Located by the Charles River and the Atlantic Ocean, Boston offers some of the best opportunities to get off dry land and onto a sea-worthy vessel. Whether you’re looking to soak up Boston’s vast maritime history or catch some waves in a retired duck boat from WWII, let’s look at some fun boat tours you can experience today.
Boston Duck Tours
Perhaps the most iconic way to see Boston is by riding a duck boat from Boston Duck Tours. These vessels are captained by a trained conDUCKtor that makes the experience both entertaining and informative for all ages. These submersible vehicles ride on both land and sea, taking you around Boston’s iconic sites like the Old State House or catching some ocean spray from the Charles River. Best of all, riders get their own duckcalls to quack at pedestrians in good-natured fun. Catch a tour at The Prudential Center, the Museum of Science, or the New England Aquarium and give your trip something to quack about when you get back home!
Boston Harbor Sunset Cruise
If you’re looking for a romantic evening experience, the Boston harbor sunset cruise is a great choice to watch the sunset bathing Boston in iridescence. Not only do you get a chance to view some of Boston’s most iconic landmarks at sundown, including the USS Constitution (with its trademark evening cannon-firing), the Charlestown navy yard, and more, but you can purchase cocktails to get into a celebratory mood. The Boston Harbor Sunset Cruise lives up to its popularity among couples and families alike for an evening to remember.
Boston Skyline Kayak Tours from Kendall Square
If you want to get some exercise and see the city’s skyscrapers from the water, then the Boston Skyline Kayak Tour will give you an unforgettable experience. Participants get instruction on a double kayak, learning the basic strokes before launching into unforgettable sightseeing! Tour guides show you the eye-catching beauty and fill you in on the entertaining history of such Bostonian landmarks as: Great Dome of MIT, Hancock Building, State House Dome, Prudential Center, Citgo Sign, The Financial District, And more.
Tours are available day and night, so you can catch iconic sunsets that make for an unforgettable experience. Paddlers of all abilities are welcome to take the tour, even those individuals who have never paddled before! Best of all, tours are centrally-located in Kendall Square and are T-accessible.
Boston Whale Watching
Boston’s rich Maritime history would be incomplete without catching a glimpse of nature’s most majestic mammals: humpback and fin whales, as well as white-sided dolphins. And there’s no better opportunity than visiting the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary with a Boston Harbor Cruise. These excursions are led by a knowledgeable naturalist guide on board a high-speed catamaran in the open water. Make memories for years to come and see these creatures in their natural habitat - something that even the famed New England Aquarium even lacks. Tours are held seasonally, so be sure to check the schedule and book ahead.
Codzilla
Looking for excitement on the sea? Then you need to experience Codzilla, a “water coaster” that’s famous for breathtaking 360° spins and turns at 40 MPH. Expect to get wet and wild with a one of a kind soundtrack blasted to 11 that makes for an immersive experience for the whole family. Starting at Boston’s Long Wharf, right by popular Boston landmarks like Faneuil Hall and the New England Aquarium, your family can experience a speedboat adventure that’s sure to make memories!
