Top 11 Boat Tours in Boston

1.Boston Duck Boat Sightseeing City Tour with Cruise Along Charles River

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 9,378 reviews · from $59Our pick

See Boston by restored WWII duck boat, from Beacon Hill to Bunker Hill, then splash into the Charles River for skyline views.

“It was alright. Started from prudential centre. The information and topics were very USA oriented (I am not from US). Couldn’t relate to half of the topics- not inclusive to all. Had expected to know more about Boston, history and landmarks- most discussion was USA sports and USA movies). Not recommended to international tourists.”

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2.City Cruises Whale Watching Cruise

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

Watch humpback, fin, and minke whales off Boston with New England Aquarium naturalists on a comfortable 3.5 to 4-hour cruise.

“Whale watching was absolutely incredible! The crew were so lovely and knowledgeable and we felt in safe hands given we had prior warning the sea would be choppy! 10/10 I would recommend. Saw whales up close and it was awesome! The crew seemed as excited as we did to see the whales which was so lovely to see!”

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

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

See humpback whales, finbacks, minkes, dolphins, and seabirds on a 3.5-hour Boston cruise to Stellwagen Bank.

“In October the weather was beautiful but with a high temp being only 60 degrees be sure and bundle up...it was very chilly and windy but lovely”

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4.City Cruises Historical Sightseeing Cruise

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

Cruise Boston Harbor for one hour of history, skyline views, USS Constitution, Castle Island, and lively narration from Long Wharf.

“Super fun cruise around the Boston Harbor with Holly. We really enjoyed seeing the city from the water and learning about the history of the Harbor. Holly was fantastic! We got to watch the planes flying right over us as they landed at Boston Logan. Amazing!”

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5.City Cruises Boston Historic Sightseeing Harbor Cruise

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

Cruise Boston Harbor for Revolutionary War stories, USS Constitution views, Boston Light, skyline panoramas, and a practical one-hour introduction.

“It was ok. The windows on the lower deck were dirty and difficult to see out of. There were not many snacks to choose from even though it looked as if they had had quite an assortment before. It was difficult to hear/understand the tour guide on the lower level. But it was only $45 so it was not terrible”

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6.Boston Harbor Sunset Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 888 reviews · 1h 30m · from $31

Watch Boston Harbor turn from sunset to city lights on a 90-minute cruise with skyline views, USS Constitution, commentary, and an onboard bar.

“Terrible weather but staff was super nice! Good info! Would be awesome in good weather”

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7.Boston Harbor Sunset Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 632 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $54

Watch Boston’s sunset from the harbor, hear the USS Constitution’s cannon, and enjoy skyline views, drinks, and a warm cabin aboard a two-hour cruise.

“Just what we needed. A relaxing evening cruise. Loved being able to get drinks and a cheese board to enjoy the harbor sites. A little chilly on the top deck, but we came prepared with knit gloves and jackets. Plenty of room in the enclosed 1st floor dining room for those who wanted to stay warm. Great commentary from the tour guide. Loved seeing the canon blast from the US Constitution”

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8.Classic Tall Ship Cruise in Boston Harbor

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 615 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours (approx.) · from $35

Review of Boston’s 90-minute Liberty Star tall-ship cruise, with skyline views, friendly crew, sail-raising, drinks, pricing, and practical tips.

“Beautiful views of Boston. Such a different experience from the water. The crew was great. Loved it!”

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9.Harbor Sunset Yacht Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 570 reviews · 2 hours · from $54

Watch Boston Harbor turn gold and blue on a two-hour sunset yacht cruise with skyline views, light commentary, a bar, and USS Constitution cannon fire.

“Dante was very informative and the entire crew that night was so kind! I enjoyed the entire cruise and will definitely do it again!”

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10.Sightseeing Day Sail around Boston Harbor

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 541 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours (approx.) · from $66Top rated

Sail Boston Harbor aboard a classic schooner, with city views, harbor islands, friendly crew, and a relaxed 90-minute or two-hour outing.

“The crew was wonderful. It was a beautiful day to be on the water and exploring the harbor. Highly recommend.”

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11.Narrated Sunset Cruise of Boston Harbor

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 532 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $29Best value

See Boston Harbor at sunset on a 90-minute narrated cruise with skyline views, the USS Constitution, a full bar, and easy Rowes Wharf access.

“After having experienced multiple city’s harbor cruise tours, my husband and I have determined that this one will probably be our last. The architecture in the harbor leans towards soulless behemoth buildings and industrial outcroppings—neither of which are particularly sightly. Although… the city skyline was pretty, and the occasional sail boat against the sunset was nice. On this Boston harbor tour, the guide narrator was fine enough, but we’ve had overall better harbor tours with smart jokes and good humor that made you laugh along the way. This one was just straightforward and a bit dry.”

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