Harbor Sunset Cruise

Cruise Boston Harbor at sunset on this one-and-a-half-hour boat ride. The hour and a half on the water is timed to the sunset, keeping the whole ride on the harbor.

Overview

This 1.5 hour cruise leaves from Rowes Wharf, behind the Boston Harbor Hotel, and travels through the harbor as the sun goes down over the city. Mass Bay Lines runs it, and a guide narrates the whole trip, pointing out landmarks and telling stories from Boston Harbor's past and present. The route passes the USS Constitution, the 200-year-old navy frigate, and some reviewers described the cannon fire at sundown as a highlight of their trip.

The boat is a relaxed way to see the skyline from the water. As the light fades, the city's buildings and the Seaport shore light up. A full bar operates on board, along with snacks and cold drinks such as water, juice and soda, all sold separately from the ticket.

Check-in is at the ferry terminal behind the Boston Harbor Hotel, with boarding from Gate C, and the listing asks passengers to arrive 20 to 30 minutes early. The cruise runs rain or shine, so the weather you get is the weather you sail in.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Check in at Rowes WharfArrive at the ferry terminal behind the Boston Harbor Hotel to collect a boarding pass. The listing recommends arriving 20 to 30 minutes before departure.
2. Board at Gate CThe boat departs from Gate C behind the Boston Harbor Hotel. A safety briefing is given before the cruise begins.
3. Boston Harbor cruiseA guided sightseeing trip through the harbor at sunset, with commentary on landmarks and history. The route takes in views of the skyline, the Seaport area and the USS Constitution.
4. Return to Massachusetts Bay LinesThe cruise finishes back at the Massachusetts Bay Lines departure point.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points help this trip go smoothly, based on the listing and what travellers report.

• Bring a layer. The cruise runs into the evening, and one traveller noted the breeze on the water made a hot day pleasant. That same breeze can feel cool after the sun goes down, so a layer is a safe bet.
• Buy drinks on board. Snacks, water, juice, soda and a full bar are available for purchase on every boat. Food, drinks and tips are not included in the ticket.
• Sunset is weather-dependent. Cloud or fog can hide the sunset itself, as one reviewer experienced, though the skyline lights and shoreline views remain. The tour sails rain or shine.
• Listen for the cannon. Multiple reviewers mentioned hearing the USS Constitution fire her cannon at sundown. It is a moment several of them singled out.
• Easy pace. There is no walking tour attached to this trip. Reviewers described it as relaxing and smooth when the bay is calm.
• Arrive early. Check-in happens at the ferry terminal behind the Boston Harbor Hotel, and boarding is from Gate C. The listing asks for arrival 20 to 30 minutes before the start.

Common issues. The sunset itself depends entirely on the weather, and one reviewer had a cloudy, foggy evening that buried it. Some travellers also report that commentary can be hard to hear on deck. The listing notes the cruise runs rain or shine, and food, drinks and tips cost extra. No hotel pickup is provided, so travellers must make their own way to Rowes Wharf.

Common Questions