Don’t let time determine whether to see Boston or Salem. Visit both towns with the help of a quick and comfortable catamaran. This high-speed ferry service travels from Boston to Salem (or vice versa). Enjoy the scenic adventure from the upper or lower deck of the boat—or just relax at the lounge inside. An onboard galley offers food and beverages for purchase. Upon arrival, many top attractions are within walking distance. For Round Trip, you will need to purchase two separate one way tickets - one departing from Boston and one departing from Salem.

Fast, efficient transportation between Boston and Salem
Onboard galley offers food and beverages for purchase
See top Salem and Boston attractions within walking distance of the ports

What's Included

Boston to Salem aboard High-Speed Catamaran
See the stunning views of the Boston Skyline during your sail
Skip the summer and Halloween traffic with this leisurely sail to Salem, MA
Explore historic Salem, from museums and shops to fine dining and culture, this historic port town has enough to beguile—and bewitch—the entire family.

Gratuities
Food & beverage (available for purchase on board)
Transportation to/from ferry terminals

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting points

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End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Boston or Salem? If that has to be the question, the answer is…both. Ditch the traffic and enjoy both historic cities with the help of a speedy ferry. A ticket provides a quick journey along Massachusetts Bay, scenery included. Think fishing boats, lighthouses, and beautiful homes here and there. It sure beats bumper-to-bumper traffic and angry car horns.

Onboard this catamaran, which holds up to 149 passengers, enjoy the sights and sounds from the upper or lower deck, or just relax inside with a beverage or snack. Breakfast or lunch is always ready.

Upon arrival in Salem, it’s a short stroll to top attractions like the House of Seven Gables and the Peabody Essex Museum. At the other end in Boston, the New England Aquarium, the Old North Church, Quincy Market and more are within walking distance.

For Round Trip, you will need to purchase two separate one way tickets - one departing from Boston and one departing from Salem.

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
For Round Trip, you will need to purchase two separate one way tickets - one departing from Boston and one departing from Salem.
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 149 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.

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 to Salem One-Way or Round-Trip High Speed Ferry?

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

May 2021

Q:What is the actual departure location in Boston for the Boston to Salem One-Way or Round-Trip High Speed Ferry?

A:The ferry departs from 1 Long Wharf, Boston.

May 2021

Q:Is parking available near the departure point for the Boston to Salem One-Way or Round-Trip High Speed Ferry?

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:What is the actual departure location in Salem for the Boston to Salem One-Way or Round-Trip High Speed Ferry?

A:The ferry departs from 10 Blaney St. Salem.

May 2021

Q:When should I arrive for the Boston to Salem One-Way or Round-Trip High Speed Ferry?

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

May 2021

Q:What kind of ferry is used during the Boston to Salem One-Way or Round-Trip High Speed Ferry?

A:The Nathaniel Bowditch, is a high-speed catamaran that holds 149 passengers in comfort and travels at speeds of up to 33 knots, getting you to Salem in just under an hour.

May 2021

Q:Are restrooms available onboard during the Boston to Salem One-Way or Round-Trip High Speed Ferry?

A:Yes, restrooms are available on board.

May 2021

Q:What should I bring with me on the Boston to Salem One-Way or Round-Trip High Speed Ferry?

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 to Salem One-Way or Round-Trip High Speed Ferry?

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 to Salem One-Way or Round-Trip High Speed Ferry?

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

Traveler Photos

Featured review

Angela_B

Great ride. Loved the journey. Loved the crew. Very friendly and knowledgeable. I highly recommend this ferry ⛴️ trip

Reviews

4.5

399 reviews

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

Reviews by Viator travelers.

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Showing 1-10 of 399 reviews

Overall good experience but could be better

Marina_P, Nov 2023

The ferry was very convenient. My only complaint is that on the day of the trip the weather was bad (raining & cold) and instead of being allowed to board the ferry which was docked and scheduled to depart at 4pm, customers had to wait in the rain & cold. It would have been a better experience to be able to board and wait on the ferry until departure. We arrived to the dock 20 minutes to 4pm & had to wait.

