Boston Harbor Sunset Cruise: Cannon Fire at the USS Constitution

The cannon fires at sunset off the USS Constitution every single night.

A 2-hour sunset cruise in Boston Harbor that departs from the waterfront and passes Fort Independence, the USS Constitution, Charlestown Navy Yard, and Boston's main landmarks with light captain's commentary. The defining feature is the nightly cannon fire ceremony at the USS Constitution, which marks the setting sun. Groups stay under 12 per booking, though up to 140 guests may be aboard across all bookings. Arrive 15 minutes early to check in and obtain boarding passes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sunset cruise with historic views

• Arrive 15 minutes early to check-in
• Board the boat at Boston Harbor
• Cruise by Fort Independence on Castle Island
• View Mystic Tobin and Leonard Zakim Bridges
• See Custom House Tower and Old North Church steeple
• Pass by USS Cassin Young and USS Constitution
• Experience cannon fire at sunset from USS Constitution

The experience

The boat leaves the dock and heads out to Fort Independence on Castle Island, named after George Washington, then works back along the waterfront. You'll pass the Charlestown Navy Yard (one of the oldest in the US Navy), and cruise by the Old North Church steeple in the North End, the Leonard Zakim Bridge, Mystic Tobin Bridge, Custom House Tower, and USS Cassin Young. The captain offers light commentary on the landmarks as you move through the harbor, though this is not a fully narrated tour. Much of the time you're taking in the views at your own pace.

The centerpiece is the cannon fire ceremony at the USS Constitution, which happens every evening as the sun sets. This is a working naval vessel and a historic landmark (the oldest commissioned warship still afloat in the world), and the cannon marks the official end of the day. It's the kind of moment that anchors the whole cruise and explains why people book this one instead of a daytime harbor tour.

Plan to arrive 15 minutes before departure to check in at the ticket booth and get your boarding pass. A restroom is on board. You can bring infants and small children in a pram or stroller, and service animals are welcome. Food and drinks are available for purchase by credit card only. The cruise runs 2 hours and is suitable for all fitness levels. If you need assistance boarding, let the operator know in advance.

What’s included

• 2-hour sunset cruise in Boston Harbor.
• light captain's commentary on landmarks.
• views of the USS Constitution, Fort Independence, Charlestown Navy Yard, and Boston's waterfront.
• the nightly cannon fire ceremony at sunset.
• on-board restroom.

Options for this experience

5 options

Standard Sunset DeparturesGuide in English · Available from 11 Feb 2027Regular sunset pricing applies

Summer Sunset DeparturesGuide in English · Available from 31 May 2027Sunset pricing for summer applies

Option for a sunset cruise on a holidayGuide in English · Available from 29 Oct 2027Select this option to join a festive holiday sunset cruise around Boston Harbor aboard our warm, decorated boat. Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes. Food & drinks: Food and drinks can be purchased aboard by credit card. Ticketing: Adult ticketing applies to all travelers planning to attend, regardless of age. Please select accordingly at checkout.

See 2 more options

Peak Sunset DeparturesGuide in English · Available from 30 May 2027Sunset peak rates apply

Peak Season SaturdaysGuide in English · Available from 29 May 2027

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

Information

Lasts 2h, from US$ 54.45 per person, with a live guide in English and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesNext departure: 11 Feb 20272 departing soon ›

GroupUp to 140

Live guideEnglish

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

Book up to1h 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 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Classic Harbor Line - Boston

Is this one for you?Book a peak sunset departure or summer option if you want the best light for the cannon ceremony and the skyline. Standard and off-season departures work just as well for the experience itself, and cost less. The 2-hour length fits an evening without eating into a full day of sightseeing, and the shared-boat format keeps the price down compared to a private charter.

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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.

What is the USS Constitution and why is the cannon fire special?

The USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned warship still in active service, launched in 1797 and now berthed in the Charlestown Navy Yard. The nightly cannon fire ceremony marks the official sunset and is a working naval tradition you'll witness from the water as the boat passes by.

How many people will be on the boat with me?

Your booking is capped at 12 guests maximum, though the boat can carry up to 140 guests total across all bookings departing that evening. It's a shared experience, not a private charter.

What landmarks will I actually see on this cruise?

You'll pass Fort Independence on Castle Island, the Charlestown Navy Yard, the Old North Church steeple, USS Cassin Young, the Leonard Zakim Bridge, Mystic Tobin Bridge, Custom House Tower, and the USS Constitution. The captain provides light commentary on the main sights as you cruise.

Is this a fully guided tour with detailed narration?

The captain offers light commentary on Boston's landmarks, but this is not a fully narrated tour. You'll have time to take in the views and the waterfront scenery at your own pace between the captain's remarks.

What time should I arrive and what do I need to do before boarding?

Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time. Check in at the ticket booth, obtain your boarding pass, and pre-board. This gives the crew time to process everyone before the boat leaves the dock.

Can I bring food and drinks, or buy them on board?

Food and drinks are available for purchase on board, and credit card is the only payment method accepted. You're welcome to bring your own refreshments as well.