Scenic Cruises on the Charles River — Sunset, Sightseeing & Themed Voyages

Charles River Boat Company — Charles River Cruises & Boston Harbor Tours

Discover Boston and Cambridge from the water with the Charles River Boat Company. Operating on the Charles River and into Boston Harbor, the operator offers a variety of sightseeing cruises, cocktail and sunset cruises, themed Tiki boat outings, architecture tours, ghost stories on the river, and seasonal fall foliage sailings.

Popular cruises and what to expect

• Charles River Sightseeing Tour — A 70-minute narrated sightseeing cruise departing from CambridgeSide Mall that highlights Harvard, M.I.T., and notable Boston and Cambridge landmarks.
• Charles River Cocktail & Sunset Cruises — 90-minute evening sailings designed for relaxed sunset views with music and a full-service bar.
• Tiki Boat Cruises — Festive themed cruises ideal for celebrations, birthdays, and group outings with tiki-style music and drinks.
• Architecture Tour — A 2-hour guided tour along Boston Harbor focusing on major architectural landmarks such as the Prudential Building and Hancock Tower.
• Ghost Tour of the Charles River — Themed evening cruises featuring spooky local tales and themed cocktails during sunset passages.
• Fall Foliage Cruise — Seasonal 90-minute cruises that showcase autumn colors along the Charles River with complimentary apple cider.

Key highlights for travelers

• Scenic views of the Charles River, Boston skyline, Harvard, and M.I.T.
• Onboard full-service bar offering cocktails, beer, and snacks on many departures.
• Guided narration on select tours covering history, architecture, and local lore.
• Multiple public and private cruise options suitable for adult groups, corporate outings, and celebrations.

Planning and bookings

Visitors searching for “Charles River cruises,” “Boston sunset cruise,” or “Cambridge sightseeing boat” will find scheduled departures and seasonal events. The Charles River Sightseeing Tour lists departures from CambridgeSide Mall; other themed and seasonal cruises operate at scheduled times to match sunset or special occasions.

For best availability, guests are encouraged to book early for popular sunset sailings, architecture tours, and fall foliage cruises. Private charters and group bookings are available for events such as bachelor(ette) parties, corporate gatherings, and celebrations. Check departure details, duration (typically 70 to 120 minutes), and onboard amenities before purchasing tickets.

Why choose Charles River Boat Company?

• Local river and harbor expertise focused on Boston and Cambridge waterways.
• A variety of themed and narrated cruises that appeal to sightseers and groups.
• Onboard amenities that enhance comfort and social experiences.

Whether searching for a Boston sightseeing cruise, a cocktail sunset cruise on the Charles River, or a themed Tiki boat celebration, Charles River Boat Company provides curated river and harbor experiences that showcase regional landmarks, seasonal scenery, and memorable evenings on the water.