See some of the top attractions in Boston from the waterfront on this narrated sightseeing cruise. Explore Boston Harbor and see the city’s historic sites while listening to live commentary on board. Pass landmarks like the Boston Tea Party ships, USS Constitution, and Boston Light—the oldest continuously manned lighthouse in the United States.

Historic sightseeing cruise of Boston Harbor
Narrated tour with tales of the Revolutionary War, Legends of the Sea, and Boston's Historical Figures
See America's oldest continuously manned lighthouse
Sail through the Harbor Islands National Park Area and Boston's working Port

What's Included

60-minute Historic Sightseeing Cruise of Boston Harbor
Narrated tour with tales of the Revolutionary War, Legends of the Sea, and Boston's Historical Figures
See America's oldest continuously manned lighthouse
Sail through the Harbor Islands National Park Area and Boston's working Port
See stunning panoramic views of Boston's skyline and waterfront areas during your cruise
Skip-The-Ticket Window Lines and head straight to the ferry for faster boarding

Food & Beverages (available for purchase)

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

1 Long Wharf, Boston, MA 02110, USA
Boston Harbor Cruises

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Discover some of the important historic attractions along Boston’s inner and outer harbors during this entertaining and educational sightseeing cruise.

On this narrated tour, see the USS Constitution, the world’s oldest commissioned warship afloat and America’s Ship of State. Cruise past the authentically restored Boston Tea Party ships and the floating Boston Museum, one of the top museums in Boston. Check out Old North Church, where the famous “one if by land, and two if by sea” signal is said to have been sent by Paul Revere back in 1775. There’s also Boston Light, a lighthouse located on Little Brewster Island in outer Boston Harbor and the first light station established on the North American continent.

Boston Harbor Islands State Park (Pass By)

Thompson Island (Pass By)

Bumpkin Island (Pass By)

Boston Harbor Cruises (Pass By)

Peddocks Island (Pass By)

Lovell's Island (Pass By)

Gallops Island (Pass By)

Spectacle Island (Pass By)

Boston Harborwalk (Pass By)

Boston Harbor Cruises (Pass By)

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
The boat is wheelchair accessible, however the restrooms are not wheelchair accessible
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Service animals allowed

Near public transportation
Transportation is wheelchair accessible
Most travelers can participate
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 250 travelers

Cancellation Policy

This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Frequently Asked Questions

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.

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Q:Should I make advance reservations for the Boston Historic Sightseeing Harbor Cruise with Up-Close View of USS Constitution?

A:Advance reservations are strongly recommended, especially on weekends and holidays. Trips often sell out.

May 2021

Q:When should I arrive for the Boston Historic Sightseeing Harbor Cruise with Up-Close View of USS Constitution?

A:Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your departure time to allow for boarding.

May 2021

Q:Is parking available near the departure point for the Boston Historic Sightseeing Harbor Cruise?

A:There are two parking garages: The Harbor Garage, 70 E. India Row, Boston; and Rowes Wharf Garage, 30 Rowes Wharf, Boston. Parking fees apply at both locations.

May 2021

Q:Are restrooms available onboard during the Boston Historic Sightseeing Harbor Cruise with Up-Close View of USS Constitution?

A:Yes, restrooms are available on board.

May 2021

Q:What should I bring with me on the Boston Historic Sightseeing Harbor Cruise with Up-Close View of USS Constitution?

A:Comfortable rubber-soled shoes or sneakers are a good idea, along with a light sweater or jacket, even on a warm day. Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat are a must and don’t forget your camera or binoculars.

May 2021

Q:Is food available during the Boston Historic Sightseeing Harbor Cruise with Up-Close View of USS Constitution?

A:Yes! There is a selection of sandwiches as well as tasty snacks. Fruit juices, tea, sports drinks, and other beverages are also available along with beer, wine, and cocktails. Note: bring cash as the credit card readers don't always function at sea.

May 2021

Q:Will I experience motion sickness during the Boston Historic Sightseeing Harbor Cruise?

A:The catamarans are designed to be highly stable, but some passengers may experience motion sickness. Medication such as Dramamine may help. Facing forward with your head resting on the seatback near the front of the boat can help as well.

May 2021

Q:Can I bring my pet with me on the Boston Historic Sightseeing Harbor Cruise with Up-Close View of USS Constitution?

A:Yes - animals onboard must be kept with you and leashed or kept in a carrier at all times. Note - the cruise may last up to 4 hours, so it is up to the pet owner to consider if it is appropriate for the pet’s comfort and wellbeing.

May 2021

Traveler Photos

Featured review

Jenelle_S

The trip was amazing! Beautiful sights and our host Kevin was FABULOUS! He was so knowledgeable and very charismatic. We went for our wedding anniversary on 11/1 and it was our favorite thing we did in Boston. We would absolutely go again if we’re in Boston again. Kevin was the best!

