Guide to Lighthouse Boat Tours
and Ferries
in Massachusetts
(Heading eastward from Buzzards' Bay, around Cape Cod, within Boston Harbor, and then up the North Shore)
Boston Harbor Lighthouse
Below is a list of boat tours and cruises that offer specific lighthouse cruises around Buzzard's Bay, Cape Cod, Boston Harbor, and along the north shoreline of Massachusetts, here in New England. You may find while some may offer specific lighthouse cruises, some will pass by specific lighthouses as part of charters, narrated wildlife and historic tours, ferrying passengers, whale watching, fishing tours and other types of excursions. For additional convenience, you'll also find ferry info that provides access to some of the islands you will find lighthouses stationed. Contact info is provided to help you plan your special trips to New England’s shorelines. Enjoy!
Buzzard's Bay |
Cape Cod |
Ferries to Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket |
|---|---|---|
Boston Harbor |
North Shore |
Directions to Boston's Waterfront |
Boat Tour in Buzzard's Bay Area
Palmer's Island Lighthouse
New Bedford Harbor Tours
Offers narrated cruises around New Bedford Harbor as part of their sunset tour.
52 Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 3, New Bedford, MA 02740 Phone: (508) 951-0645
Lighthouse: Palmer’s Island
Boat Tours for
Lighthouses on
Cape Cod
Long Point Lighthouse
Liberté, The Schooner
Three-masted sailing schooner departs 3 times a day from Falmouth Harbor. Depending on winds and weather, she may be sailing around Woods Hole and the extremely rural Elizabeth Islands, or out to Oak Bluffs and Vineyard Haven to view cottages built in the roaring 1920s and antique sailing ships on Martha's Vineyard. All trips are unique with plenty of opportunity to view nature in the open seas.
227 Clinton Avenue
Falmouth, MA 02540
Phone: (508) 524-9121
E-mail: TheLiberte@gmail.com
Lighthouses: Nobska Lighthouse, East Chop Lighthouse, West Chop Lighthouse
Bay Spirit Tours
They provide lighthouse tours, sunset cruises, music cruises, and sailing charters around Hyannis Harbor aboard a catamaran. The Lighthouse Harbor Tour is a narrated cruise that passes by Point Gammon Light on Great Island, (weather dependent), and passes by Hyannis Harbor Light. They cruise through the old Hyannis Harbor in Hyannisport where visitors can catch a glimpse of the Kennedy Compound.
Slip # 1, 180 Ocean Street1
HHyannis, MA 0260
Phone: 508-771-0107
Email: info@bayspirittours.com
Lighthouses: Point Gammon Lighthouse and Hyannis Harbor Lighthouse
Monomoy Island Excursions
They provide wildlife refuge tours that pass by the Monomoy Point Lighthouse. Wildlife and lighthouse tours around Chatham Lighthouse and Stage Harbor Lighthouse are also offered. You can also schedule a ferry service to to Nantucket Island.
702 Main Street
Route 28
Harwich Port, Massachusetts 02646
(508) 430-7772
Email: monomoy2@verizon.net
Lighthouses: Monomoy Point Lighthouse, Chatham Lighthouse, Stage Harbor Light
Monomoy Island Ferry
In addition to offering fishing and wildlife tours, their Harbor Seal Cruise allows you to visit the Monomoy Point Lighthouse (minimum 6 people).
(508) 945-5450
KeithLincoln@comcast.net
Lighthouse: Monomoy Point Lighthouse
Beachcomber Boat Tours
Seal watching excursions that pass near Chatham light.
P.O. Box 42
North Chatham, MA 02650
(508) 945-5265
E-mail: sealtours@aol.com
Lighthouse: Chatham Lighthouse
Flyer's Boat Yard
Rents kayaks and also provides hourly shuttle service to and from Long Point. Where you can get off and explore the sandy area and tall grasses around Long Point Lighthouse. The alternative is to take a 3-mile hike to the lighthouse from town over 1 mile of breakwater, and two miles of soft sand during low tide, where you can also explore Wood End light at the end of the breakwater. Most visitors use the shuttle, the walk is strenuous (yep, I can vouch for that). They also offer a sunset cruise to also view the lighthouse.
