Boston Harbor

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Welcome to Boston Harbor

THINGS TO SEE
PLACES TO EAT
PLACES TO STAY
WHERE TO DOCK

Boston is a boater’s harbor
Photo by Tom Richardson, New England Boating

With deep channels and sheltering bays and islands, it’s no wonder the Puritans chose Boston Harbor as the place to build their “city on a hill” in the 1630s. Two hundred years later, Oliver Wendell Holmes, one of their Yankee descendants, dubbed the city the “hub of the solar system,” and Boston has been called The Hub ever since.

Barnstable Chart

While the downtown waterfront, revitalized after some very rough times in the 1960s and ‘70s, draws the lion’s share of attention, the “greater harbor” comprises outlying towns and cities such as

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Hingham, Quincy, Hull, Winthrop and Charlestown, as well as the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area (see sidebar)—an incredible and underappreciated public resource that offers camping, hiking, fishing and, yes, swimming. Indeed, the once-justly maligned waters of Boston Harbor are now cleaner than at any point in the last 200 years, thanks to the massive sewage-treatment facility on Deer Island, which purifies the effluent of some five million Boston-area residents so thoroughly that you could safely drink the end product.

Metro Marinas

The Barking Crab restaurant on the Fort Point Channel offers dockage for small boats and dinghies. Photo/NEB

The only downside for daytrippers is that Boston has no public dockage close to the downtown area, save for a couple of small drop-off floats on the Fort Point Channel (great for kayakers). If you wish to leave your boat on a mooring or in a slip, you’ll need to contact one of the downtown-area marinas.

At the head of the harbor is the aptly named Constitution Marina, adjacent to the frigate U.S.S. Constitution (a.k.a., “Old Ironsides”), the world’s oldest commissioned warship still afloat and victor of famous sea battles against the British during the War of 1812. Constitution Marina is a huge facility with 300 slips and is an easy walk to the famous Italian restaurants of Boston’s North End. It’s also close to the Charles River Locks, making it a prime location from which to watch Boston’s famous Fourth of July fireworks display. Boaters can get an even better view by slipping into the Charles River Basin via the improved and easy-to-navigate lock system. Just be aware that any spot will be packed with boats on the Fourth of July.

The USS Constitution, berthed in Charlestown, can be viewed from the water. Photo/NEB

“That one day on Boston Harbor is a boater’s dream come true,” says Larry Russo Sr., president and CEO of Russo Marine, New England’s largest powerboat dealership with a location on Dorchester Bay. Russo points out that families can spend the day touring the Harbor Islands before making their way up the Charles River to take in the fireworks and live music from the Esplanade. “It’s the most spectacular 12 hours of boating you can have without going more than two miles per hour.”

Beantown Basics

Recreational fishermen share the harbor with massive tankers. Photo/NEB

The city’s waterfront has been similarly cleansed over the years, to the point where seven-figure condos now occupy the former sites of squalid fish wharves and warehouses. Area attractions need no introduction. Boston, as many know, is a walker’s city, and boaters can enjoy easy access to historic sites, ethnic neighborhoods, famous museums, great dining and lively nightlife.

The Boston Harbor Walk, which stretches from Chelsea Creek in the north to the Neponset River in the south, provides easy pedestrian access from the docks of downtown-area marinas to Boston’s many attractions. The project is ongoing, but many sections, especially those along the shores of Dorchester Bay and the downtown waterfront, have been completed.

Boston Yacht Haven on Commercial Wharf welcomes boaters with slips and suites. Photo/NEB

At the center of Boston’s revitalized waterfront, the high-end Boston Yacht Haven Inn & Marina on Commercial Wharf offers protected slips and luxurious accommodations in their onsite suites and penthouses.

On nearby Long Wharf, the Boston Waterboat Marina also occupies a prime spot in the heart of the city’s poshest waterfront developments, and is close to numerous downtown eateries, including those in the North End, Faneuil Hall and Chinatown. It offers transient slips, but call ahead for availability.

A bit farther south along the waterfront, at the foot of the Financial District and within walking distance of Faneuil Hall and the New England Aquarium is The Marina at Rowes Wharf and the adjacent Boston Harbor Hotel. When it comes to taking care of transient boaters, the marina and hotel combine forces to offer a true five-star experience.

Fort Independence on Castle Island once guarded the inner harbor. Photo/NEB

The Marina at Rowes Wharf has 35 slips with enough space and water depth to handle even mega yachts. All of the expected amenities, such as showers, washers and dryers, and power are offered. But there are many unexpected services as well. By working with the Boston Harbor Hotel, Rowes is able to offer room service delivery right to your boat, as well as laundry service.

For boaters looking to spend some time on terra firma, the Boston Harbor Hotel combines lux lodging with world-class dining options such as Meritage, their more formal restaurant, with acclaimed Chef Daniel Bruce at the helm (pun intended). On the casual end of the dining spectrum is the Rowes Wharf Sea Grille, which makes the most of its waterfront location. The Sea Grille’s seasonal outdoor dining space is where the Summer in the City Entertainment Series happens with events such as live music performances and Friday night movies.

