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New EnglandCruises & boat tours

Our most recommended New England Cruises & boat tours

Boston Duck Tour: The Original and World-Famous

1. Boston Duck Tour: The Original and World-Famous

Make a splash on an 80-minute “Duck” tour of Boston and see the city from the land and water on one non-stop journey. Climb aboard your World War II-style amphibious landing vehicle at the Museum of Science or Prudential Center, and set off to discover unique neighborhoods. You will be welcomed on board by one of the legendary “ConDUCKtors®” who will narrate your tour and tell you about Boston as the birthplace of freedom and place of “firsts.” Travel by the golden-domed State House to Bunker Hill, and continue to Boston Common and Copley Square. Hear about the “Big Dig,” and marvel at fashionable Newbury Street. Go to historic Quincy Market, and more. As the best of Boston unfolds, your “ConDUCKtor®” will give you lots of little-known facts and interesting insights into the heritage of the city. Then, just when you think you've seen it all, it's time for a splash into the Charles River. Enjoy views of Boston and Cambridge that you won't get anywhere else. All tours feature a fun, informative local guide. In addition, foreign language tours depart every half hour from the Museum of Science location. These tours utilize cutting-edge GPS technology to offer tours in Spanish, German, French, Mandarin, Japanese, Italian, Portuguese (Brazilian dialect), Cantonese and Korean, at no additional cost to you. If you require this multilingual commentary, be sure to choose the option from the Museum of Science.

Boston: Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

2. 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.

Portland: Best of Maine Lighthouse Scenic Cruise

3. Portland: Best of Maine Lighthouse Scenic Cruise

Sit back and relax as you cruise along the serene Casco Bay in Portland, Maine. Immerse yourself in the rich history of Portland and see the four iconic lighthouses, the sights of Portland Harbor, and the picturesque waterway Diamond Pass. During the cruise, explore the bustling inner harbor and main shipping channel to get close-up views of civil war era forts and the lighthouses that guide mariners into Portland Harbor. Along with the historical waterfront, you'll also get the chance to see the Portland Head Light, Bug Light, and the Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse.

Newport, Rhode Island: Scenic Narragansett Bay Cruise

4. Newport, Rhode Island: Scenic Narragansett Bay Cruise

Take in the classic New England fall scenery aboard the comfortable Coastal Queen on a city cruise from Newport, Rhode Island. Listen as local guides share their knowledge of the historic sites that surround the Newport Harbor and the Jamestown shoreline. See historic church steeples, Bowen’s and Banisters Wharves, lighthouses, forts, mega yachts, mansions, and more on the tour. You may even spot a seal or two. The Coastal Queen offers maximum comfort and has a weatherproof interior that can be heated on chilly days, a bar, panoramic views, and an open-air top-covered deck where the side curtains can roll up for catching the ocean breezes or rolled down for warmth.

Newport, RI: Evening Cocktail Cruise of Narragansett Bay

5. Newport, RI: Evening Cocktail Cruise of Narragansett Bay

Experience Newport Harbor and Lower Narragansett Bay as the sun goes down while sipping a special complimentary drink. See mega yachts, lighthouses, historic church steeples, the Newport Pell Bridge, Rose Island, the Jamestown shoreline, historic forts, and so much more from aboard the Coastal Queen. Enjoy panoramic views from the warm and weatherproof main salon or from the open-air upper deck. Additional refreshments are available for purchase at the cash-only bar onboard. Coastal Queen staff follow the most current health guidelines to ensure your experience is safe and enjoyable. After the cruise, take a moment to walk around and soak up the vibrancy of this coastal town. Checkout out the shops or enjoy a sweet or savory treat in one of the many cafes lining the port.

Penobscot Bay: Historic Schooner Day Sailing Trip

6. Penobscot Bay: Historic Schooner Day Sailing Trip

Experience one of the top things to do in Camden sailing along Maine's magnificent rocky coastline. Climb aboard the elegant Appledore II, a historic schooner. Feel like an adventurer from the 19th-century while enjoying state-of-the-art accommodations onboard a modern windjammer. Stroll along the wide decks as you take in the sights without needing to duck beneath the rigging. With a capacity of only 49 passengers, there is abundant seating to make yourself comfortable for this intimate sailing trip. Enjoy the chance to sail your own wooden ship as the crew welcomes your participation. Offer to help raise the sails and take a turn at the wheel of this hard-working, seaworthy schooner. Ask your crew about the history of the boat which has sailed around the world, docking at many harbors along the way. Twice a year, she still sails the Eastern seaboard between her 2 home ports of Camden, Maine and Key West, Florida.  Start the tour by departing from Bayview Landing and heading out of Camden Harbor. Discover why Camden is often called the jewel of the Maine coast as you sail past the impressive lighthouse, Curtis Island Light, dating from 1836, and into Penobscot Bay. Considered to be one of the top cruising bays in the world, Penobscot Bay will amaze you with its uninhabited islands, wildlife, and views of Camden Hills and other coastal mountains dropping off into the sea. During the tour, look along the shore for Mount Battie, historic inns, and elegant summer mansions of the rich and famous with their million dollar yachts. Watch lobstermen hauling in their traps. On a typical day, you may see porpoises playing in the water, ospreys, eagles hunting for fish, and even the occasional whale. Watch for seals sunning themselves on rocks and cute guillernots (cousins of the puffin), with their bright red feet, wobbling as they walk along the rocky shoreline. Quench your thirst with cocktails, beer, wine and soft drinks, all available for purchase during your sailing cruise. As Camden Harbor comes back into view, relax and feel the wind sweep through your hair as your memorable sailing ship cruise draws to a close.