131A Commercial Street
Box 561
Provincetown, Mass. 02657
Phone: (508) 487-0518
Lighthouse: Long Point Lighthouse
Schooner Bay Lady II
Daily sailing excursions for two hours in the afternoon across Provincetown Harbor to Cape Cod Bay. May pass by the lighthouses around Provinetown depending on wind direction. Also has a sunset sail starting in early August.
20 Berry Lane
Provincetown, Mass. 02657
(508) 487-9308
info@sailcapecod.com
Lighthouses: Long Point Lighthouse, Wood End Lighthouse
Massachusetts Island Ferries
These ferries will take you to the islands where you can hike, bike, or drive to some stationed lighthouses. Many will provide access to Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket Island as vacation destinations. On this popular island you can take your car on the ferry, which is quite expensive, or bike, rent a scooter, or take a taxi to various lighthouse on each island. Some ferries will also pass by lighthouses to get some fairly close views out of busy harbors.
Brant Point Light
Seastreak
Ferry from New Bedford to Martha’s Vineyard
49 State Pier
New Bedford, MA 02740
(866) 683 3779
Passes By These Lighthouses: Palmer Island Lighthouse, Butler Flats Lighthouse, Clark’s Point Lighthouse
Hy-Line Cruises
Ferry service from Hyannis on the Cape to Oak Bluffs on Martha's Vineyard; also provides a ferry service from Nantucket Island to Oak Bluffs on Martha's Vineyard.
220 Ocean Street Dock
Hyannis, Massachusetts 02601
Information: (508) 778-2600
Oak Bluffs (508) 693-0112
Hyannis-Nantucket ferry (508) 778-2602
Island Queen
Ferry from Falmouth, Mass. to Martha's Vineyard
297 Dillingham Avenue,
Falmouth, MA 02540.
Phone (508) 548-4800.
Steamship Authority
Ferries to both Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard islands.
Vehicle Reservations Call: (508) 477-8600
Office Hours or (508) 693-9130
Fast Ferry Reservations: (508) 495-FAST (3278)
Woods Hole: (508) 548-3788
Vineyard Haven: (508) 693-0367
Oak Bluffs: (508) 693-0125
Hyannis: (508) 771-4000
Nantucket: (508) 228-0262
Rhode Island to Martha's Vineyard Fast Ferry
Ferry from Quonset Point, Rhode Island to Oak Bluffs Marina on a high-speed catamaran.
North Kingstown, RI 02852
Phone: 401-295-4040
Fax: 401-295-4930
info@vineyardfastferry.com
Freedom Cruise Line
Ferry from Harwich Port Mass. to Nantucket
702 Main Street - Route 28
Harwich Port, Massachusetts 02646
(508) 432-8999
Bay State Cruises
Ferries from Boston to Provincetown
200 Seaport Blvd.
Suite 75
Boston, Mass. 02210
(877) 783-3779
Trustees of Reservations:
Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge / Wasque Reservation
Jeep tours of Cape Poge Lighthouse and wildlife refuge area. Kayak tours available to get views from the water.
Dike Road,
Chappaquiddick Island,
Martha's Vineyard, MA
508-627-3599
Lighthouse: Cape Poge Lighthouse
Chappaquiddick Ferry
Operates between Edgartown Memorial Wharf and Chappaquiddick Island daily, year-round. (508) 627-9427
Lighthouse on Martha's Vineyard: Cape Poge Lighthouse
Boat Tours for Lighthouses
Around Plymouth
and Boston Harbor
These vessels will take you around Boston Harbor and sometimes offer tours that allow you to explore some of the islands. Some also offer scenic harbor and nature cruises, deep sea fishing and whale watching, special dinner and sunset cruises, along with special lighthouse cruises.
Graves Lighthouse
Plymouth Harbor Cruises
Special harbor, event, and dinner cruises offered around Plymouth Harbor aboard the Pilgrim Belle, a Mississippi-style paddle wheeler that operates in the summer season. Provides special lighthouse trip to Duxbury Pier Light.