In summer, the harbor bustles with boats of all shapes and sizes. Photo/NEB

Boaters planning a quick stop in Boston while heading to points north or south can also tap into both the marina and the hotel’s restaurants.

“We offer a unique special,” says Kristan McLaughlin, maritime manager and property manager for The Marina at Rowes Wharf. “Boaters can have lunch or dinner at the Sea Grille, show their receipt and stay with us for up to four hours.” Calling ahead for docking space is recommended. And file this one away for future reference: the Businessman’s (or woman’s!) Special allows boaters to come in by 9:00 a.m. and depart by 5:00 p.m. for $40. Shower facilities are even offered.

Although Boston is limited in the number of casual restaurants that offer dockage, there is one standout. The Barking Crab seafood-in-the-rough restaurant on the Fort Point Channel, near the Federal Court House, offers free tie-up for patrons who arrive in small boats and dinghies. The food here is outstanding and the atmosphere qualifies it as a funky boater’s hangout worthy of the Bahamas.

Tall ships call regularly on Boston, adding to its historic appeal. Photo/NEB

Continuing south, the Liberty Wharf Marina on Northern Avenue, on the former site of Jimmy’s Harborside Restaurant, offers premium transient dockage and access to four restaurants. Hourly rate for boats up to 40 feet is $20.

At the southern end of Boston, in Dorchester Bay, you’ll find the very boater-friendly Venezia Waterfront Restaurant, which offers complementary dockage for diners. Nearby Marina Bay in Quincy, but still on Boston Harbor, also has transient docking available for visitors who want to access its numerous restaurants and shops.

Back on the water, Boston offers no shortage of aquatic diversions. Scattered throughout the harbor are 34 islands, most of them part of a National Recreation Area. “For me—and I keep my own boat in Boston Harbor—the biggest resource is the Harbor Islands,” says Larry Russo. “Many people don’t realize the opportunities available here.”

Fort Warren on Georges Island is surprisingly large once you get inside. Photo/NEB

From sprawling Fort Warren on Georges Island to Boston Light on Little Brewster to the marina and learning center on Spectacle, the islands can provide a season full of fascinating daytrips. You’re allowed to go ashore on most of the islands, and camping is available on Grape, Bumpkin, and Peddocks, all of which have docks for dropping off passengers and gear (see sidebar for more information).

If you want to venture farther afield, Boston Harbor also serves as a convenient launch pad for cruises to outlying cities and towns, such as Salem and Gloucester to the north, and Scituate, Cohasset, Duxbury and Plymouth to the south. Even Provincetown, some 40 nautical miles southeast of Boston Light, is within reach of many powerboats, given nice weather. And if you want to see whales, dolphin and tuna, Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary lies about 25 miles east of Boston.

GETTING THERE

NOAA Charts: 13272, 13270, 13267

Chart, Boston Harbor

Boaters arriving from points south can enter Boston Harbor via Nantasket Roads, starting at the G “3” Bell off Point Allerton. At RG “TN” you can head northwest through The Narrows to reach President Roads and the Inner Harbor. Or you can turn southwest and follow the channel markers to G “11”, where you can enter Hull and Hingham Bays via Hull Gut. You’ll find several marinas with transient facilities in this part of the harbor. If you wish to proceed west toward Boston, continue from G “11” to GR “C HS” southwest of Georges Island. From this point you can turn north to reach President Roads via Nubble Channel, or turn southwest to access the Quincy and Weymouth areas.

Boaters arriving from the north and south are best off entering the harbor via Boston North Channel and President Roads, which provides a fairly direct route to the inner harbor and Boston’s downtown marinas. However, use caution and pay attention to the markers as you approach Lower Middle Shoal, as there are 2 routes around the shoal. The northern route is narrow and skirts the shallow Governors Island Flats. Boaters unfamiliar with the harbor and those with deep-draft vessels are best off following the wide shipping channel that runs south of Lower Middle. This route gives you deep-water access right into the downtown all the way through the inner harbor.

Note: Being a major commercial center, Boston Harbor bustles with marine traffic, so you’ll need to keep a careful watch for container ships, oil- and LNG tankers (with security zones enforced by the Coast Guard), as well as fishing vessels and commuter ferries, some traveling at high speed. That’s in addition to a large number of sailboats, powerboats, and kayaks that use the harbor. Numerous channels, most of them well marked, thread their way among the islands, sandbars, ledges, and mud flats. Take it slow, pay attention to the markers, and you’ll be fine.

