Boston Ghost Cruise: Haunted Islands Night Tour from Rowes Wharf
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Minimal fitness required—able to board a small gangway and stand or sit for the duration.
Overview
Board the Northern Lights at Rowes Wharf for a 90-minute night cruise that pairs skyline views with haunted island lore. Guides stitch together maritime history and folklore as you pass George’s, Spectacle, Thompson and Castle Islands.
Boston Ghost Cruise: Haunted Islands Night Tour from Rowes Wharf
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The yacht slips away from Rowes Wharf and the city exhales. Under the boat’s lights, Boston Harbor becomes a ribbon of reflected neon and shadow; the narrator’s voice threads through the chill air, turning lighthouses and breakwaters into actors in long-breathed stories. For 90 minutes aboard the Northern Lights, passengers trade the steady thrum of the city for a different kind of heartbeat: the hush of islands that once ferried the sick, the condemned, and the forgotten.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Dress in layers
Temperatures on the water drop quickly after sunset—bring a windproof jacket and an insulating layer.
Arrive early to check in
Plan to be at the Ferry Terminal 15–30 minutes before departure to collect boarding passes and secure seating.
Bring ID for alcohol
The vessel enforces a 21+ drinking age; have a photo ID if you plan to purchase drinks onboard.
Manage motion sickness
If you’re prone to seasickness, take preventative medication and choose a seat amidship or in the heated salon.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Harbor seals (occasionally)
- Varied shorebirds like egrets and cormorants
History
Many of the harbor’s islands served as quarantine, military, and landfill sites—George’s Island hosted Fort Warren during the Civil War while Spectacle Island was reshaped from refuse to parkland.
Conservation
Boston Harbor underwent a major cleanup beginning in the 1980s; current tours encourage respect for wildlife and no-throw policies to preserve water quality.
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Adventure Hotspots in Boston
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Windproof jacket
Blocks harbor wind and retains warmth on open decks.
fall specific
Small tripod or stabilizer
Helps stabilize low-light shots from a moving boat.
night specific
Valid photo ID
Required onboard for alcohol purchases and identification at check-in.
Motion-sickness medication or wristbands
Useful for sensitive passengers, especially on choppy nights.