77 Water St.
Plymouth, MA
(508) 747-3434
Lighthouses: Plymouth (Gurnet) Light (sometimes), Duxbury Pier Lighthouse
Boston Harbor Islands Park Service and Boston Harbor Now
Narrated trips by the park rangers are provided with boat trips running every weekend during the summer along Little Brewster Island where you can see Boston Harbor Light, Graves Light, and Long Island Head Light. Involved in preservation of islands in the harbor. Boston Harbor Now is the non-profit partner of the 34-island Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park. They also offer public ferry service, cultural and recreational activities, etc.
Note: Currently (2024) the Boston Harbor Lighthouse tower is closed to the public and is undergoing necessary repairs from winter storms.
Boston Harbor Island Park Service
191W Atlantic Ave
Boston, MA 02110
Phone: (617) 223-8666
Boston Harbor Now
1 Constitution Road
Boston, MA 02129
Phone: (617) 223-8667
Email: info@bostonharbornow.org
Lighthouses: Boston Harbor Light, Long Island Head Light, Graves Light
Liberty Fleet of Tall Ships
Built in 1982, the 67-foot Schooner Liberty Star provides up to 42 guests with 2-hour public themed sails that include Boston Harbor Day Sail, Boston Harbor Sunset Sail, and Pastries and Prosecco, along with events like Fourth of July Fireworks Cruise, Harborfest Fireworks Cruise, and the Annual USS Constitution Turnaround Sail. Private charters are also available.
Fan Pier Marina, Boston, MA
Boston, MA 02129
Phone: (617) 742-0333
Email: liberty@libertyfleet.com
Lighthouses Depending on Weather and Route: Boston Harbor Light, Long Island Head Light, Graves Light
Boston's Waterfront Directions
Directions to Boston's Rowes Wharf for Harbor Cruises:
- Heading North, be wary of construction detours:
- Take US Route I-93 North to the LOGAN AIRPORT(I-90)/S. STATION exit towards WORCESTER, Exit #20
- Continue towards Frontage Road/South Station
- Bear RIGHT towards Kneeland Street/Downtown
- Continue on Atlantic Avenue
- Rowes Wharf is on the RIGHT.
- Heading East towards Boston, be wary of construction detours:
- Take Take US Route I-90 EAST (Massachusetts Turnpike) to the 24 A-B-C/I-93/South station exit towards CONCORD NH/QUINCY.
- Continue towards South Station, Exit #24A
- Continue on Atlantic Avenue
- Rowes Wharf is on the RIGHT.
- Heading South, be wary of construction detours:
- Take US Route I-93 South to the Purchase Street exit, Exit #23
- At the traffic light, turn LEFT onto Congress Street
- At the next traffic light, turn LEFT onto Atlantic Avenue
- Rowes Wharf is on the RIGHT.
Directions Public Transportation (MBTA):
-
Take the Blue Line to Aquarium Station
-
Turn LEFT immediately out of the station
Continue on Atlantic Avenue -
Rowes Wharf is on the LEFT.
Directions to Boston's Long Wharf for Harbor Cruises
- Heading South, by wary of construction detours:
- Take US Route 93 South to Exit 24A bearing right on off ramp (Government Center).
- Follow signs to Aquarium Wharf. Boston Harbor Cruises is located between the Aquarium and Marriott Hotel.
- Heading North, by wary of construction detours:
- Take US Route 93 North to Exit 23 (Government Center).
- Follow signs to Aquarium Wharf.
- Boston Harbor Cruises is located between the Aquarium and Marriott Hotel
Boat Tours for Lighthouses
in the North Shore Area
(Salem, Gloucester, and Newburyport)
These boats will take you north of Boston Harbor around Salem, Gloucester, and Newburyport Harbors. They sometimes offer tours that allow you to explore some of the nearby islands. Some also offer scenic harbor and nature cruises, deep sea fishing and whale watching, special dinner and sunset cruises, along with special lighthouse cruises. From Salem Harbor, many fishing and whale watching tours pass by Derby Wharf and Fort Pickering lighthouses. In Gloucester Harbor, many whale watching tours pass by Eastern Point Light, and sometimes Ten Pound Island, Straitsmouth, and Thacher island Lights.
