Boston Harbor Cruises – tickets, prices, what to expect

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Couple enjoys a cruise in Boston

Boston Harbor Cruises are the best way to explore the historical sites, marine life, green landscape, stunning islands, and the city’s beautiful skyline.

Boston Harbor city cruises give fascinating insights into the city’s culture and serene beauty. 

These harbor cruises sail you around the city’s popular sites with all entertainment facilities in one place.

You can enjoy the music, dance, gourmet lunch, and dinners with your family and friends on these cruises.

This article covers everything you must know before booking tickets for the Boston Harbor Cruises.

Schedule of cruises

There are six Boston Harbor cruises – Historic Sightseeing CruiseWhale Watching Catamaran CruiseCodzilla High-Speed Thrill Boat CruiseBuffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise, and Sunset Cruise.

The Sightseeing Cruises start at 10 am and continue till 4.30 pm. 

Every day, seven whale cruises sail off from the Boston Harbor. The first one starts at 9 am, and the others follow at 10 am, 11 am, 12 noon, 2.30 pm, 3.30 pm, and 5 pm.

If you plan to book the Codzilla Thrill Boat ride, you can opt for five slots – 11.15 am, 12.15 pm, 1.15 pm, 3.15 pm, and 4.15 pm. 

The 2-hour buffet lunch cruises start at noon, while the 3-hour dinner cruises along the Boston harbor start at 7 pm. 

All the sunset cruises sail out from the Boston harbor at 7 pm. 

When booking your Boston Harbor cruise, you can select your preferred timing. 

Where to book tickets

Tickets for the Boston Harbor Cruises are available to be purchased at the ticket booth or online in advance.

Online ticket prices tend to be cheaper than tickets at the attraction.

When you buy online, you can avoid the long queues at the ticket counters.

When you book early, you also get your preferred time slot.

Because some attractions sell a limited number of tickets, they may sell out during peak days. Booking online also helps avoid last-minute disappointment and delays.

How do online tickets work

Go to the Boston Harbor Cruises booking page, select your preferred date and time and the number of tickets, and buy the tickets right away.

After the purchase, you will receive the tickets via email.

You don’t need to carry printouts.

Show the smartphone tickets at the meeting point on the day of your visit and begin your adventure.

How long do Boston Harbor Cruises take?

The duration of harbor cruises in Boston depends on the type of cruise you book for yourself.

Type of CruiseDuration
Historic Sightseeing CruiseOne hour
Whale Watching Catamaran CruiseFour hours
Codzilla High-Speed Thrill Boat40 minutes
Buffet Lunch CruiseTwo hours
Buffet Dinner CruiseThree hours
Boston Harbor Sunset Cruise90 minutes

Best cruises from Boston Harbor

We recommend reaching the departing port 15-30 minutes before the scheduled time. 

Most cruises board 30 minutes before their departure time. 

So you must check your confirmation email to confirm your cruise boarding & departure time.

Historic Sightseeing Cruise

Nothing can be more exciting than exploring Boston’s historical and cultural sites from the water. 

The historical sightseeing cruise allows you to dive deep into the history and culture of America. 

During the cruise, you get to see the following iconic sites-

  • Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum
  • USS Constitution and Musem
  • Boston Lighthouse
  • Harbor Islands National Park
  • Bunker Hill Monument

You can learn about all the historical narratives associated with the above sites from the guides on the cruise. 

Departing Port: The tour departs from One Long Wharf, located between the Long Wharf Marriott Hotel and the New England Aquarium in Boston. 

Address: 1 Long Wharf, Boston, MA 02110, USA. Get Directions

Ticket Price

Adult ticket (12+ years): US$46
Child ticket (3 to 11 years): US$41
Infant ticket (up to 2 years): Free

Book This Cruise

Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

Whale-watching catamaran cruises are made for those wishing to see the aquatic species dip and dive into the ocean. 

Catamarans are high-speed boats that take you on a fun voyage. 

The catamarans are comfortable and stable, with cushiony seats, interior cabins, and snack counters. 

If you’re traveling to Boston with your kids, let them see the majestic whales, dolphins, and sharks swimming in the ocean. 

Whale Center of New England naturalists will tell fascinating facts about the aquatic species and help you understand marine life better. 

Departing Port: The Boston Whale Watching tours begin at Long Wharf.

Long Wharf is surrounded by prominent landmarks like the New England Aquarium, the North End, and Faneuil Hall. 

Address: 1 Long Wharf, Boston, MA 02110, USA. Get Directions 

The Ticket Center is located on Long Wharf, just a few steps from the Marriott Hotel. The Ticket Center has a statue of a Humpback whale on its roof. 

However, it is better to book your cruise online in advance to avoid last-minute disappointment. 

