8 Sightseeing Cruises in Boston Worth Booking

1.City Cruises Whale Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 4,710 reviews · 3h 30m · from $85Our pick

Join Boston Harbor City Cruises at Long Wharf for a 3.5 to 4 hour trip to Stellwagen Bank. New England Aquarium naturalists, including guides such as Amanda and Andrew, explain whale behavior while you watch from outdoor decks or large-window cabins.

“We were very lucky to have a fine day for this activity and although I do suffer from motion sickness I felt absolutely fine for the whole trip. We were given an interesting dialogue on the way out to the whale watching area and it was wonderful to manage to see three magnificent whales.”

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2.City Cruises Boston Whale Watching Cruise by High-Speed Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3,115 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $85

Leave Boston’s Long Wharf by high-speed catamaran for Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. A naturalist, sometimes including guides such as Colin, explains whale behavior and conservation while you watch for humpbacks, finbacks, minkes, dolphins, and seabirds.

“Was cold and windy on the water, definitely bring a jacket. Thought it was going to be disappointing after 3 hours passed without seeing anything. Luckily we found 2 humpbacks together and saw some incredible things. Full breach, flipper slapping, and general swimming about. Ended up being an absolute stunner of a day.”

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3.City Cruises Historical Sightseeing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,771 reviews · 1 hour · from $46

Cruise from Long Wharf around Boston Harbor for one hour with live English narration. You will pass the USS Constitution, Bunker Hill Monument, Old North Church, Castle Island, and the harbor islands, with open-air decks, large-window seating, and snacks for sale.

“We had a wonderful time and our caption was funny and easy to listen to during the tour.”

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4.City Cruises Boston Historic Sightseeing Harbor Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,388 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $46

Cruise Boston Harbor for an hour with live narration about the Revolutionary War, Boston Light, Old Ironsides, and the working port. Guides such as Kevin, Holly, and Mike have been praised for lively storytelling. You get indoor and outdoor seating, skyline views, and snacks for purchase.

“Sit on the upper deck on the left side for best views. Tour guide gave a good overview of the harbor. He did have a bit of an attitude. The woman lining everybody up to board was excellent - gave us great tips to enjoy the cruise. She should have given the tour.”

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5.City Cruises Salem High Speed Ferry to/from Boston

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 727 reviews · 50 minutes (approx.) · from $42Best value

Take a 50-minute high-speed catamaran between Boston and Salem, with outdoor decks, an indoor lounge, restrooms, and a snack bar. Guides such as Donald and Mikayla may add local stories along the route. Buy separate one-way tickets for a round trip.

“It was very easy to buy tickets and find the ship. Everyone was very friendly and helpful. The ship was fast and even though the water was choppy it was a nice way to get to Salem.”

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6.City Cruises Boston Codzilla High-Speed Thrill Boat Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 424 reviews · 45 minutes (approx.) · from $56

Board Codzilla at Boston’s Long Wharf for a 45-minute narrated thrill ride through Boston Harbor. Two turbo-charged diesel engines push the boat up to 40 mph as music plays, the crew tells Codzilla’s story, and spray hits the boat. Bring a poncho, tie back your hair, and arrive early.

“Very fun boat ride. Bring a hairbrush or have your hair tied back. Everyone will get wet but it seems the back of the boat was sprayed much more than the front.”

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7.City Cruises Boston 90-Minute Harbor Sunset Sightseeing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 411 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $56

Spend 90 minutes cruising Boston’s inner and outer harbors with live narration, skyline views, and a chance to see the USS Constitution’s sunset cannon ceremony. Guides such as Liz, Holly, David, and Kevin have brought humor and energy to the commentary. Drinks and snacks are sold onboard, and the cruise runs May through October.

“Needed more information to find the gate number and directions to the gate, otherwise, at nice trip. Liz, our tour guide was very knowledgeable.”

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8.City Cruises Sunset Skyline Cruise with Commentary

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 381 reviews · 1h 30m · from $55

Board at Long Wharf for a 90-minute English-narrated cruise past Boston’s waterfront, Castle Island, Logan Airport, East Boston, and the USS Constitution. Guides such as Kevin and David Coffin bring humor to the history, while the sunset and cannon salute provide the evening’s best moments.

“Wanted to surprise my girlfriend for her 25th birthday. She loved it so I guess it was a success myself would definitely do Boston Harbor Cruises again in the future.”

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