Boston Harbor Islands

The 34 islands in Boston harbor are protected in Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area and State Park. The islands have fortresses, parks, picnic areas, good places to fish, and walking paths. 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, Harbor Express ferries depart Boston's Long Wharf and Quincy, with service to the six most interesting and visited islands: Lovells, Spectacle, Georges, Grape, Bumpkin, and Peddocks. In high summer, the boats also stop in Hingham and Hull on the South Shore. More...

Boston Light Tour

Boston Light was the first lighthouse to be built in the United States. You can visit the lighthouse on Little Brewster Island on a three-hour cruise that departs Fan Pier and Georges Island. More...

Whale Watching Cruises

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

Ferryboats

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

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.

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