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BostonSailing trips & boat tours

Our most recommended Boston Sailing trips & boat tours

Boston: Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

1. Boston: Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

Go whale watching off the coast of Boston on a comfortable, high-speed catamaran with maximized outdoor and indoor viewing capacity. Look out for humpback, finback, and minke whales, as well as white-sided dolphins on this adventure cruise. Benefit from the best-guided experience, with professional researchers from the Whale Center of New England, the region's foremost authority on whale populations, on-hand to provide you with expert commentary. After you find your crew at the dock, board the high-speed catamaran that offers the fastest, most comfortable way to explore the Atlantic.  Make the most of the 3 outside viewing decks, climate-controlled cabin space with cushioned seating, tables, state-of-the-art sound and video systems, and a galley offering snacks and beverages for purchase. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for:  Humpback whales The humpback’s name comes from the way its back arches out of the water when preparing for a deep dive. “Megaptera” is its true scientific name, which means “large-winged,” in reference to its long flippers. Finback whales Finbacks are second only to Blue Whales in overall size, measuring in at 45-70 feet in length and weighing approximately 40 tons as full-grown adults. Minke whales A sleek, small dolphin-like baleen whale, Minkes are the most abundant whale in the world today with a population numbering well over 1 million worldwide. White-sided dolphins Found only in the North Atlantic, in waters just south of New England and north to Norway, these playful mammals feed on single prey such as squid, unlike whales, who feast on large numbers of small fish.

Boston Harbor: Fall Foliage Luncheon Cruise

2. Boston Harbor: Fall Foliage Luncheon Cruise

Step aboard your yacht and settle into a seat in the climate-controlled observation cabin or on the open top deck. Once your captain has the vessel underway, you are welcome to move around the boat and get your hands on a beverage from the bar.  As part of your ticket, enjoy a gourmet buffet-style lunch. Our menu can vary, but there will be several entrees and sides that may include seasonal meat dishes, pasta, salad, and dessert. This cruise is excellent for families, friends exploring Boston and surrounding areas, and visitors or locals looking for a unique and relaxing afternoon adventure. Join the people that are drawn to New England every year thanks to its vibrant foliage. Capture the unique colors of fall on the Boston Harbor Islands while hearing stories about pirates and ghosts that haunt the islands. Find out how the islands have played an integral role in fortifying Boston in every war from the Revolutionary War until World War II. 

Boston: Harbor Sunset Yacht Cruise

3. Boston: Harbor Sunset Yacht Cruise

Embark on a sunset yacht tour of Boston Harbor. Step aboard the classic Northern Lights yacht, a coast guard certified vessel with a captain and crew. The motor yacht Northern Lights is stylized after the classic New England 1920s-style steamships. Sit back and relax in a climate-controlled (with heating and air-conditioning) cabin, or enjoy the sea breeze on the open-top deck. Be sure to visit a fully stocked bar on the main deck to purchase refreshments by credit card, to sip refreshing drinks as you cruise along the harbor. The Northern Lights yacht is one of the most comfortable and versatile cruise vessels in Boston Harbor, at 115 feet in length it features six bathrooms and provides ample seating throughout the ship for up to 149 passengers. Built for taking groups of people on spectacular sightseeing adventures, she is the perfect vessel for taking groups of friends and family out to see the harbor.

Boston: Afternoon Sailing Trip Around Boston Harbor

4. Boston: Afternoon Sailing Trip Around Boston Harbor

Embark on a scenic sailing trip on board an authentic tall ship in Boston Harbor. Sailing offers a great family-friendly way to see Boston from a new viewpoint. Choose between a 1.5-hour sail on the Liberty Star or a 2-hour sail on the Liberty Clipper. Hop on board and be transported back to the time when the tall ships would come in from the Old World. You can help set the sails, take the wheel, or sit back and enjoy the passing scenery of the Boston Harbor and the surrounding islands with the city skyline as a backdrop. The Liberty Clipper is a 125-foot gaff-rigged schooner designed after early American privateers. There is a cash-only bar on the ship with beer, wine, mixed drinks, sodas, bottled water, and snacks available. The Liberty Star is another gaff-rigged schooner modeled after 19th-century vessels that were once known for their speed and agility. The vessel offers a similar taste of what it was like to sail the magnificent ships that were once a common sight in every port. 

