Best Boston Ferry Trips — Our Top 6

1.Boston to Martha’s Vineyard Day Trip with Optional Island Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3,162 reviews · 12 hours (approx.) · from $129Our pick

Leave Boston early in a 24-passenger minibus, ride through Cape Cod, and cross Vineyard Sound by ferry to Martha’s Vineyard. Explore independently or add a three-hour island tour covering Edgartown, Aquinnah, the Gay Head Cliffs, and all six island towns. Guides such as Tom, Elaine, Jonathan, and Johnny Boston are known for lively local commentary.

“Very informative, friendly guides. We very much enjoyed our tour of the island and history, as well as the food!”

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2.City Cruises Salem High Speed Ferry to/from Boston

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 727 reviews · 50 minutes (approx.) · from $42

Take a fast catamaran between Boston and Salem in about 50 minutes. Choose an outdoor deck or cushy indoor seat, buy coffee, drinks, and snacks from the galley, and listen for commentary from guides such as Donald or Mikayla. Plan ahead for cool, choppy weather and remember that a round trip requires two one-way tickets.

“Quick direct way to get from Boston to Salem. Pretty views and they point out the sites around both areas”

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3.Provincetown and Cape Cod High Speed Ferry to/from Boston

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 170 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $79

Ride a high-speed catamaran from Boston’s Long Wharf to Provincetown in about 90 minutes. Enjoy harbor views, air-conditioned seating, WiFi, restrooms, a bar, and a helpful onboard concierge. Buy separate one-way tickets for the return, and arrive at least 30 minutes early.

“Amazing beaches and food, had a great time , the ferry was very clean and organized. our guide on the ferry gave us lots of information to help us make the most of our day.”

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4.Boston Historic Taverns Tour with Tastings and Ferry

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 156 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $129Top rated

Spend 3.5 hours walking from Boston’s North End to Charlestown and back, with a public ferry ride, five Freedom Trail sites, two tavern drinks, appetizers, and a cannoli. Guides such as Big Al add local stories and humor. Expect a small group of up to 12, about 10,000 steps, and outdoor walking in any weather.

“It was EXCELLENT!!! Big AL WAS AWESOME!!! His character and knowledge of history was amazing!! We walked a lot but Big Al made it so much fun! I Highly recommend this if you want Boston history!”

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5.Historic Pubs Walking & Ferry, Food & Drink Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 56 reviews · 3h 30m · from $129

Spend 3.5 hours with an English-speaking guide such as Big Al, Alvin, or Martin, tracing Boston’s Revolutionary story by foot and ferry. Visit two historic taverns, enjoy a drink and appetizers at each, see the USS Constitution and Bunker Hill, then finish with pastry from Modern Pastry in the North End.

“Great tour/ tour guide. Marty was extremely knowledgeable about the Boston area and a super nice guy. My wife and I went on 5-6 tours while in Boston. This one was probably the best. I would absolutely recommend this one to anyone looking to have a good time and learn about the North End/ Charlestown.”

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6.Boston Harbor Islands Ferry

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 17 reviews · from $27Best value

Take a timed ferry from Long Wharf North to Georges Island or Spectacle Island. Explore Fort Warren and island trails, join ranger programs, visit exhibits, or relax by the water. Your return ticket is open, but there is no ferry between the islands, so choose your destination carefully.

“Enjoyable ride and exploration of the island. I learned a lot of history about the island.”

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