Boston Ghost Cruise: 90-Minute Haunted Harbor Tour from Rowes Wharf
Board the Northern Lights for a 90-minute night cruise through Boston Harbor where history and folklore collide. Pass haunted islands, wartime forts and quarantine sites while a live narrator stitches together archival facts and spine-tingling stories.
The Experience
Before You Go
Dress in layers
It’s often several degrees cooler on the water; bring a windproof outer layer even on mild evenings.
Arrive early
Plan to be at Rowes Wharf 15–30 minutes before departure to check in at the Ferry Terminal and board without rush.
Stabilize your camera
Use a small tripod or steady the camera on the rail for sharper night shots; long exposures work best with support.
Manage seasickness
If you’re prone to motion sickness, take medication beforehand or sit midship where motion is minimized.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Stand on the starboard deck when passing Castle Island for dramatic photos of Fort Independence’s silhouette.
- •Scan the back side of Spectacle Island for unexpected relics and quiet coves visible from the water.
Wildlife
- •Harbor seals
- •Herring gulls and terns
Conservation Note
Boston Harbor has undergone major cleanup since the 1980s; stay on designated boarding areas and avoid tossing waste into the water to support ongoing restoration efforts.
Boston Harbor’s islands were used as forts, quarantine stations and landfill over centuries; many of the ghost stories originate from real maritime disasters and 19th-century public health practices.
Photographer's Notes
- • Starboard deck when passing Castle Island
- • Heated salon windows for skyline reflections
- • Open-air stern for unobstructed shots of island silhouettes
What to Bring
Windproof jacketEssential
Blocks chilly harbor winds and keeps you comfortable on deck.
Compact tripod or stabilizer
Helps capture low-light skyline and island shots without blur.
Binoculars
Bring close views of island structures and shoreline details during the cruise.
Motion-sickness medicine
Useful for those sensitive to boat movement on open-water nights.
Common Questions
Where do I check in for the cruise?
Check-in is at the ticket booth in the Ferry Terminal at Rowes Wharf, directly behind the Boston Harbor Hotel; arrive 15–30 minutes before departure.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, but stories reference historical disease and disasters; operators recommend the experience for those 14 and older and require children to be accompanied by an adult.
Can I bring a pet?
Only service animals that perform a task are permitted; pets and emotional support animals are not allowed.
Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?
The vessel and boarding process may not be fully wheelchair accessible; contact the operator in advance to arrange assistance for boarding.
Will the cruise run in bad weather?
The cruise operates in most conditions; check the cancellation policy for refunds and contact the operator if severe weather is expected.
Are food and drinks allowed onboard?
Outside coolers and alcoholic beverages are not permitted; the operator enforces a minimum drinking age of 21 for alcohol service.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
1.5 hours
Location
Boston, Massachusetts
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires ability to board a small yacht and remain seated or stand on deck for 90 minutes.
Ready to Explore Boston?
Book your guided walking tour and discover the hidden stories of this historic mountain city.
Check Availability & Book Now