Boston: Sunset Tall Ship Harbor Cruise

5. Boston: Sunset Tall Ship Harbor Cruise

Set sail onboard a genuine tall ship such as the 125' Schooner Liberty Clipper or the 67' Liberty Star and be transported back in time. See the Boston skyline, its harbor, and the different neighborhoods from the water during this sunset cruise. While breezes keep you cool you are welcome to help the crew hoist the sails the old-fashioned way (use those muscles) or just relax, enjoy a drink, and watch as others haul sails. Take a turn at the helm (steering wheel). Both ships offer both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages for sale. Do you think you might get hungry while you are onboard? Bring your favorite take-out and make it a picnic (sorry, no coolers or BYOB permitted). Choose between a 1.5-hour cruise on the 67" Liberty Star or a 2-hour cruise on the 125" Liberty Clipper.

Boston: Harbor Champagne Sunset Sail from Rowes Wharf

6. Boston: Harbor Champagne Sunset Sail from Rowes Wharf

Embark on a sightseeing sunset cruise on Boston harbor and soak up the views of the famous skyline. Admire city highlights, including the Inner Harbor Islands and the Boston Fish Pier.    Board an elegant sailing yacht, the ' Adirondack III.' Travel in style on a classic 80 foot pilot schooner that is comfortable and spacious. Glide smoothly over the water and have the option of purchasing a refreshing drink at the onboard bar. Admire views of the historic scenery of Boston Harbor as you pass by the Boston Fish Pier and the Moakley Federal Courthouse at Fan Pier. Capture pictures of Castle Island and the Donald McKay monument. Cruise through the Inner Harbor Islands. Step back in time as you cruise by the historic Charleston Navy Yard. Go by the lush greenery of the Waterfront Park and take in the modern architecture of buildings like the New England Aquarium. Take a selfie in front of the Boston skyline. Have your questions about the sights and history of Boston Harbor and its surrounding areas answered by the attentive crew. Hear facinating facts and old-time legends about the maritime world of Boston. Return to your meeting point at the end of the tour.

Boston: Downtown Harbor Sailing Cruise

7. Boston: Downtown Harbor Sailing Cruise

Experience Boston like never before onboard the 80-foot pilot schooner Adirondack III. Enjoy a round-trip of smooth sailing, with some invigorating speed to boot. Within minutes of leaving dock, you’ll forget the distractions of life on land as you experience the joy of a sailing adventure. Cruise past landmark attractions, such as the Boston Fish Pier, Moakley Federal Courthouse at Fan Pier, and Castle Island. Drift past the Inner Harbor Islands and see the historic Charleston Navy Yard. Look out for the green oasis of Waterfront Park and the home to hundreds of marine critters, including sharks and sea turtles, at New England Aquarium. Your knowledgeable captain and crew will be on hand to answer questions about the sights and history of Boston Harbor and its surrounds, from interesting facts to old-time legends. Wines and local micro beers are available to purchase onboard, while complimentary soda and water will keep you hydrated along the way.

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Other Sightseeing Options in Boston

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What people are saying about Boston

Overall rating

4.2 / 5

based on 228 reviews

What a great cruise! It was very leisurely, the boat was all decorated for the holidays, it was not at all crowded. The crew offered free hot chocolate and there was plenty of space to roam around. First the sunset then all the lights in the harbor. Because it was sunset cruise, we got to hear daily cannon go off on USS Constitution. Perfect timing, plenty of time to get dinner! Highly recommend!

Amazing trip to whale watch. We were able to see tons of whales and seals along the way. The boat was crowded but still plenty of room to move around and enjoy the time on the boat! Amazing staff and well organized.

A quick witted radio voice narrator saying just enough and saying it well; warm and congenial bartenders navigating a remarkably fairly priced bar

It was a very lovely experience, from the onboarding through the tour to the in boarding experience was lovely.

Perfect day. Great way to view and understand a bit more about Boston. Thanks