Reviews

4.5

790 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

We perform checks on reviews

Showing 1-10 of 790 reviews

Very interesting and full of colours experience

nora_s, Apr 2024

The most interesting experiences were statues that can be seen only from the sea side, also landing of aircrafts just some meters from your head, many kinds of ships, and various buildings architecture

Great One-Hour Tour

David_K, Apr 2024

A nice way to spend an hour out on the harbor learning about Boston and U.S. history. The tour guide Kevin was knowledgeable and entertaining. Plus, the boat serves drinks.

Enjoyable tour with family.

Pamela_H, Apr 2024

Being able to share the cruise with my husband and our son. We were in Boston to cheer him on for the marathon. The historical information was very interesting. You get a different view out on the water of the harbor and landmarks. The weather was beautiful. We really enjoyed the tour.

Enjoyed this cruise a must do

Stephanie_K, Apr 2024

Loved the cruise. Perfect amount of time Adam our guide was awesome and very prepared and informative. I would recommend this tour. They had a bar with snacks and beverages. We got some great photos of the skyline. We liked this better than the hop on off trolley. Great crew. Keep rocking it!!!!

The story of Boston Harbor

Sally_B, Apr 2024

Our tour guide was very knowledgeable of the area and did a great job of sharing the information as if she was telling a story. Not a script. Excellent tour!

Nice ride and view of the city but $ better spent on land tour

Christina_G, Apr 2024

It was great to see the Boston skyline from the harbor, and it was interesting to hear about the clean-up of the harbor. However, the hour went quickly, and we did not receive as much info as we have on comparably timed other tours. If I were going to choose between a 1 hour land tour and the harbor tour in Boston, I’d opt for the land tour.

Boston Harbor delight

Karrie_F, Apr 2024

We had a few hour before going to the airport and this was the perfect way to spend a rainy afternoon. We learned a little about the harbor and stayed dry.

5 Stars

Kara_T, Mar 2024

Fantastic tour filled with cool sights and amazing narrations! Definitely a great way to see the amazing Boston harbor!

Great way to learn about Boston’s history

Sharon_Y, Mar 2024

Great narration. Just the right length of cruise with two little kids in tow. Can be enjoyed even if the weather outside is cold because of the heated cabin.

Wonderful tour, perfect amount of sights for the right time

Eric_S, Mar 2024

For March 20’s tour: Kevin was a jolly guide! He made yesterday’s tour really pleasant. And he was gracious enough to take a Polaroid picture for me. The picture marks a significant occasion for my partner and I, so his willingness to help was great. I also want to mention the young man who was operating at the ship’s bar. He was very generous and helpful. Unfortunately I didn’t get his name.

Great trip!

Melissa_M, Mar 2024

Really enjoyed our tour guide, she had lots of energy, was entertaining, but also informative. Really enjoyed learning the story of how and what led to the Boston Harbor clean up! Plus the views of the city from the water are beautiful.

Relaxing, Great Views

Amie_J, Mar 2024

Great storytelling and relaxing cruise. Wonderful views of the skyline. Some members of our group had been to Boston often and still learned something new.

Good but not great

John_S, Feb 2024

Nice tour. Pleasant guide. Nice way to see Boston. Annoying children not parented. Dirty windows and seats.

Enjoyable!!

Christina_S, Aug 2023

The guide was excellent. Just enough history and facts combined with a touch of humor. I would definitely book this again when I visit Boston again.

A fun trip

Lead_T, Aug 2023

We had a wonderful time. The narration of our tour was very informative, and the scenery was gorgeous.

Fantastic

Cheryl_C, Aug 2023

The comments Round the whole tour. Very interesting 👌 really enjoyed the whole experience Staff were A 1 and the boat was great

Happy

Roger_H, Aug 2023

Great ride very exciting learning about Boston was great the history of the water front was well executed

Top

Marco_G, Aug 2023

Fantastic experience Very good the speaker and all it’s in time Simple to reserve on line Really a good trip

Good tour, tired boat, expensive

Sally_G, Aug 2023

The boarding process is well organized and several staff welcomed us along the way. The boat itself has plenty of indoor and outdoor seating options and a very well stocked bar with sandwiches and snacks. The weather wasn’t great so we sat inside. The boat is in need of refurbishment inside. The table we sat at was falling off the wall and the banquette seating was also loose. The decor is very dated and sad. The speaker system looks newer however there were times when it was difficult to hear the commentary over the background noise of people ordering at the bar etc. Overall the tour was fun, the commentary was very upbeat and engaging but I think it’s expensive.

informative, restful. & stimulating

Bill_U, Aug 2023

enjoyed the scenery, harbor activity & narrative! A value packed “must do” once! Being in the water provides an additional perspective of Boston!

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