Tour operator
Boston Duck Tours
Amphibious sightseeing tours that cover central Boston by road before splashing into the Charles River, departing from the Prudential Center, Museum of Science and Aquarium.
Charles Riverboat Company
A family-owned cruise company founded in 1990, offering narrated sightseeing, architecture and sunset cruises on the Charles River from the CambridgeSide dock.
At a glance
- Type
- River and harbour cruises
- Area
- Cambridge (CambridgeSide), Boston, United States
- Official site
- charlesriverboat.com
Good to know
- Narrated sightseeing cruises
- Architecture cruise
- Sunset cruise
- Group discounts
- Discounted parking
Why we recommend it
The Charles Riverboat Company was created in 1990 and has been family owned for more than 35 years. Its boats run narrated cruises on the Charles River, the stretch of water between Boston and Cambridge, and they offer a calm, seated way to see the skylines on both banks. Boston By Foot uses the company for its architecture cruise.
The core trip is the Sightseeing Tour, a fully narrated 70-minute cruise on the river. The Architecture Tour is a longer, two-hour trip that takes in Boston Harbor, the Charles River Locks and the Charles River basin, and it is the best choice if you are interested in how the city was built. The 90-minute Sunset and Cocktail Cruise is a relaxed evening option. Seasonal specials have included fall cruises, ghost tours, themed tiki cruises and holiday cruises, and the company also rents pedal boats.
Boats depart from the CambridgeSide dock at 100 Cambridgeside Place in Cambridge, in the Lechmere Canal just outside the CanalSide Food Hall. Lechmere station on the Green Line is about a four-minute walk away, and Kendall/MIT on the Red Line is about 15 minutes on foot. If you drive, parking in the CambridgeSide garage is discounted for up to eight hours with a validation ticket from the on-site staff; the discount does not apply to the Royal Sonesta garage.
Group tours are available at discounted rates, which suits school groups, families and company outings. As a general tip, the sunset cruise is the most atmospheric choice for couples, while families with younger children usually find the shorter sightseeing tour easier. Bring a layer, as it can feel cooler on the water, and check the schedule before you go, since cruises are seasonal and specialty sailings change through the year.
Arrive a little early to find the dock and collect parking validation if you are driving.
The cruises suit first-time visitors, architecture enthusiasts and anyone who wants a gentle, sit-down tour. Because the dock is in Cambridge, the trip pairs well with time at the CambridgeSide shops and food hall, and Boston Duck Tours' Museum of Science departure point is another option for a water-based outing on the same side of the city.
Charles Riverboat Company FAQs
Where do the cruises depart?
From the CambridgeSide dock at 100 Cambridgeside Place in Cambridge, in the Lechmere Canal outside the CanalSide Food Hall.
How long is the sightseeing cruise?
The narrated Sightseeing Tour lasts 70 minutes.
What is the Architecture Tour?
A two-hour cruise covering Boston Harbor, the Charles River Locks and the Charles River basin.
Is there a sunset cruise?
Yes. The Sunset and Cocktail Cruise lasts 90 minutes.
Which station is nearest?
Lechmere on the Green Line, about a four-minute walk away.
Is parking available?
Yes. The CambridgeSide garage is discounted for up to eight hours with validation.
Are there group rates?
Yes. Group tours are available at discounted rates.
How old is the company?
It was created in 1990 and has been family owned for more than 35 years.