Boothbay Harbor Cruise: Lighthouses, Lobster Haul, and Seals

7. Boothbay Harbor Cruise: Lighthouses, Lobster Haul, and Seals

Go on a delightful harbor cruise, passing summer colonies, lighthouses, small islands, and out to see the seals on the ledges. Fun for the whole family. Pass by 2 lighthouses, islands, coastline, inner and outer harbor, and seals at the seal rocks. Experience a Boothbay classic that has been enjoyed for over 50 years and find out why it's so popular. Get an idea of how those delicious lobsters you enjoy at your favorite restaurant are caught, how the traps are hauled, and a little background of Maine’s famous lobster industry. Enjoy the seals basking on the rocks. Pass by two major lighthouses, Burnt Island Light, and Ram Island Lighthouse. This Boothbay Harbor lobster tour is educational and fun for the whole family. Don't forget to bring your camera. Step aboard a vessel that has the largest and most comfortable main salon in the region with padded seats and tables. Relax with food and a drink from the galley, which features a 360-degree view of the outside. Enjoy the sun and fresh Maine air on the upper deck. Hear the narration no matter where you choose to be, with speakers throughout the vessel.

Camden: Sunset Sailing Cruise Aboard Appledore II

8. Camden: Sunset Sailing Cruise Aboard Appledore II

Board the Appledore II in Bayview Landing in Camden, and enjoy a 2-hour sunset cruise. Admire the beautiful harbor, framed by mountains, and appreciate the views from the wide decks. Help to raise the sails, take a turn at the wheel, and experience captaining a traditional wooden ship. Cruise past Curtis Island Light and into Penobscot Bay. Sail along the rugged coastline, take in the majestic mountains, and look out for local wildlife such as seals, porpoises, and eagles. Cocktails, beer, wine, and soft drinks are available for purchase as you enjoy the sunset over Mount Battie.

Portland: Sunset Lighthouse Cruise in Casco Bay with Drinks

9. Portland: Sunset Lighthouse Cruise in Casco Bay with Drinks

Enjoy a 1.5-hour cruise around the islands of Portland's Casco Bay. Pass historic lighthouses, early-19th century forts, and quaint fishing piers as you explore the area at sunset. Guests over 21 can enjoy 1 craft beer or hard seltzers per person. As you cruise, keep an eye out for seabirds and the occasional seal that call Maine's coast home. When the timing's right, the boat will turn its bow towards Portland so you can enjoy the sunset and the city's skyline from the water. GROUP OF 6 OR MORE? Please reach out to us about private charter options for the best experience possible!

Boothbay Harbor: Scenic Schooner Cruise

10. Boothbay Harbor: Scenic Schooner Cruise

Experience a classic sailing trip in Boothbay Harbor, taking in historic sights and striking natural landscapes. Navigate the area aboard a large schooner with plenty of seating space and an open deck offering panoramic views of the harbor and coastline. Hop aboard a sailing vessel in the center of Boothbay Harbor’s historic waterfront. Take advantage of the onboard engine to get to the sailing grounds quickly. Explore all the areas of the rocky harbor to see what life along the Maine coast is like. Admire 360-degree views with no obstructions other than the masts, then make your way back to the harbor. Allow the staff to advise you on great experiences to spend the rest of your day, such as visits to the nearby inns, shops, and restaurants, or other activities on the water.

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Other Sightseeing Options in New England

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What people are saying about New England

Our harbor tour was great! The weather was working with us during our hour tour. Seeing Boston from the harbor was wonderful. Give you a different perspective. Plus, the guide was very good. Easy to hear, funny and very informative. I would highly recommend the tour.

The overall experience was very enjoyable. The boat that we went out in was in excellent condition and was well staffed with a courteous crew.

It was a great way to see important sights in Boston! You even get a chance to drive the boat!

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

We loved the music, the welcoming vibe, and the boat!