City Cruises Salem High Speed Ferry to/from Boston
Badge of Excellence
Boston, USA
- 50 minutes (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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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
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.
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
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers 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 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
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 734 reviews
Jennifer_G, Jun 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.
Sylvia_G, Jun 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
brian_l, Jun 2026
Professionally crewed and beautifully maintained. Nice zippy 28 kt tribe on a very stable catamaran.
Angela_H, Jun 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!
Amanda_C, Jun 2026
Beautiful ride. Fantastic staff. This was such a great way to travel from Boston to Salem. Can't wait to do it again!
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
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.
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.
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
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.
Bridgette_B, Oct 2025
Was nice scenic ride to Salem! Very comfortable. The guide gave a lot of interesting facts about Salem on our trip there. Would definitely do again!
Annette_E, Oct 2025
Great views of the city and many landmarks. A fun and relaxing experience. The guide was very knowledgeable.
DEBRA_R, Oct 2025
The boat was beautiful! The tour guide was awesome & the view and ride was exceptional. Highly recommend!! 👍👍⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Cierra_P, Oct 2025
Best way to get to Salem during the Halloween season! Little less then an hour and you get to see beautiful views of Boston harbor. Staff is also very friendly and informative! Great trip!
Doug_H, Oct 2025
Fun and relaxing way to travel. Very nice to have access to bathrooms and drink while traveling. Easy to use and less stressful than other means of transportation.
Sarah_H, Oct 2025
Freezing up top but a beautiful view! The crew was so friendly :) they have a bar with drinks & snacks.
Sara_A, Oct 2025
Quick direct way to get from Boston to Salem. Pretty views and they point out the sites around both areas
Mindy_R, Oct 2025
Spectacular and Super Helpful, Informational, and Kind Customer Service!! Would not only recommend but would definitely ride again!!!
Jennifer_D, Oct 2025
I am still waiting on my refund because our trip was cancelled two hours before we were due to leave.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
We’re very sorry for the delay in your refund. Please contact our customer service so we can resolve this promptly. We appreciate your patience and understanding.
Alan_S, Oct 2025
Probability of trip execution is completely dependent upon weather. Ours was canceled for this reason. Took the MBTA up to Salem- not as much fun, but it worked
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you for your review. We’re sorry your trip was canceled due to weather—safety is always our top priority. We’re glad you found an alternative way to enjoy Salem and hope you’ll join us for a future trip.
Alicia_J, Oct 2025
We were unable to make our tour due to a traffic accident on the way. The company refused to offer any compensation or even adjust to a time that better fit our plans. Please be aware of making a reservation with this company as if something happens out of your scope of control, they will do nothing to accommodate you.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
We’re very sorry you missed your tour and understand how frustrating this must have been. Your feedback is important, and we’ll use it to explore ways to better support our guests in unexpected situations.
Lynette_E, Oct 2025
It was very easy to buy tickets and find the ship. Everyone was very friendly and helpful. The ship was fast and even though the water was choppy it was a nice way to get to Salem.
Nicole_M, Oct 2025
Lots of standing and walking! Wear your most comfy shoes. Bring water. Joe was great! A great time!!
Karen_M, Oct 2025
The seats on the ferry were cushy and comfortable! We enjoyed watching reruns of The Price is Right on the big screen TV.
laura_s, Oct 2025
Great way to travel to/from Boston and Salem. Ride was smooth and easy and enjoyable. Enjoyed the experience.
Patricia_H, Oct 2025
Great history lesson. Guide Mikayla was passionate about history and did a great job with lots of stories.
Katrina_S, Oct 2025
The ferry itself was great but DO NOT BOOK from a third party like this, just go right to the Boston ferry website. Customer service is horrible, even got hung up on. Just book from the actual website it’s cheaper anyways.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you for your feedback. We're glad you enjoyed the ferry itself and are sorry to hear about your booking experience. We’ll share your comments with the appropriate team to help improve future service.
Dan_H, Oct 2025
Fast boat, beautiful scenery, and a cold drink. Life is good and this experience made it even better.
Scott_M, Oct 2025
Great way to commute to Salem. Ride was smooth and fast. Great having a snack bar on board and clean bathrooms.
Chris_T, Oct 2025
Very relaxing way to get to Salem, its not close to downtown Salem, so its a walk from the Harbor but its way more enjoyable than the train. Just be aware of the departure times.
From $42.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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