harbor cruise in boston

Protect Your Trip »

6 Top Boston Harbor Cruises

Venture on the water to explore Beantown's waterfront, maritime history and more.

Courtesy of City Cruises by Hornblower

Boston is the most populous city in New England – and for good reason. This Massachusetts metropolis may host modern shopping, dining and cultural attractions , but Boston is built upon a rich American tapestry created over the centuries that's still visible in its quaint neighborhood streets and stone houses. The city's historic harbor along the Massachusetts Bay set the scene for a significant portion of Boston's story; once the site of Revolution-era protests like the Boston Tea Party, this body of water is now primarily used for revelry. No visit to Massachusetts' capital city would be complete without some time on Boston Harbor.

If you'll be in Beantown during the warmer months, consider boarding a schooner for an hour or two of sightseeing. Cruises on the harbor offer a range of historical tours, romantic dinners, unique brunches with friends or even the chance to spot some endangered whales. Whether you opt for a tall ship or a smaller vessel, soak in city views and enjoy your time on the water with the following top Boston Harbor cruises.

Boston Harbor City Cruises by Hornblower – Boston Harbor Whale Watch Cruise

Price: Adults from $70; kids from $50 Duration: 3-4 hours

Hornblower's City Experiences brand offers a wide variety of land-based and on-the-water tours. One of the most popular options is its whale watching cruise, which it operates with the New England Aquarium . From Boston's Central Wharf, you'll head to Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, one of the world's most active marine sanctuaries. Whales in the region include humpbacks, minke whales, the endangered right whales and more. You can also try to spot sea birds, dolphins and other marine life. Travelers say the boat tour is great fun and most report seeing whales on the trip.

Tours generally run daily from spring through fall. Exact departure times vary by season. You'll want to arrive at least 15 minutes early and take some medication if you're prone to motion sickness. If you plan to pair this cruise with a trip to the aquarium, you can book a combo ticket to save a bit of money. Boston Harbor City Cruises also runs a variety of dinner cruises.

Check prices & availability on:

Liberty Fleet of Tall Ships – Boston Harbor Day Sail

Price: Adults from $55; kids from $35

Duration: 90 minutes

Board a schooner from the Liberty Fleet of Tall Ships and sail Boston's historic harbor in fitting style. Your tour begins by embarking on the Liberty Star, which boasts a 76-foot mast. The crew is happy to answer questions about Boston during the sail, but know that there is no narration during the tour. Travelers delight in both the tour and the boat, noting excellent views.

The fleet sails Boston Harbor from summer through early fall. Sails typically depart several times each day in the afternoon; however, specific times may vary depending on the day of the week. You can also hop onboard for a brunch cruise, a fireworks cruise or for the yearly USS Constitution turnaround sail.

Classic Harbor Line Boston – Northern Lights Sunset Cruise

Courtesy of Classic Harbor Line Boston

Price: From $45 Duration: 2 hours

Along this evening tour, you'll be treated to skyline views as the sun dips below the horizon. During the journey, you'll also learn a little about Boston's history and its best sites such as Fort Independence, the USS Constitution , Old North Church's steeple and more. Refreshments are available for purchase onboard. Travelers approve of the cruise – especially the gorgeous ship – and its staff.

Departure times and days vary depending on both the sunset and the season. Keep in mind that ticket fees will be slightly higher in the high season. The company also hosts a number of themed and food cruises, such as holiday cruises and a trip that focuses on beer and barbecue.

Boston Duck Tours

Price: Adults from $52.99; kids from $37.99

Duration: 80 minutes

It's nearly impossible to visit Boston and not run into one of its renowned Duck Tours. This type of amphibious automobile was originally created as a military vehicle for World War II. The vehicles used today by Boston Duck Tours are uniquely designed to roll past city sights like Boston Common , the Old North Church and the Fanueil Hall Marketplace before or after launching into the Charles River for views of the Cambridge and Boston skylines. Past customers remember these unique tours as one of the best parts of their visit – and as a special draw for kids, the tour guides may allow children to briefly steer the boat in the water for a particularly memorable experience.

