Baltimore Inner Harbor History Boat Tour: Fort McHenry

The national anthem was written about the fort you'll see from the boat.

This 1.5-hour live-narrated boat tour cruises Baltimore's Inner Harbor, passing Fort McHenry and other waterfront landmarks while a guide shares 300 years of American history—from the War of 1812 to Frederick Douglass's escape and modern watershed restoration. The tour departs from the Baltimore Water Taxi stop near Harborplace, operates rain or shine, and is wheelchair accessible; Fort McHenry is viewed from the water, not entered.

Step-by-step itinerary

Baltimore Inner Harbor boat tour

• Start at Baltimore Water Taxi near Harborplace
• Cruise across historic Inner Harbor
• View Fort McHenry from the water
• Learn about Fort McHenry's history
• Return along Baltimore waterfront
• Hear stories of Frederick Douglass and conservation
• End tour back at Harborplace

The Experience

What does a boat tour of Baltimore's Inner Harbor actually show you? You board at the Baltimore Water Taxi stop near Harborplace and spend the next 90 minutes on the water while a live guide walks through the harbor's role in shaping American history. The narration moves across three centuries—the maritime trade that built the city, the War of 1812 defense of Fort McHenry, Frederick Douglass's escape from slavery, and the ongoing environmental restoration work happening in the harbor today. You're seated the whole time, watching the waterfront unfold from a perspective most visitors never get.

The tour's centerpiece is the pass-by view of Fort McHenry, the star-shaped fort where American forces repelled a British attack in 1812. That battle is the reason the national anthem exists—Francis Scott Key witnessed the bombardment from a ship in the harbor and wrote "The Star-Spangled Banner" the morning after. From the boat, you see the fort's outline and hear the full story of why it mattered. The guide also connects the harbor to the wider world: how trade and immigration flowed through it, how enslaved people like Douglass risked escape routes across these same waters, and how the city is now working to restore the watershed. The route back toward Harborplace gives you time to photograph the skyline and absorb the layers of history the guide has laid out.

The tour runs regardless of weather, and the vessel is wheelchair accessible. Infants can ride in a stroller or on an adult's lap. Bring your own food and drinks if you want them—there's no concession on board. The guide speaks English, and the commentary is live, so you're getting stories tailored to the moment rather than a recording. This is sightseeing from the water, not a walking tour or a visit to the sites themselves; you see Fort McHenry from the boat, not from inside it.

What’s included

• 1.5-hour live-narrated boat tour aboard a Baltimore Water Taxi vessel.
• views of Fort McHenry and Baltimore's Inner Harbor waterfront from the water.
• live guide commentary in English covering 300 years of history.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Baltimore Heritage

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to follow Baltimore's waterfront history from a seated vantage point while the boat moves between landmarks—no walking required between sites.

Top questions

What is Fort McHenry and why does it matter to American history?

Fort McHenry is the star-shaped fort where American forces defended Baltimore during the War of 1812. The successful defense inspired Francis Scott Key to write the national anthem after witnessing the British bombardment from the harbor.

Do we get off the boat to visit any of the landmarks, or is this just viewing from the water?

This is a sightseeing cruise from the boat. You view Fort McHenry and other waterfront landmarks from the water; the tour does not include entry to any of the sites.

How long is the boat tour and when does it start?

The tour is 1.5 hours long and departs from the Baltimore Water Taxi stop near Harborplace. Specific departure times are available when you book.

Can I bring food and drinks on the boat?

Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks. There is no food or beverage service on board.

Is the tour accessible for someone in a wheelchair or with mobility concerns?

The boat and the Baltimore Water Taxi stop are wheelchair accessible, and the tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels since you remain seated throughout. Infants can ride in a stroller or on an adult's lap.

What does the guide talk about during the tour?

The live guide covers 300 years of Baltimore and American history, including the War of 1812, Fort McHenry's role in the national anthem, Frederick Douglass's escape from slavery, the harbor's maritime heritage and trade history, and modern watershed restoration efforts.