90 Minute Tall Ship Viewing Cruise!
Step aboard the Henry Longfellow at the Dock at the Boston Children's Museum for a lively 90-minute cruise that brings international Tall Ships into sharp view. Perfect for photographers, families, and maritime-history fans looking for an up-close harbor experience.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
90 minutes
Fitness Level
Light walking and standing ability; you should be able to climb a short gangway and stand on deck for the duration.
Wildlife
History
Boston Harbor has been a working port since colonial times and hosts Tall Ships events that celebrate international sailing traditions.
Conservation
The Harbor Islands and local nonprofits run regular cleanup programs—pack out trash, avoid single-use plastics, and respect wildlife to reduce impact.
Charles River Boat Company
90 Minute Tall Ship Viewing Cruise!
Charles River Boat Company operates passenger cruises on the Charles River and Boston Harbor out of Cambridge, Massachusetts. The company offers a range of public and private experiences including Charles River Cocktail & Sunset Cruises, Tiki Boat Cruises, the Charles River Sightseeing Tour, an Architecture Tour, a Ghost Tour of the Charles River, and a Fall Foliage Cruise. Routes showcase Boston and Cambridge landmarks such as Harvard University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Prudential Building, and Hancock Tower, while passengers enjoy waterfront views of sailboats, rowing teams, and city skylines.
Onboard amenities commonly include a full-service bar with cocktails, beer, and snacks, plus themed drinks for specialty cruises. The crew provides narration on history and architecture for guided tours, and knowledgeable staff steer sightseeing and themed departures. The Charles River Sightseeing Tour departs daily from CambridgeSide Mall; other cruises run seasonally or at scheduled evening times to match sunsets and special events.
The operation focuses on comfortable, scenic experiences for adults and groups seeking unique gatherings, including corporate outings, bachelor(ette) parties, and celebratory events. Safety and guest experience are emphasized through trained crew members and clearly posted boarding information. Tickets are sold per cruise and experiences vary in length from roughly seventy minutes to two hours. Visitors book online or at designated departure points. As a locally based operator serving Boston and Cambridge, Charles River Boat Company is positioned to provide accessible, memorable river and harbor cruises that highlight regional history, architecture, and seasonal scenery.
Advance booking is strongly recommended.
Location
Cambridge, MA
Cruises on the Charles River
Typical Length
70–120 minutes
Short, scenic cruise durations
Tours Offered
6 experiences
Sightseeing, themed, and seasonal cruises
Onboard Bar
Full-service bar
Cocktails and snacks available
Reserve sightseeing, sunset, or themed cruises now — limited seasonal sailings and popular evening departures fill quickly.
Arrive Early
Boarding begins 10 minutes before departure; check in at the ticket booth on the dock to secure good rail-side spots for photos.
Dress for Wind
Even on warm days the harbor breeze is chilly—bring a windproof layer and closed shoes for balance on deck.
Bring Binoculars
A short telephoto or compact binoculars will help you pick out rigging details and ship flags during close passes.
Cashless Bar & Snacks
A small onboard bar sells drinks and snacks; have a card or mobile payment ready since offerings are limited.
Windproof jacket
Blocks harbor gusts and keeps you comfortable during breezy spring sails.
spring
Compact binoculars
Helps isolate flags, figureheads and rigging during close passes.
summer
Camera with short–mid telephoto
Ideal for capturing ship details and compressing the skyline behind the vessels.
fall
Non-slip shoes
Keep steady on wet decks and when boarding via gangway.
winter