Trips depart from the New England Aquarium, Museum of Science and the Prudential Center; tour prices are the same regardless of departure point. Tours run in the warmer months, usually from late spring to fall. It's a good idea to book online in advance to secure your preferred tour time.

Massachusetts Bay Lines – Boston Harbor Moonlight Cruises

Courtesy of Massachusetts Bay Lines

Price: Adults from $28; kids from $15 Duration: 90 minutes

Referred to locally as Mass Bay Lines, this company runs an after dark cruise that travelers say has excellent views of the city lit up. If you're in need of refreshment, you'll find drinks (including alcohol) and snack onboard for purchase. For an extra special evening, sign up for a Full Moon Cruise, which takes place once per month from May to October.

Tours run a few times a month and generally start at 9 p.m. The company also runs daytime harbor cruises and themed cruises that welcome dogs onboard.

Charles Riverboat Company – Charles River Sightseeing Tours

Price: Adults from $27; kids from $18 Duration: 70 minutes

After cruising through the harbor, why not explore another Boston waterway? Along the historic sightseeing cruise of the Charles River, you'll see some of Cambridge's best sights like Harvard University and MIT , as well as Boston University, and the Back Bay neighborhood. The crew will offer tidbits and trivia during the tour. Tourgoers enjoy the outing and several mention that the company is great if booking a private charter for a large party.

Tours run late May though the end of September at 12:30, 2 and 3:30 p.m. If you wish to explore the Boston Harbor and the Charles River in the same trip, consider signing up for the company's Architecture Tour.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Boston Tours
• The Best Hotels in Boston
• The Best Whale Watching in Cape Cod
• The Best Weekend Getaways in New England

Tags: Travel , New England Vacations , US Vacations , Cruises

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

You May Also Like

Top things to do in hershey, pa.

Amanda Norcross Aug. 30, 2024

The Best College Town Hotels

Rachael Hood Aug. 29, 2024

Fun Fall Weekend Getaways

Aug. 29, 2024

Best Hoover Dam Tours from Las Vegas

Holly Johnson and Ann Henson Aug. 29, 2024

The Best London Tours

Kim Foley MacKinnon Aug. 29, 2024

The 18 Best Barcelona Tours

John Rodwan Aug. 28, 2024

Best Fall Family Vacations

Aug. 27, 2024

The Top Fall Festivals in the U.S.

Katie Hearsum and Timothy J. Forster Aug. 27, 2024

Top Music-Themed Cruises

Gwen Pratesi Aug. 23, 2024

The Best Rome Tours

Kyle McCarthy and Ann Henson Aug. 23, 2024

Browse by Boat

• Northern Lights (15)
• Schooners Adirondack III & IV (7)

Browse by Theme

• 4th of July (6)
• City Lights Sails/Cruises (11)
• Day Sails/Cruises (15)
• Fall Foliage (2)
• Family Friendly (19)
• Fireworks Cruises (7)
• Food Cruises (7)
• Harbor Cruises (24)
• Harbor Narrated Cruises (4)
• Holiday Cruises (13)
• Music Cruises (6)
• New Year's Eve (2)
• PRIDE Cruise (0)
• Romantic Sails/Cruises (12)
• Sailing (7)
• Sightseeing Cruise (19)
• Special Events (18)
• Spring Cruises (9)
• St. Patrick's Day (2)
• Sunset Sails/Cruises (6)
• Valentine’s Day (3)
• Terms and Conditions

Boston Harbor Tour

Call to order 617-951-2460

We offer historic sightseeing tours on the yacht Northern Lights . This is a classic boat that operates Boston Harbor excursions and sightseeing cruises. It is a Turn-of-the-Century inspired yacht so it is the most elegant power boat in Boston Massachusetts.

We have put together some unique Boston cruises for you to experience in the most elegant manner. Northern Lights was built with a beautiful mahogany bar and her varnish is maintained to complete your feeling of a Turn-of-the-Century vessel.  Comfortable seating is available all around the boat, as well as a full sun deck atop, all with un-obscured views! As a result our Boston Harbor sightseeing cruises & Boston boat tours are intimate and crowd free. Guests are welcome on the forward deck for their Boston harbor tour as well to soak in the sun. Above all, you will score some fantastic photographs of all the Boston Harbor sites from the water!

