Boston Ghost Tour Cruise: Harbor Islands at Night

The islands have stories that stretch back to the 1800s, told as you pass them in the dark.

A 90-minute nighttime ghost tour cruise on Boston Harbor aboard the Northern Lights yacht, where a live guide narrates tales of haunted islands including Castle Island, Spectacle Island, Thompson Island, and others as you pass them. The boat departs from the Ferry Terminal behind the Boston Harbor Hotel; arrive 15–30 minutes early. Children must be at least 14 years old and accompanied by an adult; service animals are permitted, but emotional support animals and pets are not.

Step-by-step itinerary

Nighttime ghost tour cruise

• Board yacht Northern Lights
• Cruise past George’s Island
• Hear ghost stories at Spectacle Island
• Cruise by Thompson Island and listen to tales
• Pass Castle Island and hear 1800s stories
• Enjoy Boston Harbor night skyline views

The Experience

The Northern Lights leaves the Ferry Terminal just behind the Boston Harbor Hotel and heads into Boston Harbor for 90 minutes of narrated history and folklore. A live guide shares ghost stories and legends tied to the islands you pass—Castle Island with tales stretching back to the 1800s, Spectacle Island once a trash dump and quarantine site where spirits may linger, Thompson Island with its own spooky history, and others across the harbor. You stay aboard the entire time, moving past each location rather than landing on it, so the pace stays steady and the stories keep coming.

The yacht has both heated indoor seating in the salon and open-air decks, so you can choose where to listen depending on the weather. Dress for conditions on the water, which tends to run cooler than the shore. Food and drinks are available for purchase aboard by credit card if you want something during the cruise. The boat accommodates all fitness levels, and if you need assistance boarding, let the operator know in advance.

Plan to arrive at the ticket booth 15–30 minutes before departure. The meeting point is steps from the dock, directly behind the Boston Harbor Hotel. Children under 14 are not permitted; those 14 and older must be accompanied by an adult. The minimum drinking age aboard is 21, and outside alcoholic beverages and coolers are not allowed.

What’s included

• Ninety-minute narrated cruise aboard the Northern Lights yacht.
• live guide sharing ghost stories and legends of Boston Harbor islands.
• access to heated indoor salon and open-air decks.
• views of Castle Island, Spectacle Island, Thompson Island, and other historic islands under the night skyline.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Classic Harbor Line - Boston

Is this one for you?This tour works well for groups of friends or families with teenagers who want a different take on Boston's history—the ghost stories and island legends keep the pace moving, and you don't have to plan anything beyond showing up at the Ferry Terminal on time.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What islands does the ghost tour pass during the cruise?

The Northern Lights passes Castle Island, Spectacle Island, Thompson Island, and others across Boston Harbor. Each has its own haunted history—Castle Island's tales stretch back to the 1800s, and Spectacle Island was once a quarantine site where spirits are said to linger.

Can I bring my pet or emotional support animal on the cruise?

Only service animals that perform a manual task to assist a person are permitted aboard. Emotional support animals and pets are not allowed on the Northern Lights.

What should I wear for a nighttime cruise in Boston Harbor?

Dress for cooler weather, as it's often colder on the water than on shore. The yacht has a heated salon if you want to stay inside, but bring a jacket or layer if you plan to spend time on the open decks.

How early do I need to arrive before the cruise departs?

Plan to arrive at the ticket booth 15–30 minutes before departure. The meeting point is located directly behind the Boston Harbor Hotel in the Ferry Terminal, just steps from the dock.

Are food and drinks available during the tour?

Food and drinks are available for purchase aboard the Northern Lights by credit card. Outside food and alcoholic beverages are not permitted, and coolers cannot be brought on board.

What is the minimum age to join the ghost tour cruise?

Passengers must be at least 14 years old. Children under 14 are not permitted, and those 14 and older must be accompanied by an adult. The minimum drinking age aboard is 21.