City Cruises Boston Historic Sightseeing Harbor Cruise
Badge of Excellence
Boston, USA
- 1 hour (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
See some of the top attractions in Boston from the waterfront on this narrated sightseeing cruise. Explore the world-famous Boston Harbor and see the city’s historic sites while listening to live commentary on board, from tales of the Revolutionary War to local legends. While you cruise, enjoy views of the city skyline as well as the Boston Harbor Islands, USS Constitution (“Old Ironsides”), and the Bunker Hill Monument.
- Historic sightseeing cruise of Boston Harbor
- Narrated tour with tales of the Revolutionary War, Legends of the Sea, and Boston's Historical Figures
- Learn how the harbor was transformed into one of the cleanest waterways
- Choose from multiple departure times to fit your schedule
What's Included
- 60-minute Historic Sightseeing Cruise of Boston Harbor
- Narrated tour.
- See stunning panoramic views of Boston's skyline and waterfront areas.
- Skip the ticket booth and head straight to the boat for faster boarding
- Food & Beverages (available for purchase)
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- 1 Long Wharf, Boston, MA 02110, USA
Please arrive at the Boston Harbor Cruises meeting point early – boarding begins 15 minutes before departure.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
Discover some of the important historic attractions along Boston’s inner and outer harbors during this entertaining and educational sightseeing cruise.
On this narrated tour, see the USS Constitution, the world’s oldest commissioned warship afloat and America’s Ship of State.
Check out Old North Church, where the famous “one if by land, and two if by sea” signal is said to have been sent by Paul Revere back in 1775. There’s also Boston Light, a lighthouse located on Little Brewster Island in outer Boston Harbor and the first light station established on the North American continent.
On this narrated tour, see the USS Constitution, the world’s oldest commissioned warship afloat and America’s Ship of State.
Check out Old North Church, where the famous “one if by land, and two if by sea” signal is said to have been sent by Paul Revere back in 1775. There’s also Boston Light, a lighthouse located on Little Brewster Island in outer Boston Harbor and the first light station established on the North American continent.
Boston Harbor City Cruises (Pass By)
Castle Island (Pass By)
Logan International Airport (Pass By)
USS Constitution (Pass By)
Bunker Hill Monument (Pass By)
Boston Light (Pass By)
Boston Harbor City Cruises (Pass By)
Old North Church & Historic Site (Pass By)
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- The boat is wheelchair accessible, however the restrooms are not wheelchair accessible
- Boarding begins 15 minutes before departure. Guests must arrive early, as late arrivals will likely miss the boat.
- Infants are free, however, they are REQUIRED to have a ticket.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 250 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Karen_C
Liz provided a great narration while the ship was sailing, and the crew was so welcoming as we boarded.. The two young men who took photos, which were available for purchase after the cruise, were friendly and helpful. Sitting on the deck of the ship in the sunshine, surrounded by fresh air and a gentle breeze, was incredibly relaxing. My family and I enjoyed this tour very much, and we highly recommend it.
Reviews
4.5
based on 1,437 reviews
Carol_H, Jun 2026
I believe that the viator website for this tour was false advertising. The photo of the tour shows a more historical looking ship with sails,(similar to the USS Constitution) which would have been a different experience for this tour even if the ship were equipped with a motor. The tour we experienced was a typical harbor boat tour and not what we expected. However, the boat did have a guide to point out all the history of Boston harbor. The guide was very informative and I had no complaints about her performance. It was not what we envisioned. Viator needs to identify via photo the actual boat that conducts the tours. It was disappointing.
Mary_E, Jun 2026
Get there early. Could not get seats to sit on top deck. Captain was fantastic. Very funny and extremely entertaining and informative.
Veronica_B, Jun 2026
It was a beautiful ride out on the Boston Bay. As soon as we arrived at the dock, everything went smoothly. Our boat guide was very knowledgeable. It was great for the price!
Duane_S, Jun 2026
Very educational. Seats on the top deck were a little uncomfortable. The guide was very good. A great way to spend the afternoon.
Brenda_W, Jun 2026
Narrator was wonderful and entertaining. The cruise was very informative and interesting. The seating was excellent.
arlene16, Jun 2026
We booked this thinking it was a sailing ship. The picture on the activity is a ship with sails. After searching the harbour for such a ship we missed our 12.30 departure. The lovely guy at Boston Harbour Cruises exchanged the ticket for the next sailing. He explained it was a normal boat not the sailing ship in the picture.