This stunning yacht is perfect for families, romantic dates or a group of friends.  Take in the sights of Boston MA for a sightseeing cruise that will keep you coming back for more! Most importantly, we know whether you join us for a day cruise or a classic sunset cruise you will not be disappointed. Jump aboard and cruise in elegance to view this famous skyline with us!

-->Boston Brunch Cruise aboard Northern Lights -->

Weekends are a time for relaxing and getting your days started the right way. Join us for a Mimosa and Bloody Mary Cruise aboard the elegant Northern Lights to jump start your relaxation mode on this Boston Brunch Cruise. While aboard choose from a variety of Mimosas and Bloody Mary’s. Enjoy our gourmet brunch buffet and select a cozy seat aboard Northern Lights as we cruise around Boston Harbor to capture panoramic views of Boston.  This is the perfect event for groups looking to entertain guests from out of town. You can see the sites without giving up a relaxing weekend. We can accommodate small bridal parties or even morning after wedding parties.  The Brunch Cruise offers the perfect event for the individual or the group looking to celebrate and relax.

-->Boston Harbor Cruise on Northern Lights -->

This is the best Boston Harbor sightseeing boat tour in town! Join us aboard luxury yacht Northern Lights for a 1.5-hour sightseeing cruise  of  Boston   Harbor .  The  harbor  is full of rich and unique history that will keep your attention throughout the trip. Grab a hot beverage or small bite from the bar.   Sit back, and relax aboard the warm and cozy Northern Lights!

-->Boston Day Sail -->

Within minutes of leaving the dock, you’ll forget the distractions of life on land, as you experience the joy of a leisurely sailing cruise. Our Boston Day Sail is a classic afternoon sailing experience that is the perfect way to see the sights of Boston Harbor. There is no better way to enjoy the day than sailing aboard the schooner Adirondack III or schooner Adirondack IV , which is the most elegant sailing excursion you will find in the harbor. These schooners are smooth and gentle sailing vessels with some speed.

-->Boston Sunset Cruise -->

Join us for a Boston Sunset Cruise as an after work cruise to relax with friends and watch the sky as it changes from blues to oranges behind the outline of Boston’s city skyline. Experience a sunset cruise departing from bustling Rowes Wharf and head out to watch the sun go down over the city of Boston. Bring a date or meet a group of friends aboard the classically styled yacht, Northern Lights . Cruise by the U.S.S. Constitution at dry dock in the Charlestown Navy Yard and wait for cannon fire to announce the setting of the sun.

-->Boston Sunset Sail -->

Experience a beautiful Boston Harbor sunset on the water and see some of the city’s waterfront landmarks as the sun dips below the horizon. Sailing offers a smooth and gentle experience on the water, which is great for having a romantic early evening out with that special someone. Our crew and captain offer top notch customer service to our guests.

-->Schooners Adirondack III & IV 90-Minute Mimosa Day Sail -->

Our classic, 90-minute, afternoon day sails are the perfect way to see the sights of Boston Harbor. There is no better way to enjoy the day than sailing aboard the schooner Adirondack III or Adirondack IV, which is the most elegant sailing excursion you will find in the harbor.  These are smooth and gentle sailing vessels with some speediness to boot.  Within minutes of leaving the dock, you’ll forget the distractions of life on land, as you experience the joy of a leisurely sailing cruise.