Dockage, Moorings, & Service

The Marina at Rowes Wharf (617-748-5012): Prime location on the Boston waterfront with 35 slips and free dockage for diners at the Rowes Wharf Grille or Meritage Restaurant.
Constitution Marina (617-241-9640): Sprawling facility in Charlestown offering 300 slips and an easy walk to the Italian restaurants of Boston’s North End.
Boston Yacht Haven (617-367-5050): Luxury slips for vessels of all sizes on Commercial Wharf, plus luxurious accommodations in onsite suites and penthouses.
Boston Waterboat Marina (617-523-1027): This small marina on Long Wharf offers transient slips and easy access to Boston’s parks, the Aquarium, many great restaurants, Faneuil Hall and more.
Boston Harbor Shipyard & Marina (617-561-9539): Located in East Boston, BHSM offers a fuel dock, transient slips, fitness center, WiFi, boater’s lounge, restrooms, laundry, free parking, 24 hour security, repair, service, ice and onsite restaurant and snack shack.
Marina at Admiral’s Hill (617-884-4765): Located in Chelsea, Admiral’s Hill is a full-service marina offers free dockside parking, gas and diesel, storage, maintenance, hauling and service, TravelLift.
Marina Bay (617-847-1800): Full-service marina on Dorchester Bay in Quincy featuring transient slips, fuel, haul out, repair, water, electric, WiFi and more, along with several onsite restaurants and shops.
Public Moorings: There are 20 public moorings scattered throughout the islands. Six are adjacent to Spectacle Island, while the rest are near Long, Peddocks, Gallops, Georges, and Rainsford Islands. All are currently available at no charge on a first-come, first-served basis.

Anchorages

There are numerous protected spots to anchor within Boston Harbor, depending on the wind direction. However, boaters should first look for one of the free moorings available through the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreational Area (see above for more info).

Launch Ramps

Weymouth: Located on the Back River, on the southern side of the harbor, this two-lane, all-tide ramp offers ample parking and floating docks. Daily fee $8.

Winthrop: On the northern end of the harbor, you’ll find a public ramp in Winthrop at 649 Shirley Street. Daily fee $5.

Charlestown: A two-lane ramp can be found on Terminal Street below the Tobin Bridge. This launch facility offers lots of parking and great access to Boston’s Inner Harbor and the Charles River, but lacks a tie-up float. Opens at 7:00 a.m.; closes at 11:00 p.m.

South Boston: A large, convenient float on the upper Fort Point Channel, just south of Summer Street, affords kayakers access to the inner harbor. Parking is available in the adjacent commercial lot for a reasonable fee.

Harbormaster

(617) 343-4721; VHF 9

Boat & Kayak Rental

Boston Harbor Boat Rentals (617-240-2900)

Getting Around

Boston has an excellent public transportation system (MBTA) with a subway stop at the Aquarium. There are also no shortage of taxis.

Where to Stay

Boston Harbor Hotel (617-439-7000): Five-star waterfront hotel (and marina) that caters to a boater’s every need.
Seaport Hotel (617-440-3318): Large hotel in South Boston, next to World Trade Center.

Where to Eat

Meritage (617-439-3995): Upscale restaurant on Rowes Wharf offering free dockage to patrons, but reservations are a must.
The Barking Crab (617-426-2722): Fun, family-friendly atmosphere and great seafood in the rough on the Fort Point Channel in South Boston.
Legal Seafood (617-742-5300): Good, fresh seafood near the Aquarium on Long Wharf.
Chart House (617-227-1576): Waterfront restaurant with great views of the harbor. Located on Long Wharf.
The Daily Catch (617-772-4400): Good, fresh seafood and harborside views in Boston’s Seaport District at the Fan Pier.
Venezia (617-436-3120): Venerable waterside restaurant and banquet facility on Dorchester Bay next to Russo Marine; offers free dockage to diners.

Things to Do & See

Boston HarborWalk : This walking trail stretching from Chelsea to Dorchester is designed to connect the public to a clean and restored Boston Harbor, and makes it easy to reach many of the city’s waterfront venues.
New England Aquarium (617-973-5200): This world-renowned aquarium on Long Wharf features seal and dolphin shows, penguins, touch tanks, and the centerpiece 200,000-gallon coral reef exhibit.
USS Constitution (617-426-1812): Close to Constitution Marina in Charlestown, this wood-hulled, 3-masted frigate is the oldest commissioned U.S. warship afloat and is open for tours.
Boston Harbor Island Tours & Cruises: A variety of harbor tours ranging from trips to historic Boston Light to the wet and wild Codzilla thrill ride are available via Boston Harbor Cruises.

General Information

Photo Gallery

Private-boaters are allowed to drop off and pick up passengers at Boston Light on Little Brewster Island, conditions permitting. Photo/NEB

In summer, the harbor bustles with boats of all shapes and sizes. Photo/NEB

View of Boston Harbor from the top of Boston Light. Photo/NEB

A 747 dwarfs a vintage sailboat on its approach to Logan Airport Photo/NEB

The harbor offers fantastic fishing for stripers and winter flounder. Photo/NEB

Beautiful sailing vessels of every description filled the harbor during the 2012 Harborfest celebration. Photo/NEB

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At a Glance

Launch Ramps
Where to Stay
Rentals
Harbor Master and Harbor Info
Getting There
Things to Do