Great way to get from Boston to Salem

Wendy_W, Nov 2023

This was a great experience. The ferry was on time and very spacious. The on board narration was great! Fun way to get around. Highly recommend

Round trip. Boston to Salem

Angela_B, Nov 2023

I highly recommend this High Speed Ferry ⛴️. It’s an amazing and Beautiful Experience ⛴️. The crew members are all knowledgeable, helpful and friendly.

Trip to Salem

Angela_B, Nov 2023

Great ride. Loved the journey. Loved the crew. Very friendly and knowledgeable. I highly recommend this ferry ⛴️ trip

Very comfortable.

Ileen_S, Oct 2023

The ferry was the obvious and quickest route to Salem. We received a bonus very brief history lesson by Captain Tom.

Good Experience, would book again

Marina_P, Oct 2023

Chose the ferry for this trip to avoid traffic & the ticket price was reasonable in comparison to a car service. The waves were a bit rough due to the weather (40-50 degrees & rain all day). My only other concern was the close proximity between customers (boat was pretty full) & the 2 people sitting across from me coughing but not having anywhere else to move to. I know masks are optional but it would be good to require them in this closed space (especially when the weather is bad & you can’t sit/stand on the deck).

Great!

Thomas_H, Oct 2023

Good experience with really good narrating while on the ship. Trip only took about 45 minutes at most. Definitely recommend.

Great travel option to Salem

Roger_G, Oct 2023

From Grosse Ile Michigan. An Island in the Detroit River at the mouth of Lake Erie. We love the water and boating. Why not take a ferry when you can!!

no stress no traffic...

Jill_K, Oct 2023

no stress no traffic beautiful warm day we got to salem in less than an hour. the boat was on time for both arrival and departure.

Loved it

Anny_R, Oct 2023

Great way to get to Salem especially during October. No driving and no hassle. Super safe, bar and snacks inside. 👌

Awesome

Kathy_P, Oct 2023

Great experience! Easy on and off, convenient and friendly staff …. Best way to go to Salem. Definitely will do this again.

Must experience

Brittany_C, Oct 2023

Easily accessibile from downtown Salem. Used the ferry during October at night. It was a bit chilly on the outside but there is plenty of inside seating.

A great boat trip to Salem, MA

Marian_Z, Oct 2023

We have enjoyed the trip so much. An excellent tour guide, a great narrative. So much to see on the way to Salem. An excellent destination. Can only highly recommend.

Awesome trip to Salem, Massachusetts

Marian_Z, Oct 2023

It was a great trip. We did like it very much. Nice narrative to what we saw on the way to Salem. It was a beautiful day, nice views, perhaps a little bit windy. But great otherwise, saw a shooting star over Boston on the way back to the harbor…

Very easy to find and well organised

Katharine_P, Oct 2023

The ferry was very easy to find. There were guides at the launch area to help you. Boarding was quick, simple and easy. There is food on board and we had interesting information from one of the members of the team played over a tanoy. Really enjoyed this trip.

Scenic but bouncy

Sylvia_P, Oct 2023

Good trip. Easy to find on the dock in Boston. We had lovely weather but the water was still rough, beware if you get sea sick, once you're out of the harbour its bouncy. Appreciated the narration, however difficult to hear inside and the lady didn't seem too confident doing it, but some of it was interesting. Quick departure then 15 walk into Salem

We learned a lot about...

Katherine_K, Oct 2023

We learned a lot about the Boston harbor area and some of the history. The scenery was beautiful and the weather was perfect. We enjoyed both ways. The trip went so fast we were there before we knew it.

Good Narrator

Rebekah_O, Oct 2023

The narrator made the journey super interesting! I liked all of the facts that were shared about what we were seeing on the journey.

Better than driving

Carla_S, Oct 2023

It was good to ride the ferry and not have to deal with traffic. It was hard to hear the guy talking about Boston.

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Cheryl_B, Oct 2023

I called in the morning and booked a round-trip ferry from Boston to Salem and back to Boston one day trip. I was booked on the 530 ferry and there was not one on Monday 10/23. we had to walk to the train station and go to North station anecdotally walk another mile and a half to get our car I have called your customer service department. Ask for my money back on the return trip for four adult tickets. If you don’t refund me, I am calling American Express to cancel my credit card payment.

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