Discover Boston from a fresh angle on the Charles River Sightseeing Tour. Glide past historic sites and enjoy stunning skyline views—an adventure perfect for all ages.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Minimal physical effort required; suitable for all ages and abilities.
Wildlife
History
The Charles River has historically been vital for Boston’s transportation, trade, and industry since the 17th century.
Conservation
The Charles River Conservancy works to maintain natural habitats along the river and promote sustainable recreation.
Charles River Boat Company
Discover Boston from a fresh angle on the Charles River Sightseeing Tour. Glide past historic sites and enjoy stunning skyline views—an adventure perfect for all ages.
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 for better seats
Getting to the dock early increases your chances of choosing the best viewing spots.
Bring layers and sun protection
Weather can change quickly on the water; dress in layers and apply sunscreen.
Carry a camera or smartphone
Capture scenic views and memorable moments during the cruise.
Check the weather forecast before booking
Ensure clear skies for optimal views and a more enjoyable trip.
Sunscreen
Protects your skin from UV rays during sunny days on the water.
summer
Hat and sunglasses
Keeps sun out of your eyes and reduces glare while on the boat.
summer
Camera or smartphone
Capture the scenic views and memorable moments of your cruise.
Light jacket or raincoat
Extra layer in case of wind or unexpected weather changes.
spring;fall;winter