-->U.S.S. Constitution Turnaround Sail aboard Schooners Adirondack III & IV -->

Join us for the 2.5-3 hour long sail on July 4th to view the turnaround of the U.S.S. Constitution, the oldest (1797) actively commissioned naval vessel in the world. Experience this yearly event like you never have before aboard one of our classic schooners. They feature comfortable seating and a brisk ride, as we are able to view the turnaround of the U.S.S. Constitution. You won’t want to miss this truly unique and special event! The turnaround takes place once a year to celebrate our nation’s birthday. The U.S.S. Constitution will sail out into Boston Harbor where she’ll exchange a 21-gun salute with Castle Island’s Fort Independence. While aboard enjoy complimentary pastries, bagels, and muffins with our continental breakfast.  (Continental breakfast includes: Assorted Pastries, Scones, and Muffins, Jalapeño Cheese Bagels with Cream Cheese, Fresh Seasonal Fruit, Yogurt and Granola)

-->Boston Fall Foliage Brunch Cruise -->

Weekends are a time for relaxing and getting your days started the right way. Join us for a Mimosa and Bloody Mary Cruise aboard the elegant Northern Lights to jump start your relaxation mode. Enjoy our gourmet brunch buffet and select a cozy seat aboard Northern Lights as we cruise around Boston Harbor to capture panoramic views of Boston. This is the perfect event for groups looking to entertain guests from out of town. You can see the sites without giving up a relaxing weekend. We can accommodate small bridal parties or even morning after wedding parties. The Brunch Cruise offers the perfect event for the individual or the group looking to celebrate and relax.

-->Boston Harbor Fall Foliage Luncheon Cruise -->

Pull out your autumn sweaters and grab a hot cider and join the captain and crew of Northern Lights for a relaxing Boston Harbor Fall Foliage Cruise, featuring the colorful trees of fall. New England has been known for the vibrant foliage that people are drawn to every year. So grab your friends and family and enjoy some time out on the water for this Fall Foliage Cruise.  This time of year is a magical with the change of the season and New England does it best.  Let our professional crew cater to you as embark on this breathtaking boat adventure.  

-->Holiday Brunch Cruise -->

Take a relaxing morning cruise through the Boston Harbor on our Boston Holiday Brunch Cruise in the warm, cozy, and festively decorated interior of Yacht Manhattan. While aboard, warm up with a cup of hot cocoa from our hot chocolate bar and enjoy the harbor sites with friends and family! 

-->Cocoa & Carols Holiday Cruise -->

Come aboard our luxury yacht Manhattan decked out in Holiday decor for an evening of holiday cheer. Enjoy a cruise out into Boston Harbor that is perfect for everyone in your family. Holiday favorites will fill the air to set the perfect mood for Holiday spirit.  This is Boston Holiday Cruise that is not to be missed. Cozy up with some hot cocoa, and treats for the whole family. Sit back, enjoy the view, the music, and the holiday cheer with this Boston Holiday Cruise.

-->Romantic Valentine’s Jazz & Champagne Cruise -->

Romantic Valentine’s Day Jazz & Champagne Tasting Cruise. Start or end your romantic evening with a light champagne tasting and stunning views of Boston. While sipping on your champagne, enjoy romantic jazz tunes by our house jazz band as we glide through the harbor. While fireworks are not included in this cruise, we hope to create metaphorical sparks for you and your date.

-->Boston St. Patrick’s Day Brunch Cruise with Live Music -->

Step aboard for a Boston St. Patrick’s Day Brunch Cruise! Don’t forget the most important meal of the day on our favorite holiday! Join us on yacht Northern Lights and enjoy a traditional Irish breakfast aboard the Northern Lights Brunch Cruise! Start your day with bacon rashers, black pudding, sausage, and more. While you fuel your Irish spirit, enjoy the sites around Boston Harbor aboard our decorated ship. Of course, your fulfillment of this Irish holiday is not complete without a festive Irish drink. Visit our bar to view our specially crafted Irish drinks and beers. That’s right, Irish coffee by the boat load! This trip is sure to help you kick start your day! “Top of the morning to ya!”

-->Barbecue & Beers Cruise -->

Summer has arrived and there are two things we do in the summertime in Boston and that is boating and barbecues! Put them together on this 1.5-hour cruise through Boston harbor. We’ll pull out the corn hole and turn up the Beach Boys as we create a unique summer event for you. Bring a few friends and grab a few seasonal beers from the bar and do summer like a pirate!

