Charles River Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience the Charles River. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Boston Duck Boat Sightseeing City Tour with Cruise Along Charles River

• MIT Campus Guided Walking Tour

• Boston Summer Nights Trolley Tour plus River Cruise

• Family-Friendly Guided Bike Tour of Boston

• 2 Hour Boston Segway Tour

While it’s free to explore the Charles River on your own, there are plenty of tours that can help you experience the river: boat cruises, walking tours, or even gliding along on a Segway. Walking tours start at around US$22, while the city’s unique part-road, part-boat tours hover around US$62. Segway tours cost from US$100.

Yes, the Charles River is worth visiting. There are so many ways to enjoy the city's river: Stroll the 3-mile (5-kilometer) Esplanade on the Boston side, catch a free concert at the Hatch Shell, or enjoy a picnic along the banks for skyline views. Book a sightseeing tour to take to the water—the amphibious Boston Duck Boats are a particularly popular option. Guided tours cover key landmarks throughout the city with insights from a local expert guide as you go.

Per one customer who booked the Boston Duck Boat Sightseeing City Tour with Cruise Along Charles River, "This was by far our favorite touristy activity. We had the best tour guide, who was funny and incredibly informative, and we had a good mix of learning the rich history of the city, as well as famous eateries along the way. When the boat went into the Charles River, both kids had a chance to drive the boat, which was such a memorable experience. Highly recommended, and something everyone passing through Boston should try to do!"

Residents and visitors to the Greater Boston area love the Charles River for its connection to the natural world, where cyclists, walkers, kayakers, and joggers can exercise and relax on its banks. The “Lower Charles” is particularly popular, lined with boat houses, concert areas, sports fields, and more.

Yes, you can boat on the Charles River. Both individuals and tours run on the river, including yachts, powerboats, cruise boats, and Duck Tours. There are a few different launch spots to keep things easy for boaters. On the river, there are several locks, especially near the entrance to the harbor.

Yes, but swimmers must obtain a permit from the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation for safety reasons. The Charles River hasn’t always been fit for swimming, but there is an ongoing conservation and clean-up project so that more humans can enjoy a dip in “The Charles.”

Yes, you can legally fish in the Charles River. Fishermen just need to obtain a state fishing license, which is easy to do online. Hot spots for catching bigger fish are around docks or bridge pilings, where baitfish hang out. Try your luck at snagging a largemouth or striped bass.

Besides all the sporting activities along the Charles River, visitors may also run into local wildlife. Birds like great blue herons and cormorants hang out on “The Charles,” as do muskrats and beavers. In the river, you’ll find golden shiner, bluegill, carp, pumpkinseed, and more fish species.

Several tours can enhance a trip to the Charles River by giving you insider tips on the area. There are family-friendly guided bike tours, self-guided scavenger hunt-type tours, and other walking tours with a live guide. Some tours combine Charles River trips with other spots in Boston, like the MIT Campus.

There are tons of things to do when you're done visiting the Charles River. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in Cambridge:

• Harvard University

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

• Harvard Square

• Kendall Square

• John Harvard Statue

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in Cambridge.