Ticket Price

Adult ticket (13+ years): US$74
Child ticket (3 to 12 years): US$51
Infant ticket (up to 2 years): Free

Book This Cruise

Codzilla High-Speed Thrill Boat

If you’re someone who loves the thrill and wants your cruise on Boston Harbor to be extraordinary and adventurous, then Codzilla thrill boats are made for you.

Codzilla is a high-speed boat swimming 40 miles per hour across the ocean. 

Remember, unlike other cruises where you sit back and relax, Codzilla is a wild sail. 

The loud music, water splashes, and constant screams will blow your mind. 

Get ready to experience the jerks as the boat takes 360-degree turns. 

Please do not board if you suffer from medical conditions or are susceptible to back injuries.

Departing Port: The cruise departs from Long Wharf, just steps from the New England Aquarium, the North End, Faneuil Hall, and other popular Boston landmarks.

Address: 1 Long Wharf, Boston, MA 02110, USA. Get Directions

Ticket Price

Adult ticket (13+ years): US$54
Child ticket (4 to 12 years): US$44

Book This Cruise

Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise

Dinner Cruise on Boston Harbor
Image: Cityexperiences.com

This 2-3 hours Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise along the Boston Harbor offers lip-smacking food and beverages that will make your day.

The lunch cruise lasts about 2 hours, while the dinner cruise lasts 3 hours. 

As you step onto the cruise, the staff will greet you and make you feel comfortable. 

The buffet is prepared by professional chefs with fresh ingredients that will surely tantalize your taste buds. 

Ths ship’s photographer will be there for you all around the cruise to take your pictures with your partner, friends, or family. 

Come, and enjoy a cruise on Boston harbor with some flavorful dishes, light music, and sightseeing on gleaming shores.  

Departing Port: The cruise departs from the Seaport World Trade Center.

Address: 200 Seaport Blvd., Boston, MA 02210, USA. Get Directions

Lunch Cruise Price

Adult ticket (13+ years): US$82 to US4103
Child ticket (3 to 12 years): US$66 to US$83
Infant ticket (up to 2 years): Free

Dinner Cruise Price

Adult ticket (13+ years): US$133 to US$183
Child ticket (3 to 12 years): US$133 to US$183
Infant ticket (up to 2 years): Free

Book This Cruise

Boston Harbor Sunset Cruise

Boston Harbor Sunset Cruise
Image: Cityexperiences.com

Boston Harbor sunset cruise takes you on the water, where you can see the skyline illuminated during the sunset.

The cruise offers spectacular views of the Boston skyline. 

Enjoy the evening gliding on waves and bathing in beautiful colors as the sun goes down with cool beverages and delicious snacks in your hands. 

Choose between two sunset cruises setting sail from Boston Harbor.

Sunset CruiseCost
Cheapest Sunset CruiseUS$29
Luxury Sunset Harbor CruiseUS$71 to US$86

What to wear for Boston Cruises

Dress according to the weather, and don’t forget your camera or binoculars.

Depending on the cruise you book, the recommended clothes will differ. 

Here is a list of dress codes you can follow for your upcoming Harbor Cruises in Boston –

Historic Sightseeing Cruise

You can wear casual attire for this cruise. T-shirts, pants, sweaters, and jackets will be perfect!

Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

For this cruise, too, you can wear casual clothes without a second thought.

Codzilla High-Speed Thrill Boat

Unlike other cruises, these cruises can soak you in water. 

We recommend you carry some extra clothes to quickly change at the end of the cruise and prevent catching a cold. 

Wear casual clothes and pair them with comfortable sneakers. 

Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise

Although there are no restrictions on what you wear, you can go a little stylish for cruises of this kind.

Wear something fashionable and fancy if you’re thinking of celebrating your anniversary with your partner or proposing to your beloved on the cruise. 

For your safety, put on flat, closed-toed shoes. 

Boston Harbor Sunset Cruise

Since there are almost no chances of getting wet, you can wear casual attire for a sunset cruise.

Regardless of the Boston Harbor cruise you opt for, we highly recommend taking hoodies, jackets, scarves, and caps with you, as it is usually breezy and cool during the evening.

Do not forget to carry the following items with you:

  • Passport or ID card 
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Hat
  • Camera
  • Binoculars
  • Seasickness medication 

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Researched & Written by
Jamshed is a versatile traveler, equally drawn to the vibrant energy of city escapes and the peaceful solitude of remote getaways. On some trips, he indulges in resort hopping, while on others, he spends little time in his accommodation, fully immersing himself in the destination. A passionate foodie, Jamshed delights in exploring local cuisines, with a particular love for flavorful non-vegetarian dishes. Favourite Cities: Amsterdam, Las Vegas, Dublin, Prague, Vienna

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