travel by ferry

So, you want to explore the islands. It's easy. Park ferries serve Georges and Spectacle Islands and four other islands in the park (in season). Decide which island you wish to visit; we recommend visiting no more than two your first day. During 2008, passenger ferries leave from five locations:

• Boston at Long Wharf has frequent service to Georges and Spectacle Islands, with FREE service between them. At Georges, connect to other islands for $3.00.
• South Boston at EDIC Pier has limited service to Thompson Island, with FREE connections to Spectacle Island.
• Quincy at Fore River Shipyard serves Georges Island, with FREE connections to Spectacle and $3.00 service to other islands.
• Hingham at Hingham Shipyard and Hull at Pemberton Point have frequent service to Grape, Bumpkin, Peddocks, Georges, and Lovells Islands, with FREE connecting service to Spectacle Island.

Consult the park ferry schedule (PDF), or call 617-223-8666.

To return to the mainland, check the schedule and retrace your route. Make sure you leave your island in time to make connections to return to the mainland pier where you started your trip.

Contact Harbor Express for the latest fare information or call the park at 617-223-8666. The round-trip park ferry costs $14 for adults from all points. Multi-ride, family, senior, and group rates are available. Water shuttles from Georges to most islands have an additional fee of $3.00 for unlimited one-day rides.

• Adult: $14
• Senior (65+): $10
• Child (ages 3-11): $8
• Children under 3 yrs: FREE
• School groups (per student): $8
• Family four pack (2 adults & 2 children): $42

Please note that pets and bicycles are only permitted on two park islands: the paved walkways of Deer and Nut Islands. Dogs may accompany their owners on the park ferries but may not disembark on the islands. Service dogs are permitted on the islands.

Ferry vessels are accessible for people with disabilities with staff assistance, but getting off the boat onto the islands is difficult because of steep ramps, particularly at low tide. The islands are not fully accessible for disabled visitors; Georges and Spectacle Islands have some areas that are suitable for wheelchair use.

Ferry Travel with My Group

For school trip information or other group tours and reservations, see Reservations / Permits.

We strongly recommend public transportation for travel in the greater Boston area. Use buses, subways, and commuter trains to reach mainland piers: Go to www.mbta.com.  AMTRAK provides interstate rail passenger service to South Station in Boston (www.amtrak.com), which is also served by several interstate bus lines.

More about
travel by ferry

Ferry Schedule

- Download PDF