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Boston Waterfront Activities

Our most recommended Boston Waterfront Activities

Boston: Hop-on Hop-off Old Town Trolley Tour

1. Boston: Hop-on Hop-off Old Town Trolley Tour

Enjoy a hop-on hop-off tour aboard Boston’s charming orange and green Old Town Trolley and visit more than 100 points of interest in the city at your own pace. Enjoy the freedom to hop on or off all day and discover sights like the Boston State House, Liberty Wharf, and the Charlestown Navy Yard. Take in double-decker height views while protected from the elements. The comfortable enclosed trolleys allow you to experience elevated viewing come rain, snow, or shine. Choose between 1-day and 2-day ticket options with free unlimited re-boarding. The Boston Trolley tour covers all the major areas including downtown, Beacon Hill, Back Bay, the theater district, and the waterfront. Conductors narrate the tour, offering a fun mix of trivia and humorous stories. There are 14 stops conveniently located close to over 100 points of interest in Boston, these are: • Stop 1: New England Aquarium/Faneuil Hall Marketplace • Stop 2: Historic North End • Stop 3: USS Constitution/Charlestown Navy Yard • Stop 4: North Station/TD Bank Garden • Stop 5: Old State House * Stop 6: Beacon Hill/Antique Row • Stop 7: Cheers Bar "The Original" • Stop 8: Prudential Center/Skywalk Observatory (Currently closed due to construction) • Stop 9: Christian Science Plaza/Symphony Hall • Stop 10: Copley Place Shopping Galleries • Stop 11: Copley Square/Trinity Church • Stop 12: Old Town Trolley Welcome Center • Stop 13: Boston State House/ Boston Common/Beacon Hill • Stop 14: Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum (discounted admission included)

Boston: Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

2. Boston: Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

Go whale watching off the coast of Boston on a comfortable, high-speed catamaran with maximized outdoor and indoor viewing capacity. Look out for humpback, finback, and minke whales, as well as white-sided dolphins on this adventure cruise. Benefit from the best-guided experience, with professional researchers from the Whale Center of New England, the region's foremost authority on whale populations, on-hand to provide you with expert commentary. After you find your crew at the dock, board the high-speed catamaran that offers the fastest, most comfortable way to explore the Atlantic.  Make the most of the 3 outside viewing decks, climate-controlled cabin space with cushioned seating, tables, state-of-the-art sound and video systems, and a galley offering snacks and beverages for purchase. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for:  Humpback whales The humpback’s name comes from the way its back arches out of the water when preparing for a deep dive. “Megaptera” is its true scientific name, which means “large-winged,” in reference to its long flippers. Finback whales Finbacks are second only to Blue Whales in overall size, measuring in at 45-70 feet in length and weighing approximately 40 tons as full-grown adults. Minke whales A sleek, small dolphin-like baleen whale, Minkes are the most abundant whale in the world today with a population numbering well over 1 million worldwide. White-sided dolphins Found only in the North Atlantic, in waters just south of New England and north to Norway, these playful mammals feed on single prey such as squid, unlike whales, who feast on large numbers of small fish.

Boston: Historical Sightseeing Cruise

3. Boston: Historical Sightseeing Cruise

Board a sightseeing cruise in Boston and take a tour around Boston Harbor. Experience breathtaking views, refreshing sea breezes, and vividly told stories of Boston's past and present as you admire the city's sights from the water. Depart from Long Wharf, then Cruise past the USS Constitution, the oldest commissioned US Navy warship afloat today, marvel at the Bunker Hill Monument, and catch a glimpse of the fabled Old North End Church steeple. Hear heroic tales told by expert narrators and learn about local legends from the Revolutionary War. You'll also discover how the harbor was transformed into one of the cleanest waterways in the country. Enjoy the best view no matter the weather, with spacious outdoor viewing decks when the weather is fine, and indoor spaces with large windows if you want to be indoors. Onboard refreshments and snacks are also available for purchase.

Boston: New England Harbor Cruise

4. Boston: New England Harbor Cruise

Boston Harbor is home to 34 islands and nearly every island has a story to tell. From its fortifications and hauntings to lighthouses and wildlife sanctuaries, the harbor is full of rich and unique history that will keep your attention throughout the trip.  Notable things to see include the Old North Church, Bunker Hill Monument, USS Cassin Young, the USS Constitution, Fort Independence, Boston's Seaport District, and Spectacle Island. The motor yacht's design was inspired by classic New England 1920s style steamships. She is one of the most comfortable and versatile cruise vessels in the Boston Harbor. She is 115-feet in length, features six bathrooms and provides ample seating throughout the ship. She is built for taking groups of people on spectacular sightseeing adventures. Thus, she is excellent for taking out groups of friends and family to see the harbor. Sit back and relax in the climate-controlled cabin or enjoy the sea breeze on the open top deck. During your harbor cruise, the captain will provide narration and the crew will be around to assist in making your trip more comfortable. Be sure to visit the fully stocked bar on the main deck to purchase refreshments.

Boston: Harbor Champagne Sunset Sail from Rowes Wharf

5. Boston: Harbor Champagne Sunset Sail from Rowes Wharf

Embark on a sightseeing sunset cruise on Boston harbor and soak up the views of the famous skyline. Admire city highlights, including the Inner Harbor Islands and the Boston Fish Pier.    Board an elegant sailing yacht, the ' Adirondack III.' Travel in style on a classic 80 foot pilot schooner that is comfortable and spacious. Glide smoothly over the water and have the option of purchasing a refreshing drink at the onboard bar. Admire views of the historic scenery of Boston Harbor as you pass by the Boston Fish Pier and the Moakley Federal Courthouse at Fan Pier. Capture pictures of Castle Island and the Donald McKay monument. Cruise through the Inner Harbor Islands. Step back in time as you cruise by the historic Charleston Navy Yard. Go by the lush greenery of the Waterfront Park and take in the modern architecture of buildings like the New England Aquarium. Take a selfie in front of the Boston skyline. Have your questions about the sights and history of Boston Harbor and its surrounding areas answered by the attentive crew. Hear facinating facts and old-time legends about the maritime world of Boston. Return to your meeting point at the end of the tour.

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Other Sightseeing Options in Boston Waterfront

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What people are saying about Boston Waterfront

Our harbor tour was great! The weather was working with us during our hour tour. Seeing Boston from the harbor was wonderful. Give you a different perspective. Plus, the guide was very good. Easy to hear, funny and very informative. I would highly recommend the tour.

Amazing trip to whale watch. We were able to see tons of whales and seals along the way. The boat was crowded but still plenty of room to move around and enjoy the time on the boat! Amazing staff and well organized.

The 2 tour bus drivers we had the pleasure of travelling with were incredibly entertaining as well as full of fun facts, I wish I could remember their names!

Some guides were better than others, ALL knowledgeable of the areas and history.

Except for the heat it was a real good outing, informative and friendly staff.