Boston Harbor Brunch Cruise: 2-Hour Waterfront Tour & Buffet

Gliding Past Bunker Hill: A Brunch Cruise Through Boston's Working Harbor

You board a vintage yacht in Boston Harbor and spend two hours cruising past the USS Constitution, Bunker Hill Monument, and the harbor islands while eating a buffet brunch. The captain provides moderate narration of the main sights, but the focus is on the meal and the water views rather than a detailed history tour. Restrooms are onboard, and the whole experience keeps you seated and relaxed from start to finish.

Step-by-step itinerary

Boston Harbor brunch and sightseeing cruise

• Board the brunch cruise boat
• Enjoy diverse brunch buffet
• View North End from water
• See USS Cassin Young from water
• Pass by Bunker Hill Monument
• View USS Constitution from water
• Cruise around Boston Harbor islands
• See Castle Island from boat

The experience

The boat pushes out from the dock and you're moving through the water almost before you've settled at a table with a plate. The Northern Lights, a 1920s-style yacht, cuts across Boston Harbor on a 2-hour route that loops past the islands and the old military sites (Castle Island, Spectacle, Long Island, the whole chain), while you're eating. The captain narrates the main sights as you go, but it's not a full tour. Mostly you're watching the USS Constitution slide past on one side, the Bunker Hill Monument rising up in the distance on the other, and the North End waterfront getting smaller behind you.

The brunch itself is a buffet setup that moves with the boat: bakery items, fruit, yogurt, eggs, bacon, seasonal salad, the kind of spread that doesn't require you to order or wait. If you have allergies, you need to flag them when you book. They'll do their best to work around them, but they're honest that not every request can be met. A full bar's available too, though drinks run on card only. The whole thing has a relaxed pace. You're not rushing between stops or checking your watch against a tight schedule. You eat, you look out at the water, you see the harbor islands pass by, and two hours goes by faster than you'd think.

The boat takes families with small children (strollers are fine, and infant seats are available if you ask ahead), and it's suitable for all fitness levels since you're sitting the whole time. Service animals can come aboard. If you need help getting on or off, let them know in advance so they can arrange it. One thing to know: they don't take large group bookings, and multiple bookings can come with extra fees or get cancelled by the operator, so if you're coordinating a bunch of people, check on that when you reserve.

What’s included

Your 2-hour cruise includes boarding the Northern Lights yacht, a moderately narrated sightseeing route past the USS Constitution, Bunker Hill Monument, and Boston Harbor Islands, a full brunch buffet with bakery, fruit, yogurt, eggs, bacon, and seasonal salad, and access to the onboard bar (drinks purchased separately by card). Restroom facilities are available throughout the cruise.

Options for this experience

2 options

Brunch cruise option with SantaGuide in English · Available from 28 Nov · 12:00Brunch with Santa: Join a festive holiday brunch cruise with Santa on board! Take the perfect holiday photo with Santa in Boston Harbor. A festive holiday brunch: Savor a freshly prepared three-course brunch while taking in the panoramic views of Boston Harbor. Drinks for purchase: Drinks can be bought by credit card at the bar.

Boston Brunch CruiseGuide in English · 11:00 and 12:00Sail on the classic 1920s-style yacht Northern Lights for a 2-hour brunch cruise around Boston Harbor.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Information

Lasts 2h, runs Saturday and Sunday at 12:00 and 11:00, from US$ 106.47 per person, with a live guide in English and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesSaturday: 12:00Sunday: 11:00 and 12:00Another time? ›

GroupUp to 70

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (14 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Child (3 to 13 years) · Infant (under 3): free

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Classic Harbor Line - Boston

Is this one for you?This works well if you want to see Boston's waterfront landmarks and eat a relaxed brunch without planning multiple stops. The boat does the routing and the meal is included, so you just show up and sit down.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 13 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the Boston Harbor brunch cruise?

Two hours total, including the brunch and the waterfront sightseeing.

What's included in the brunch?

A buffet with bakery items, fruit, yogurt, eggs, bacon, and seasonal salad. Drinks are available at the bar and paid separately by card.

Is this a fully narrated tour?

No. The captain provides moderate narration of the main sights, but it's not a comprehensive guided tour. The focus is on the brunch and the views.

What landmarks will I see?

The USS Constitution, USS Cassin Young, Bunker Hill Monument, the North End, Castle Island, and other Boston Harbor Islands as the boat cruises the inner harbor.

Can I bring my pet?

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

Do I need to inform the cruise of dietary requirements?

Yes. Advise of any allergies or dietary needs at the time of booking. They'll do their best to accommodate, but not all requests can be met.

Is there a restroom on board?

Yes, there is a restroom available during the cruise.