6 Best Boston Harbor Cruises
Boston Harbor is one of the city’s most popular highlights and a must-see for visitors and residents alike. If you’ve never taken the time to cruise the harbor, you’re missing out on a big part of Boston’s history and intrigue. With options suitable to guests of all ages, you can plan a weekend harbor cruise for any type of party. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly activity, a couple’s dinner cruise, or a private tour for your own little party, there’s a Boston cruise for every occasion.
Northern Lights — Boston Brunch Cruise
The Boston Brunch Cruise aboard the classically styled Northern Lights offers a relaxing way to kick off your weekend on the water. This two-hour cruise features an extensive gourmet brunch with hot and cold dishes. If you’d prefer a continental breakfast, choose from the delectable selection of pastries, croissants, bagels, fruit, yogurt, and cranberry granola. Hot dishes, such as scrambled eggs with cheddar and herbs, roasted potato and sweet potato hash, bacon, and chicken apple sausage, are also available.
While the brunch buffet is more than enough to entice you onboard, this isn’t the only thing you have to look forward to on this cruise. The route will take you along the harbor islands, past Independence Fort, the Bunker Hill Monument, the USS Cassin Young, the USS Constitution, the Old North Church, the Seaport District, and more. Weather permitting, you’ll also glide past the oldest lighthouse in the country, Boston Light. Throughout the tour, you can expect to spot local wildlife like blue herons, ospreys, and egrets. In the early spring, you might also spot harbor porpoises and seals.
Your vessel for this adventure is Northern Lights, a motor yacht styled after 1920s steamships. The yacht features a full bar, six bathrooms, climate-controlled cabin seating, and an open-air deck.
Spirit of Boston — Signature Dinner Cruise
Enjoy a luxurious harbor cruise aboard the four-level Spirit of Boston. This spacious yacht features three interior decks, all of which are climate controlled for your comfort. If you’d like to get some fresh air, you’ll also have access to two outdoor observation decks. The Signature Dinner Cruise lasts for two to three hours and includes dinner, a live DJ, and interactive games. During your cruise, the Spirit of Boston takes you past waterfront landmarks such as the Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge, USS Constitution, and Boston’s Seaport District.
As you’re taking in the sights, you can indulge in a gourmet multi-course meal that includes a field green or kale quinoa salad, fresh bread and butter, and your choice of honey sesame chicken, oven-roasted flounder, baked ziti pasta, or root vegetable fricassee. Finally, you can end your evening with a trip to the Hornblower Signature Dessert Station, featuring brownies, cakes, and seasonal fruit.
If you’d like to upgrade your experience, you can add cocktails, wine, and beer from the cash bar. You can also reserve a window table for dinner to have the best views of Boston’s skyline throughout the evening.
Boston Historical Sightseeing Cruise
If you want to know even more about the rich history of Boston, the Boston Historical Sightseeing Cruise is for you. This adventure is fully narrated, so you’ll get to take in all the fascinating details about the Bunker Hill Monument, USS Constitution, Old North Church, and more. This cruise delivers the remarkable tale of Boston through the Revolutionary War and into modern times. You’ll pass the Harbor Islands National Park Area, view the Boston Harbor Islands, and enjoy unforgettable skyline views.
Both indoor and outdoor viewing decks are available so you can take in the sights from the most comfortable spot for you. This tour lasts an hour.
USS Constitution Cruise
The USS Constitution is one of the most fascinating sights in the Boston Harbor. This was one of the first ships ever commissioned by the US Navy. First launched in 1797, this is the oldest ship in the world still afloat. The wooden-hulled frigate is known fondly as Old Ironsides. Nearly every Boston Harbor cruise will give the USS Constitution a passing mention, but the USS Constitution Cruise lets this icon take center stage.
This 45-minute cruise sails past the USS Constitution for a close-up view of the ship. Then, it stops at the Charlestown Navy Yard, allowing you to disembark so you can tour the USS Constitution and the Naval Museum. The cruise also takes in sights of the Bunker Hill Monument and the Old North Church.
Boston Duck Tours
Boston Duck Tours offers one of the city’s most distinctive experiences, traversing both land and water in the same vehicle. These tours include dozens of city highlights, such as Long Wharf, Quincy Market, New England Aquarium, Newbury Street, King’s Chapel, Old State House, Boston Public Market, Holocaust Memorial, and more. Tours last 80 minutes, with about an hour on the ground and 20 minutes splashing into the water. Your journey will take you just beyond Boston Harbor and onto the Charles River.
Boston Duck Tours offers your choice of three departure points and tour maps. You can depart from The Museum of Science, the New England Aquarium, or the Prudential Center.
Boston Green Cruises — Boston Harbor and Charles River Cruise
The Boston Harbor and Charles River Cruise with Boston Green Cruises offers a peaceful experience perfect for those who want a laid-back tour. This tour highlights the natural sounds of the waterfront. You won’t have any narration, DJ, or other noise to distract you from the sights when you choose this intimate cruise experience.
This trip offers views of the Boston skyline, railroad bridge, and charming harbor and lasts approximately 90 minutes. For ultimate privacy, book a trip aboard the small, low-emissions vessel for your own party and escape the crowding and commotion of other cruise experiences.
Do you have other cruise suggestions for visitors who want to take in Boston Harbor from the water? Contact our team at Nucar Hyundai of Norwood and let us know. We love to provide our customers with the best recommendations for things to do in the city.
Image by Sean Sweeney is licensed with Unsplash License
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