-->Mother’s Brunch Cruise aboard Northern Lights featuring Live Jazz! -->

Brunch Cruise aboard Northern Lights! This weekend, treat your mom and grandmother to a relaxing and scenic Brunch Cruise on Northern Lights! with our live Jazz band! There’s plenty of room to distance and take group photos as we cruise through historic Boston Harbor. The bar is open when you step aboard our unique cruise, that’s right, were here to begin operation “Celebrate Mom” as early as possible. Enjoy our gourmet brunch buffet and select a cozy seat aboard Northern Lights as we capture the perfect panoramic views of Boston.

-->Harborfest Fireworks aboard Northern Light -->

Bostonians know how to celebrate our Independence and it all begins with Harborfest. Join us aboard the Northern Lights with friends and family for 2.25-hour Harborfest Cruise and fireworks cruise, which offers a crowd-free alternative to the shore line! Wave to your fellow patriots on shore and take in the sites of Boston harbor during the parade. Avoid the masses and get front row seats for the Fireworks portion of our cruise aboard Northern Lights. Northern Lights is a classic 1920s style commuter yacht.

-->Harborfest Fireworks aboard Adirondack III & IV -->

Get the fourth of July week started with a BANG! Wave to your fellow patriots on the shoreline as we cruise around and see the sites of Boston! Following our cruise around the harbor enjoy a spectacular fireworks display on Boston Harbor. Join us for two hour cruise, followed by Harborfest Fireworks lighting up along Boston’s Waterfront. Enjoy crowd free and comfortable seating aboard the Schooner Adirondack III or Adirondack IV! 

-->U.S.S. Constitution Turnaround Brunch on Northern Lights -->

Join us for the July 4th turnaround cruise of the U.S.S. Constitution, the oldest (1797) actively commissioned naval vessel in the world . You won’t want to miss this truly unique and special event! The turnaround takes place once a year to celebrate our nation’s birthday. During the turnaround cruise the U.S.S. Constitution will sail out into Boston Harbor where she’ll exchange a 21-gun salute with Castle Island’s Fort Independence. After he salute, she will head back into the inner harbor and exchange cannon fire with the sector Boston’s United States Coast Guard base located in the North End. During our excursion please enjoy a three course brunch made fresh aboard the vessel. 

-->Evening Jazz Cruise -->

Grab that special guy or gal, or a couple of happy-footed friends who enjoy the sounds of music on our 90-minute live jazz cruise in Boston Harbor. Allow your senses to take you back in time with the sights of our 1920s styled New England Yacht combined with sounds of jazz. Our jazz cruise is preformed by Blue Motion Quartet, which brings a blend of vibrant modern groove with a standard jazz repertoire. Cruise through the harbor enjoying the City Lights as they dazzle on the waters of Boston Harbor, grab a glass of champagne or a mixed drink from the bar and dance with your sweetheart on this one of a kind cruise.  This is the perfect cruise for snuggling up with a loved one’s or dancing with a group of friends to the sounds of the Blue Motion Quartet. 

-->Winthrop 4th of July Fireworks Cruise and Sail on Adirondack III & IV -->

Don’t want to deal with all the traffic crowds and hype surrounding the 4th of July, but still want to celebrate and enjoy the patriotic holiday? Step aboard the Adirondack III for a cruise to Winthrop to watch the fireworks and then sail back to Boston at the end. Sip on Champagne and enjoy this magical evening with the best seats in the house!  Enjoy crowd free and comfortable seating aboard the Schooner Adirondack III or Adirondack IV! 

-->Winthrop 4th of July Fireworks Cruise on Northern Lights -->

Take a ride on Northern Lights, a classic 1920s style commuter yacht, to see the Winthrop Fireworks on the evening of July 4th. Cruise with us aboard our luxury yacht and celebrate Independence Day with friends and family from our crowd free yacht.  Take in the magnificent display of Fireworks while sipping on Champagne with the best seats in the house.  

-->Holiday Sunset Cruise -->

Step aboard the luxury yacht Manhattan decked out in Holiday decor for a Boston Harbor Holiday Sunset Cruise.  Our captain will provide light commentary of Boston Harbors sightseeing highlights. And enjoy light Holiday music as it will be played throughout the trip. Watch the sky as it changes from blues to oranges behind the outline of Boston’s city skyline.

