of lighthouses, seals, and other coastal wildlife aboard a famous schooner tall ship. Join the crew to hoist the sails or take a turn at the ship's wheel if you feel inspired. Whether you're nine years old or 99, sailing aboard a Maine schooner is a unique adventure. Learn more about the wooden windjammers which are all listed on the National Register of Historic Places and were built in Maine.

41 activities found
Sort by:
Page 1 of 3

Frequently asked questions about New England

What are the best deals and discounts on activities and attractions in New England?

Other Sightseeing Options in New England

Want to discover all there is to do in New England? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about New England

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.

Great relaxing cruise to see the sights of Boston harbor! The cannon bast from the USS constitution was a real treat.

I would suggest that if you're not prepared for cold chilly weather don't go during the winter months.

I did like the cruise but changing the wharf after making hotel reservations added a lot to our walk.

We had a great time on our tour around the harbor.