Boston Harbor: Sunset Cruise with Cannon Fire & Landmarks

Summary

Sunset colors, cannon salute & city lights from Boston Harbor

You’ll board in Boston Harbor as evening falls, gliding past landmarks like Castle Island and the North End steeple while your captain shares stories. Watch sunset colors over the skyline and feel that jolt when the USS Constitution fires its cannon—a little piece of history echoing across the water. It’s relaxed, local, and leaves you seeing Boston differently.

What’s the experience like?

We stepped onto the boat just as the last heat of the day started to fade, that kind of sticky Boston summer air you only notice when it’s gone. There was this low hum of people finding seats—some couples, a family with kids in Red Sox caps, a few solo folks like me. The captain waved us aboard with a quick “Welcome!” and pointed out Castle Island as we pulled away, the wind picking up enough to ruffle my shirt. I didn’t expect how different the city would look from the water—suddenly the Custom House Tower felt almost close enough to touch, and there was this salty tang in the air that made me weirdly hungry.

As we drifted past Charlestown Navy Yard, our guide (I think her name was Marissa?) shared a bit about the USS Constitution—she called it “Old Ironsides,” which made a couple of people nod like they’d heard stories growing up here. I caught sight of the North End steeple poking above brick rooftops; someone near me tried to point it out to their kid but got distracted by a gull swooping way too close for comfort. The bridges—the Zakim and Tobin—looked softer in that gold light, not so much like traffic headaches but more like lines drawn across water. Funny how perspective changes things.

The highlight for everyone was definitely when we paused near the USS Constitution for sunset. There was this hush right before the cannon fired—a sharp crack echoing over the harbor—and then people clapped, some just grinning at each other like kids at fireworks. I’m not sure what I expected from a Boston Harbor sunset cruise, but that moment stuck with me longer than I thought it would. Even after we turned back toward shore and city lights started flickering on, I kept thinking about how small and calm everything looked from out there—you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sunset cruise with Boston waterfront views

• Arrive 15 minutes early to check-in
• Board the Boston Harbor sunset cruise
• Cruise by Old North Church steeple
• Pass Charlestown Navy Yard
• View Mystic Tobin and Leonard Zakim Bridges
• See USS Constitution and USS Cassin Young
• Watch cannon fire at sunset from USS Constitution

Top questions

How long is the Boston Harbor sunset cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately 2 hours.

Does this tour include commentary or narration?

The captain provides light commentary on main landmarks but it's not fully narrated.

Is pickup included for this Boston Harbor sunset cruise?

No hotel pickup is included; you need to check in at the ticket booth before departure.

What is special about this Boston Harbor cruise?

The cruise features sunset views and includes witnessing cannon fire from the USS Constitution.

Are children allowed on board?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult.

Can I bring my stroller or pram on board?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the cruise.

Are service animals permitted on this tour?

Only service animals performing manual tasks are allowed; pets are not permitted.

Where does boarding take place for this sunset cruise?

You check in at the ticket booth in Boston Harbor 15 minutes before departure to obtain boarding passes.

What’s included

Your evening includes a two-hour sunset cruise through Boston Harbor with light landmark commentary from your captain, views of iconic sites such as Castle Island and USS Constitution, plus witnessing live cannon fire at sunset—all with your boarding pass included after check-in at the harbor ticket booth.