Bakers Island Light
Mahi Mahi Cruises & Charters
Among daily cruises in Salem Harbor, they provide specialized lighthouse cruises as part of their Early Summer Lighthouse Cruise and the Lighthouse Fall Foliage and Chowda Cruise.
P.O. Box 3063
Salem, MA
Phone: (800) 992-MAHI (6244)
E-mail: info@mahicruises.com
Lighthouses: Derby Wharf Light, Fort Pickering Lighthouse, Hospital Point Lighthouse, Baker's Island Light, and Marblehead Lighthouse.
Essex National Heritage Area
This is a non-profit organization that offers lighthouse tours to explore Baker’s Island Lighthouse. Tours are provided during the summer months.
10 Federal Street, Suite 12, Salem, MA 01970
Phone: (978) 740-0444
Website: essexheritage.org/boat
Lighthouse: Baker’s Island
Sailing Schooner Fame
Replica of an early 1800’s schooner, the 1812 privateer Fame, for sailing around Salem Harbor, roughly a two-hour cruise during the day, and they have a sunset sail. Visitors can help the crew raise the sails and learn the local history on these excursions. If there are tall ship events nearby, they go out to explore.
Pickering Wharf Marina
86 Wharf Street, Salem, MA 01970
Phone: (978) 729-7600
Email: schoonerfame@gmail.com
Lighthouses: Derby Wharf Light, Fort Pickering Lighthouse, Hospital Point Lighthouse
Thacher Island Association
Trip offered to explore Thacher Island and guest accommodations are provided to stay overnight on the island.
P.O.Box 73
Rockport, MA 01966
Launch (978) 546-7697
Guest Apartment (617) 599-2590
E-Mail: info@thacherisland.org
Lighthouses: Thacher Island Twin Lights, Eastern Point Light, Annisquam Light, Straitsmouth Island Light, and Ten Pound Island Light
Cape Ann Harbor Tours
In addition to its lobstering and harbor tours, they provide a special Cape Ann Lighthouse Cruise all along Cape Ann.
P.O. Box 719
Gloucester, MA 01930
(978) 283-1979
Email info@capeannharbortours.com.
Lighthouses: Annisquam Light, Eastern Point Light, Ten Pound Island Light, Straitsmouth Island Light, and Thatcher Island Twin Lights.
Schooner Thomas E. Lannon
This 2-masted 65-foot fishing schooner (90-feet overall) is framed with white oak and black locust from trees grown locally. Her hull is planked with white oak below the waterline and with elegant mahogany above the waterline, with masts of Douglas fir. She has mostly 2-hour public sails, which include sunset, music, star gazing, moonlight, and fireworks, along with Tuesday Special and Sunday morning sailing cruises. Charters are also available.
Seven Seas Wharf at The Gloucester House
Restaurant
63R Rogers Street
Rte. 127, Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: (978) 281-6634
Email: info@schooner.org
Lighthouses: Ten Pound Island Light and Eastern Point Light
Books to Explore
Lighthouses and Coastal Attractions of Southern New England: This resourceful provides special human interest stories from each of the 92 lighthousesalong the southern coastline, with plenty of indoor and outdoor coastal attractions you can explore, and plenty of lighthouse and boat tours. Look inside! |
|
 Available in paperback, hardcover, and as an eBook for all devices.
Enjoy a 10% discount on the hardcover version. Printed and distributed by IngramSpark. |
The Rise and Demise of the Largest Sailing Ships: Stories of the Six and Seven-Masted Coal Schooners of New England In the early 1900s, New England shipbuilders constructed the world’s largest sailing ships amid social and political reforms. These giants of sail were the ten original six-masted coal schooners and one colossal seven-masted vessel, built to carry massive quantities of coal and building supplies, and measured longer than a football field! This self-published book, balanced with plenty of color and vintage images, showcases the historical accounts that followed these mighty ships. These true stories include competitions, accidents, battling destructive storms, acts of heroism, and their final voyages. |
