Boaters and kayakers are very welcome in the Boston Harbor Islands national park area, which includes plenty of protected water, interesting coastline, and coves to explore. You can fish, camp, hike the island trails, walk along the shore, and more. Whether arriving by motorboat, sailboat, or kayak, everyone’s invited to come ashore to see all that the islands have to offer. Permits are required for on-island camping. Docks are available seasonally on some islands.

For Kayakers

Travel through protected waters among the islands of Hingham Harbor on your own. Or participate in one of our free, ranger-guided tours departing from Spectacle or Grape Islands.

For Boaters

The islands offer protected harbors and great views. So if you’re a boater, get the information you need about marinas, moorings, and more. Island resources are fragile. Please take care, if landing on park islands, to not disturb natural or cultural features. You must “carry-on, carry-off.” (Private boaters may not land on Thompson, Moon, Long, or Gallops Islands.)

Boston Harbor is designated a No Discharge Area, and all treated and untreated boat sewage must be pumped from boaters' sewage holding tanks into either a pump-out facility or pump-out boat. There are a total of 35 pump out facilities in Boston Harbor.

Boat Ramps

Communities around Massachusetts have many boat ramps with parking areas, all free of charge.  Here are the closest local boat ramps to the islands:

• Winthrop: 649 Shirley Street
• Boston: 600 Morrissey Boulevard (gravel ramp)
• Quincy:  137 Bayview Avenue
• Hingham:Otis Street
• Weymouth: 92 Beach Road
• Hull: 180 Main Street (gravel ramp)

 Gravel ramps are not recommended for all vehicles at low tide.