Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience Boston Harbor Islands National Park. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Boston Harbor Sightseeing Cruise

• Boston Harbor Brunch Cruise

• Sightseeing Day Sail Around Boston Harbor

• Boston Harbor Sunset Sail Tour

• 45 Min Private Boston Harbor Islands and Skyline Helicopter Tour

There is no entrance fee to visit the Boston Harbor Islands National Park in 2026. However, the park is only accessible by water ferry or guided tour. General ferry tickets typically range from US$15 to US$25 for adults, while guided tours and sightseeing cruises start at US$46. Private tours are available from US$449.

Yes, the Boston Harbor Islands National Park is worth visiting as the archipelago of 34 islands offers a diverse range of outdoor activities just a short ferry ride from Boston. Hike scenic coastal trails, explore Civil War–era Fort Warren on Georges Island, swim at designated beaches, or simply soak up sweeping views of the Boston skyline and Atlantic Ocean. Guided tours are a great way to experience the islands, whether you opt for a sailing tour around the harbor or a sightseeing cruise that illuminates the city's waterfront history.

Per one customer who booked the Boston Harbor Sightseeing Cruise, "This Harbor tour was so relaxing and informative. I guess it's the size of the boat, but it just glided on the water effortlessly. The Captain was great and narrated the tour very well. They have everything you could want on the boat to eat or drink. I highly recommend and would do it again."

That depends. At minimum, you’ll want to plan at least a half-day—four hours or more. While the islands are easy to visit from central Boston’s Long Wharf North, getting around and exploring can take time. If you’d like to spend longer, you can stay overnight at Peddocks Island’s campsite.

Yes and no. Visitors traveling by the Boston Harbor Islands Ferry can find free parking in Hingham Shipyard after purchasing their ticket—make sure you get a pass from the ticket office and arrive early to secure a spot. Note that passengers embark the ferry on foot and don’t take cars aboard.

Yes, Boston Harbor Islands National Park is great for children. Families can stop by the visitor centers on Georges Island and Spectacle Island to collect a free Junior Ranger booklet with fun, self-guided activities for kids. There are also digital booklets for several islands, featuring interactive challenges, which can be downloaded on the park’s website.

May through to October is the best time to visit Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park, when seasonal passenger ferries operate. Some islands, like Thompson Island—known for its beaches and salt marshes—are only open to the public on weekends during those months.

That depends on the island. Lovells, Bumpkin, and Grape—the more rustic of islands—only have composting toilets. If you prefer a restroom with full facilities, then head to Georges, Spectacle, or Peddocks Island. Georges and Spectacle also have visitor centers and picnic areas.

There are tons of fun things to do when you're done visiting Boston Harbor Islands National Park. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in Boston:

• Faneuil Hall Marketplace

• Boston Common

• Boston North End

• Quincy Market

• Granary Burying Ground

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