City Cruises Salem High Speed Ferry to/from Boston

Badge of Excellence

Boston, USA

Trending

Booked 5+ times in 12 hours.

50 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

Why travellers loved this

4.5

· Andrea_B ·

July 2026

Great Experience!! If you’re looking to do a Day trip to Salem while visiting Boston, Definitely use this service!! Ferry is easy to find , with friendly staff and a Clean ferry. Worth the expense. 👍

· Leslie_U ·

July 2026

This was a very enjoyable experience. It not only took us to Salem on a beautiful river, but we learned about Boston and Salem, passed tall ships and received a Salem City Guide and map. Highly recommended.

Explore our promoted experiences

Boston Logan Airport Private Transfer to Downtown Hotels

Boston, Massachusetts

5.0

(1)

Boston Logan Airport Private Transfer to Downtown Hotels

from USD 180

Per group

Boston Logan Airport Chauffeur, Boston Airport private Transfer

Boston, Massachusetts

3.0

(1)

Boston Logan Airport Chauffeur, Boston Airport private Transfer

from USD 220

Price varies by group size

Boston, Massachusetts

5-Hour Private Chauffeur Service from Boston

from USD 458

Per group

Viator earns higher commissions on experiences featured here

Overview

Don’t let time determine whether to see Boston or Salem. Visit both towns with the help of a quick and comfortable catamaran. This high-speed ferry service travels from Boston to Salem (or vice versa). Enjoy the scenic adventure from the upper or lower deck of the boat—or just relax at the lounge inside. An onboard galley offers food and beverages for purchase. Upon arrival, many top attractions are within walking distance. For Round Trip, you will need to purchase two separate one way tickets - one departing from Boston and one departing from Salem.

Fast, efficient transportation between Boston and Salem
Onboard galley offers food and beverages for purchase
See top Salem and Boston attractions within walking distance of the ports

What's Included

High-Speed Ferry to or from Salem
See the stunning views of the skyline during your sail
Skip the summer and Halloween traffic
Restroom on board

Food & beverage (available for purchase on board)

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting points

Select a meeting point

Type to search

Drop-off points

Select a drop-off point

Type to search

End point

10 Blaney St, Salem, MA 01970, USA
Salem Ferry Center

What To Expect

Boston or Salem? If that has to be the question, the answer is…both. Ditch the traffic and enjoy both historic cities with the help of a speedy ferry. A ticket provides a quick journey along Massachusetts Bay, scenery included. Think fishing boats, lighthouses, and beautiful homes here and there. It sure beats bumper-to-bumper traffic and angry car horns.

Onboard this catamaran, which holds up to 149 passengers, enjoy the sights and sounds from the upper or lower deck, or just relax inside with a beverage or snack. Breakfast or lunch is always ready.

Upon arrival in Salem, it’s a short stroll to top attractions like the House of Seven Gables and the Peabody Essex Museum. At the other end in Boston, the New England Aquarium, the Old North Church, Quincy Market and more are within walking distance.

For Round Trip, you will need to purchase two separate one way tickets - one departing from Boston and one departing from Salem.

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Wheelchair accessible
Pushchair accessible
Service animals allowed
Near public transportation
Transportation is wheelchair accessible

Most travellers can participate
For Round Trip, you will need to purchase two separate one way tickets - one departing from Boston and one departing from Salem.
Boarding begins 15 minutes before departure. Guests must arrive early, as late arrivals will likely miss the boat.
Infants are REQUIRED to have a ticket.
Not recommended for guests prone to motion sickness.
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 149 travellers

Supplied by

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveller Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveller's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveller's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveller's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveller's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveller's review)

Featured review

Rafal_G

A fantastic boating adventure from Boston to Salem. The captain tells interesting stories about Salem, recommends guides, and is very polite and courteous. The transfer was quick and the boat was comfortable. I recommend it to everyone.

Reviews

4.5

based on 755 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Sort by: Most recent

Great way to see the harbor

Alexandra_S, July 2026

We had a great time! We got there quick, the water was nice and smooth. Perfect day! Highly recommend

Fun and Scenic

Lorena_D, July 2026

Nice way to go, scenic and relaxing. They explained a little about the harbor itself and the Islands surrounding it.

Great option for visiting Salem!

Andrea_B, July 2026

Day Trip to Salem by ferry

Lisa_M, July 2026

Fun day trip by ferry to Salem- informative easy ride- great location to stop and explore for a few hours.

I think that I would pass this tour if I returned to Salem.

Mati_r, July 2026

People should understand that the tour is mostly about witches and spirits. Very little concerning history. The tour guide was not knowledgeable concerning native Americans and what happened to thousands about families.

Boston to Salem by Ferry

Pamela_B, July 2026

We enjoyed a narrated ferry ride from Boston to Salem. The ride not only showcased the sites along the way but it was informative too. It was great way to see the coastline and get us to our next destination. I would highly recommend.