-->Boston Labor Day Fireworks Cruise on Northern Lights -->

Celebrate the last days of summer with friends and family on a Illuminate the Harbor Labor Day fireworks cruise aboard the Yacht Northern Lights, which offers a crowd-free alternative to the shore line!  Avoid the crowds and get front row seats for Boston Harbor’s Labor Day Fireworks cruise aboard Northern Lights, a classic 1920s style commuter yacht.  Northern Lights offers bench seating on her partially covered top deck and full seating in her climate controlled cabin. Adult beverages are available for purchase at our bar. Be out on our open top deck bow to watch the big booms overhead or enjoy them from the comfortable seated cabin.

-->Labor Day Fireworks Cruise Aboard Adirondack III -->

What better way to celebrate the end of summer, but with a stellar fireworks display from the waters of Boston Harbor? Join us aboard beautiful schooner Adirondack IV for a magnificent Labor Day Fireworks cruise. This 1.5-hour cruise offers guests the opportunity to soak up Boston’s colorful fireworks display from an awesome vantage point, practically right underneath them and out on the water! (The event does not sail and offers spectacular views of the fireworks)

JOIN OUR MAILING LIST

Gift certificates, see our calendar of events, private charters.

Sail out from Rowes Wharf and impress your guests. Step aboard one of our classic vessels for a private charter. These yachts are perfect for Corporate outings, Birthdays, Anniversaries, Weddings, Team Building and more. Read more »

PUBLIC EVENTS

Sail out into NY Harbor and impress your guests. Step aboard one of our classic vessels for a private charter. These yachts are perfect for Corporate outings, Birthdays, Anniversaries, Weddings, Team Building and more. Read more »

• Private Yacht Charters
• Ticketed Cruises
• Schooners Adirondack III & IV
• Northern Lights
• Day Sails/Cruises
• Family Friendly
• Special Events
• Food Cruises
• Holiday Cruises
• Romantic Sails/Cruises
• Sightseeing Cruise
• Fireworks Cruises
• Harbor Cruises
• Press/Video
• Buy Tickets
• Contact / Directions
• Our Boston Location
• All Locations
• Information/Rates
• Around Town
• Places to Stay in Boston
• Places to Eat in Boston
• Things to Do in Boston
• General Information: 617-951-2460
• Purchase Tickets Now: 617-951-2460

Copyright © 2024 Classic Harbor Line, 60 Rowes Wharf, Boston, MA 02110 | Powered by Diedrich RPM.

Back to top

• [email protected]
• (617) 542-8000

Boston Harbor Sunset Cruises

Home » Tours & Cruises » Boston Harbor Sunset Cruises

Sunset Cruise in the Boston Harbor

Enjoy the fresh air and escape the heat, see amazing views of Boston’s beautiful skyline and the historic USS Constitution as the sun sets behind the city. As evening sets in, sunset colors fade to a twilight sky and the city comes alive with lights. Our 90-minute sunset cruise will highlight popular and famous scenes of 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.

Dates and Pricing

Weekends only until mid-June

Start times vary as the sun sets earlier each week. Click “Buy Tickets” to see start times for the specific day.

(Ages 18-59)

Students (13-17 with valid ID) / Seniors (60 and up) / Military (with valid ID)

(Ages 6-12)

(Ages 5 and Under)

• *Plus 10% service charge.

Contact Information

• 60 Rowes Wharf Boston MA 02110

Book Direct Online

Tickets may also be bought at the Wharf, Ferry Terminal Center.

Non-refundable, can be rescheduled with 24 hours notice. Once purchased, tickets cannot be refunded. You may reschedule your tickets (subject to availability) only if you do so at least 24 hours in advance. Activity takes place rain or shine. The activity runs regardless of weather conditions. In the rare situation where the seller is forced to cancel the event, ticket-holders will be allowed to reschedule to another time (subject to availability).

Our Location

© 2021 - 2024 All Rights Reserved.