The 9 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 restored World War II amphibious vehicle through Boston’s historic center, then splash into the Charles River for a 20-minute cruise. Your ConDUCKtor mixes local history, jokes, sports, and landmarks. Choose departures near the Museum of Science, New England Aquarium, or Prudential Center, with multilingual app narration available.

“Amazing! The conductor was entertaining and engaging the entire trip. The driver was safe and confident. Highly recommend!”

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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

Leave Boston’s Long Wharf by catamaran for a 3.5-hour search for humpback, fin, minke, and pilot whales at Stellwagen Bank. A naturalist, often from the New England Aquarium team, explains animal behavior and conservation. You’ll find indoor seating, restrooms, and a snack bar, but bring warm layers and motion-sickness medicine if needed.

“Was cold and windy on the water, definitely bring a jacket. Thought it was going to be disappointing after 3 hours passed without seeing anything. Luckily we found 2 humpbacks together and saw some incredible things. Full breach, flipper slapping, and general swimming about. Ended up being an absolute stunner of a day.”

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3.City Cruises Boston Historic Sightseeing Harbor Cruise

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

Set out from 1 Long Wharf for a 60-minute narrated cruise through Boston’s inner and outer harbor. You’ll see USS Constitution, Boston Light, the Tea Party ships, Fort Independence, and the skyline. Guides such as Kevin, Holly, Mike, and Jeff have been praised for lively storytelling. Indoor seating helps in cold or wet weather.

“We enjoyed the history and even learned a few new things, didnt take into account the blinding sunset at we did the 4pm cruise the sun was at building level🤣”

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4.Boston Harbor Sunset Cruise

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

Meet behind the Boston Harbor Hotel for a 90-minute Mass Bay Lines cruise around Boston Harbor. An English-speaking guide covers local history and landmarks as the boat passes the USS Constitution and the glowing skyline. Choose indoor or outdoor seating, then buy snacks, soft drinks, or bar drinks onboard.

“Very romantic and relaxed environment. It was cool seeing the planes flying really close by, taking off and landing.”

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5.City Cruises Sunset Skyline Cruise with Commentary

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

Set out from Long Wharf for a 90-minute English-language cruise around Boston Harbor. You’ll pass Castle Island, Logan Airport, East Boston, the North End, and the USS Constitution while guides such as David and Kevin share Boston stories. The evening ends with sunset views and, when scheduled, the Constitution’s traditional cannon salute.

“Great to see the different views from the sea and the changing scene as the sun set and darkness fell, with the city lights coming on and giving a totally different sight.”

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6.City Cruises Harbor Codzilla High Speed Thrill Boat

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

Codzilla rockets from One Long Wharf through Boston Harbor on a 70-foot speedboat powered by 2,800 horsepower. Expect loud music, an English-speaking crew, sharp turns, 360-degree spins, and a soaking ride. Sit near the back for stronger spray, and bring dry clothes, sunscreen, and secure footwear.

“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.City Cruises Boston: Harbor Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise

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

Spend two to three hours aboard Spirit of Boston, departing from Commonwealth Pier for a buffet lunch or dinner cruise. You’ll pass the USS Constitution, Zakim Bridge, North End, and Castle Island, with a private table, live DJ, dancing, and outdoor decks. Boarding opens one hour early, and the menu changes.

“The foods was little cold but everything was amazing, we enjoyed the view the music, the atmosphere was wonderful and the people who works there are exceptional.”

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8.Harbor Champagne Sunset Sail from Rowes Wharf

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

Spend two hours aboard Schooner Adirondack III or IV, sailing from Rowes Wharf around Boston Harbor at sunset. You will pass the Fish Pier, Castle Island, Fan Pier, the Inner Harbor Islands, and Charlestown Navy Yard. The crew, including hosts such as Steve and Therese on some departures, shares local stories while you relax with a drink from the onboard bar.

“Out of everything we've done in Boston, this by far was one of the best. Everyone was extremely polite and personable, full of knowledge about various places, and made sure to check in with us while doing their duties aboard. Make sure to tip when once it's all over because it's well worth it! 1000% recommend and hope to do again in the future!”

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9.Salem by Boat – Witch Trials & Walking Tour

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

Take the Salem Ferry from Boston, then explore Salem with an English-speaking guide in a group of up to 14. Visit the Salem Witch Museum Sunday through Thursday or Real Pirates Friday and Saturday, walk past the Witch Trial Memorial, Burying Point, Witch House, and Hocus Pocus locations, then enjoy free time for lunch and shopping.

“could not have had a better tour guide. she was great.”

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