Attention:

Ferry service is currently running between Boston and Spectacle Island.  Click here for schedule and ticketing.

Some park access has changed due to current health regulations around COVID-19:

Georges, Peddocks, Lovells, Grape, and Bumpkin Islands are accessible by recreational vessel only.

Camping and reservations for the Boston Harbor Islands are suspended for the duration of the 2020 season.

Worlds End is now open by advance reservation only.

Thompson Island is closed to the public until further notice.

Most DCR park areas and facilities are now open.  Click here to learn more about how to safely enjoy time outside.

Free 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.

 

Most of the programs below are currently on hold due to safety measures around COVID-19, with the exception of the Library Pass Program and limited Island Pass tickets.  Visit bostonharbornow.org for information on special free access tickets for organizations supporting essential workers during the COVID-19 crisis.

Free Ferry Days

Take advantage of special opportunities to visit the park for FREE!

Thanks to the National Park Service and other generous funders, we are able to offer several Free Ferry Days each year with access to Georges or Spectacle Islands from downtown Boston’s Long Wharf North.

All Free Ferry Days offer tickets on a first-come, first-served basis. Boats fill up quickly, so please arrive early to ensure your space on the ferry. No groups, please – tickets are available to groups of 4 or fewer.

Library East Boston

Library Pass Program

Two-for-one passes to the Boston Harbor Islands are available at participating Boston-area libraries through the Museum Pass program.

Passes are free and available to anyone with a library card! Passes are subject to availability and are valid on weekdays during the park’s regular season.

List of participating libraries

Libraries: sign up here!

Community Cruises

Community Cruises

Boston Harbor Now hosts 12 FREE community cruises that invite different communities of Boston-area residents to enjoy the natural beauty and cultural history of Boston Harbor.

Cruises serve a variety of geographic areas and vary in duration and programming. If you are an organizer interested in bringing a community group to one of these events, please email us at [email protected]

Community Cruises are organized in partnership with local community partners and tickets to each community cruise will be made available through the respective partner organizations and their networks. If you would like to be notified if a cruise becomes available for your neighborhood, sign up here.

Save the Harbor Spectacle Island

Save the Harbor/Save the Bay

In addition to the All Access Boston Harbor program available to chaperoned groups of youth and teens ages 7-17, other select trips are also available to individuals and families.

Program staff offer free activities to help participants learn about and explore the Harbor. This project is funded in part by the Massachusetts Environmental Trust. Visit Save the Harbor Save the Bay for more information.

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