Stress-free Vacation Trip

Barbara_C, July 2026

If you are vacationing in the Boston area, this ferry provides a pleasant, leisurely way to get to Salem with a little history and geography commentary thrown in. If you choose to watch the scenery from outside, be aware it can get pretty windy on deck.

This was a very enjoyable...

Leslie_U, July 2026

Great Option to Travel to Salem

judyolew, July 2026

This was a beautiful ride to Salem. Our tour guide (I believe his name was Tom) provided a great overview of the area, the architecture, and stories. It was almost like having a guided tour! Great way to travel to Salem. Beautiful views. Easy on / off. The whole crew was kind and polite. Be sure to note that this is a one-way ticket. You'll need to book both directions.

Rip off

Donna_R, July 2026

They changed us full price without “mentioning” there was only an hour available, then spent 20 minutes at the second stop while they changed drivers………

This was an experience...

Charles_N, July 2026

This was an experience that we’ve never done. It’s pricey and a one time thing but it was cool to go to Salem this way

Foggy day

Jennifer_T, July 2026

Planned for this to be a scenic option to Salem, but it was too foggy to see much. Still got me where I wanted to go on time.

Fun boat ride!

Lisa_A, July 2026

It was a fun boat ride-definitely recommend! The host was also great and full of knowledge. We will be back.

Great way to end day in Salem and travel to Boston.

Kristin_M, June 2026

Beautiful way to travel to Boston. Weather was great, sailboats on the harbor. Listened to music on the dock in Salem waiting for the boat. Saw bad reviews from people buying one way tickets FROM Boston instead of TO Boston. Double check what sailing you’re buying!!! It’s worth it though. Way better than the train after a long day of shopping and sight seeing.

Shocking experience.

Calum_G, June 2026

Shocking experience. Requested to move the ferry from the later to earlier. Operator refused and said that Viator have to authorise the change. Viator claimed that operator had to authorise. We were stood on the dock and watched the early ferry leave due to both operator and Viator’s incompetence. Will not use again.

Fun

Sarah_R, June 2026

This was a great ferry ride to Salem! Our guide gave us good information about the harbor. Thanks so much?

Horrible booking

Edgar_O, June 2026

I booked a boat ride that would leave from Boston at 4pm and I have a screenshot and emails to prove it. Once I get to the dock only to find out the boat ride doesn’t start in Boston but instead ends in Boston. Your application gave me the option to pick Boston. I want all my money back immediately!!!

Nice trip

Mariela_G, June 2026

Well organized, clean and secure for children and all people. Definitely we will do it again next time.

Awful experience

Jennifer_G, June 2026

The information from Viator was incorrect. We were unable to take the ferry. We are waiting for a refund. I will never use Viator again.

Very fun and unique way...

Sylvia_G, June 2026

Very fun and unique way to travel and see some sites you may otherwise miss. There are drinks and snacks available and friendly staff

Great ferry to salem

brian_l, June 2026

Professionally crewed and beautifully maintained. Nice zippy 28 kt tribe on a very stable catamaran.

Beyond Horrible customer service

Angela_H, June 2026

I booked a one-way ticket from Boston to Salem. My pick up location was Boston. When I got to the Boston ferry, they said my ticket was a one-way from Salem to Boston. They could not help me because I reserved through a third-party company, also known as yours truly Viator! I spent an hour on hold trying to talk to someone with customer service to easily swap my location and they would not do it. My pick up location was Boston and they even recognized that but did nothing to fix it! Instead of going through a third-party like Viator, just go to the Boston or Salem ferry location and buy the tickets in person so you don’t get screwed and have to be on hold for over an hour and waste your time, dealing with imbeciles when you could’ve been enjoying your amazing vacation!

First trip

Amanda_C, June 2026

Beautiful ride. Fantastic staff. This was such a great way to travel from Boston to Salem. Can't wait to do it again!

Good transport option

Kathy_M, May 2026

The ferry was great and left right on time however we were promised a guided commentary and didn't get one! Disappointed as we have never been here before and didn't know what we were looking at from the boat

Ferry or Train??

Debbie_G, Apr 2026

We took the train to Salem and the ferry back. It was a nice change of pace and an opportunity to see more of Boston.

Not happy

Nancy_M, Oct 2025

You cancelled our trip to Salem after we planned this out for months! Had to find alternate transportation. Not happy! 😡

Response from Host, Nov 2025

We’re very sorry your trip was canceled and understand how frustrating this must have been after your planning. Safety is our top priority, but we regret the inconvenience. Please contact our customer service so we can assist with any refunds or future bookings.

Beautiful views & guided trip

Eszter_N, Oct 2025

Had a great time,spcial thanks to Donald :) thank you for your commentary about Boston and Salem. Mark&Eszter from Dublin

Excellent modern ferry...

Andrew_D, Oct 2025

Excellent modern ferry with three levels and outdoor seating. They have coffee, drinks and snacks on board. We took the ferry to Salem and had an excellent explanation of Boston Bay by the concierge on the way out.