Park Alert: Phone Line Disruption

We are working to resolve an issue with our main office phone line. Please contact us via our email address: boha_information@nps.gov

Free and Discounted Access

Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park is for everyone! The Boston Harbor Islands Partnership is committed to providing free and reduced-fare opportunities for groups and individuals.

Island Pass

Connect your community with their local public parklands and discover the wonders of nature by exploring the scenic and historic Boston Harbor Islands with your group!

Your school, camp, or community group may be eligible for FREE access to the Boston Harbor Islands.

Applications for the 2024 Island Pass program are now open!

Apply Here

 

PLEASE NOTE: The 10:00 am ferries to Georges on May 30, June 6, 7, 13 and 14 are SOLD OUT! 

The Boston Harbor Islands Partnership provides FREE access to the park for underserved populations through the Island Pass program. This program is sponsored by Boston Harbor Now, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, and the National Park Service, and is made possible in part by generous support from Boston Harbor City Cruises, the Cummings Foundation and many other community partners.

What to Know for Your Trip

  • A maximum of 100 free tickets can be reserved per group.
  • Group leaders should pick up tickets 30 minutes prior to departure.
  • Groups must have one adult chaperone for every ten youth under 18 years old. Chaperones must remain with the group at all times.
  • Bring a lunch, sunscreen, and water.
  • The Islands have a carry-on, carry-off policy. All trash must be collected and brought off the island. Please pack a sturdy trash bag(s) for your group’s trash needs.
  • Ferries depart rain or shine.
  • Visit our park calendar to learn what is happening in the park the day of your visit.
  • If you’re unable to make your scheduled free access trip, please email boha_information@nps.gov within 48 hours.
  • If ferries cannot run because of severe inclement weather, cancellations will be communicated before 9 AM to the contact person designated on the Free Access Application.
Group Community Cruises

Community Cruises

Boston Harbor Now hosts a series of free community cruises each year that invite different communities of Boston-area residents to enjoy the natural beauty and cultural history of Boston Harbor.

Cruises serve a variety of neighborhoods and communities. If you are an organizer interested in bringing a community group to one of these events, please email us at access@bostonharbornow.org

Lion Dance on Spectacle

Grants

The Boston Harbor Islands Partnership provides funding opportunities for community groups to design their own events and experiences through the Innovation Islands Grant program!

The Innovation Islands program awards grants of up to $5,000 to local community leaders to design, promote, and facilitate programming on and around the Boston Harbor Islands.

LEARN MORE
Group Harbor Discovery Camp

Harbor Discovery Camp

Harbor Discovery Camps are free, week-long day camps for Boston youth from area summer programs.

Each camp week includes ranger-led activities customized for individual camp groups. Campers traditionally visit three different Islands to learn about history, become comfortable in the outdoors and learn how parks strengthen communities. Campers have opportunities to make friends and build new relationships while forging lasting connections with their Harbor Islands. This project is funded in part by the Massachusetts Environmental Trust. For more information contact: elisabeth_colby@nps.gov

Save the Harbor Spectacle Island

Save the Harbor/Save the Bay

Save the Harbor/Save the Bay’s All Access Boston Harbor program offers free day trips to Georges and Spectacle Islands for chaperoned groups of youth and teens.

Program staff offer free fishing, crabbing, and other hands-on activities to help your group explore the Boston Harbor Islands.

LEARN MORE AT SAVETHEHARBOR.ORG
Group Self Guided Material Georges Lady in Black Map

Self Guided Materials

Looking for something to do with your group? Learn, Play, Hike, Create, or Explore with our all new series of downloadable self guided materials!

Junior Ranger

Kids are challenged to grow their park knowledge and skills by completing the Boston Harbor Islands Junior Ranger booklets. Kids who complete each activity can and earn their very own Junior Ranger badge!

VISIT KIDS AND FAMILY PAGE

FAQs

  • Any group of 25 or more visiting Georges, Spectacle, Lovells, Peddocks, Bumpkin, or Grape Islands is required to fill out a free Group Authorization Form. If you filled out the Free Island Pass application, a Group Authorization Form is automatically filled out for you.

  • Remember to arrive 20 to 30 minutes before your boat is scheduled to depart. Bathrooms are available on the boat. The boat ride is a great time take in the sights of Boston Harbor, grab a snack and prepare for a trip outdoors. Take the time to apply sunscreen, hydrate, and layer appropriate clothing for the weather.

  • Georges, Spectacle and Peddocks Islands are the most popular to visit with groups. They all have visitor centers with restrooms and running water.

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