Tall Ship Harbor Sail

Board a classic tall ship for a sail on Boston Harbor lasting 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours. The cruise stays on the water for the full trip.

Overview

A classic schooner sets out from the Boston waterfront and spends roughly ninety minutes to two hours out on Boston Harbor. There is a bar on board with soft drinks and alcoholic beverages for purchase, including beers brewed in South Boston.

This is not a narrated tour. The crew are happy to answer questions about the harbor, the ship, and local history, but the default experience is relaxed and unhurried. Reviewers repeatedly describe it as a boat ride around the harbor rather than a guided commentary, and many liked exactly that. Volunteers can help hoist the sails and take part in running the ship if they want to.

It suits travellers who want an easy, social couple of hours on the water with a drink in hand. The listing caps the sail at a maximum of 49 travellers. Anyone expecting a structured history tour should look elsewhere or ask the crew questions directly.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Arrive at Marina OverlookThe meeting point is Marina Overlook, 10 Waterside Ave, Boston, MA 02210. The outer boarding dock is reached via a gangway just to the right of Reel House Oyster Bar's outdoor seating. Arrive 15 to 20 minutes before the scheduled sail time, as the ship departs promptly.
2. Board the schoonerStep aboard and settle in on deck. Drinks, including local South Boston beers, are available to purchase on board.
3. Sail Boston HarborThe ship passes Boston (pass by) and sails along the coast and past the airport area. Passengers may help hoist the sails and ask the crew about landmarks and history. The sail lasts 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours.
4. Return to the dockThe activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you get the most out of this sail.

• Getting there. The meeting point is near public transportation. One reviewer found the location a bit hard to find, but the oyster bar next door is an easy landmark, with the gangway just to the right of its outdoor seating.
• Sun and wind. One reviewer advised bringing sunscreen, since you get a lot of sun on the water.
• Food and drink. There is a bar on board selling soft drinks and alcoholic beverages, including local beers, with a minimum drinking age of 21.
• Pace and feel. The sail is relaxed rather than narrated, and reviewers often mention socializing with the crew and other passengers. The boat can be full, which one reviewer said made it a good way to meet people. Volunteers are invited to help hoist the sails.
• Timing your day. One reviewer specifically recommended an afternoon sail after a morning of walking around the city. Several also describe the sail as relaxing.
• Children. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and infants must sit on laps. The listing says most travellers can participate.

Common issues. The tour is not wheelchair accessible. It requires good weather and a minimum number of travellers, and if either forces a cancellation you will be offered a different date or a full refund. One reviewer suggested music, since the sail is not narrated, and another felt the route stays close to the harbor between the docks and the airport rather than venturing further out. Gratuities are not included, though not expected.

Common Questions