Boston Harbor Islands

The islands in Boston harbor have walking paths, picnic areas, swimming beaches, camping areas, and even a Civil War fortress.

If you have several summer days to spend in Boston and the weather is good, consider a half-day or day-long excursion to the islands.

From early May to mid October, Boston's Best Cruises ferries depart Long Wharf-North Pier and Quincy with service to the islands. In high summer, there's also service from Hingham and Hull on the South Shore. More...

A harbor cruise boat motors into Boston Harbor....

Whale Watching Cruises

Several companies operate whale watching cruises from Boston, including the prominent Boston Harbor Cruises. More...

Boston Harbor Ferryboats

The MBTA's F4 Long Wharf—Charlestown Navy Yard ferry can take you in 10 minutes from Long Wharf, near the New England Aquarium in Boston, to Charlestown Navy Yard to visit the USS Constitution ("Old Ironsides") and the Bunker Hill Monument. It saves you a 1-mile (1.6-km), 25-minute walk and gives you a mini-cruise of Boston Harbor as well. More...

Commuter ferries also operate between Boston and the South Shore cities of Hingham, Quincy and Hull. More...

Ferry to Salem

The Salem Ferry runs between Boston and Salem on the Massachusetts North Shore during the warm months, offering an attractive 45-minute maritime alternative to visiting Salem by Commuter Rail.

Ferry to Provincetown, Cape Cod

In summer, both Bay State Cruises and Boston Harbor Cruises run fast ferries from Boston to Provincetown at the tip of Cape Cod.

Cruise Ships

Ocean-going cruise ships dock at Cruiseport Boston, also known as the Black Falcon Cruise Terminal. More...

—by Tom Brosnahan

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