The experience itself was good with a great tour guide. So, we did have fun and recommend this for a nice hour on the water with great views.
I would suggest you take off the sailing boat picture as it’s misleading.
Abbie_K, Jun 2026
This tour was a great way to learn about the history of Boston. Our narrator was friendly and funny. Was also cool to be right under planes flying out of the airport.
Robert_P, Jun 2026
Our experience on the Boston Harbor cruise was that it was light on the historical content if you are looking for information about colonial Boston. There was more discussion of urban renewal and filling in the harbor in order to create newer Boston neighborhoods.
Deborah_A, Jun 2026
Really nice one hour historic cruise around Boston Harbor, with narration and historic tidbits! Highly recommend for anyone who wants a different perspective on the city and is limited on time.
Sandra_C, May 2026
Although this was my tour guide's first trip, he was very knowledgeable about the history around the harbor. It was a beautiful day for a cruise
Jennifer_R, May 2026
A great overview of the city from the water. We all enjoyed it and thought that it was a worthwhile activity.
Indrani_B, May 2026
It was a great experience. We had so much fun. Rain did not ruin the experience. We got to go under the plane
Michelle_S, May 2026
Great narration- very informative about some of the history of places on the harbor. A very relaxing way to take in the sights. Would definitely recommend!
Silke_B, May 2026
My family and I had a great time on the tour. We all learned a lot about the history of Boston, and enjoyed being out on the water in the harbor.
Mary_T, May 2026
We enjoyed our tour! David was a very knowledgable guide and made the tour fun. We loved getting to see all the sites of Boston from the harbor.
Noel_V, May 2026
On time and friendly tour. Really learn a lot of the history of Boston. This is a great activity to do solo with someone else or a group
Keith_J, May 2026
Pretty abbreviated, really didn’t see or learn too much. The guide tried to be entertaining, he failed.
Karen_I, May 2026
We enjoyed the cruise but the sound system needs upgrading. It was hard to hear the narrator at times, it was not always clear.
Claire_M, May 2026
I had David as our tour narrator and he was amazing!! As a solo traveller I was skeptical on doing this alone but as soon as I got on the boat it was super easy and super fun! Dave is hilarious and has a great sense of humour! Didn’t think this was really my thing but LOVED it and so glad I went!! I learned so much!
Lenette_H, May 2026
This tour is concise and packed with information. The plus side is that you can sit outside and enjoy the view
craig_k, May 2026
I would highly recommend doing the tour. Kevin did a wonderful job, very informative and knowledgeable of Boston
Niamh_O, May 2026
The guide David (I think) was very witty and made the experience. We were provided with lots of information. The trip was comfortable and aided by good weather. I would recommend this tour if you would like to know the history of how Boston was built. There is not any major information about the American Revolution so if that is what you are looking for, book a different cruise.
Jasmine_R, Apr 2026
Didn't get to do the cruise because I was late and I messaged them about 16 minutes before that I wasn't going to make it and if I could do their next tour about an hour and a half later. Never got back to me. I called the viator company to see if they could rebook for the next departure and they said they would send a request to the cruise for approval of the rebooking because they had availability. I waited and was never contacted by either company.
Nikki_T, Apr 2026
We really enjoyed this tour. It was chilly out so the closed in lower level was perfect. The narrator was very knowledgeable and everyone was super friendly.
Chloe_B, Apr 2026
Excellent boat trip, took in the harbour great sightseeing with commentary which was really informative.
Susan_B, Apr 2026
It was a nice ride. The guide was knowledgeable and the hot chocolate was delicious! The history of the bay and Spectacle Island was quite interesting.
Susy_M, Apr 2026
Kevin was both entertaining and informative! We enjoyed the commentary and the route the cruise took.
Jerome_R, Jan 2026
The experience was ok. Not sure it was worth the price but the tour guide was knowledgeable about the history of Boston. Expected music and clean/ clear windows to look out of.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you for your feedback. We’re glad you found our guide knowledgeable about Boston’s history. We appreciate your comments regarding the music and window clarity and will share them with our team as we work to improve the overall experience.
Taya_P, Jan 2026
Nice one hour boat trip, quite educational about Boston. Indoor area great during winter. Outdoor space open in the winter also. As functional bar for snack snacks, and drinks.
William_J, Dec 2025
Great tour of the harbour even in wet and misty conditions with a lot of interesting commentary about the seafront - both historical and more recent.
From $46.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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City Cruises Boston Historic Sightseeing Harbor Cruise
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