Castle Island Tours and Tickets

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

• Boston Harbor Brunch Cruise

• Boston Harbor Sunset Sail Tour

• City Cruises Boston Signature Dinner Cruise

• Boston Premier Brunch Cruise on Odyssey

• New England Fall Foliage Lunch Cruise in Boston Harbor

Castle Island is a public park and is free to access. While there is no general admission fee, boat tours of Boston Harbor, which typically pass by Castle Island, start at around US$30. The Castle Island Association also offers free scenic tours of Fort Independence, which was used during World War I and World War II.

The top things to do on Castle Island include visiting the historic Fort Independence, walking or biking around the island, picnicking, and relaxing at Carson Beach. The island is also a great spot for birdwatching, especially if you’re interested in spotting seabirds and other coastal species, as well as fishing.

To get to Castle Island from downtown Boston, you can take the #7 or #9 MBTA buses. The ride takes about 35–40 minutes, depending on traffic. The buses stop near the entrance to the park. You can take the Red Line from downtown (South Station or Downtown Crossing) toward Ashmont and get off at Broadway. From there, transfer to the #9 bus for a short ride to Castle Island.

Yes, Castle Island is generally accessible for visitors with disabilities. There are paved, wheelchair-accessible walkways around the island. Fort Independence’s grounds are mostly accessible, but it’s worth noting that the historic structure itself may have some limitations for those with mobility challenges due to its age. There are accessible parking spaces available near the entrance.

The best time to visit Castle Island depends on what you’re planning to do. The spring and summer months (April to October) are the most popular time to visit, as the weather is perfect for outdoor activities like walking, picnicking, or relaxing on Carson Beach. Early fall offers mild weather, fewer crowds, and beautiful foliage around the island.