June 11th, 2025

Get out on the water this summer

Banner Food & Travel Sponsored by Meet Boston

With the summer months quickly approaching, many community members are looking for ways to keep cool, which includes spending time at the water. These are some of the places where you and your family can make fun memories in the water in Boston. And don’t forget, kayaking on the Neponset River is free during Neponset Day in August.

Boston Harbor Islands

191W Atlantic Ave.
Described as an “an urban oasis,” this park is made up of 34 islands and peninsulas and is just minutes away from the city’s center. You can take a park ferry and explore the islands with many options for outdoor activities, relaxation, or learning. Tickets are $22.95 for seniors, $24.95 for adults and $17.95 for children; those under 3 years old are free. Also, discounted tickets are available for students and military.

Boston Electric Boats

Lewis Wharf, 28 Atlantic Ave.
Wanting to help more people experience the harbor in a new way, this organization set out to make boating options more accessible in the city with its clean, quiet electric boats. Whether you want to celebrate a special occasion or have a great day with loved ones, Boston Electric Boats is ready to take you out on the water.

Encore Boston Harbor

One Broadway
The Harborwalk surrounds Encore Boston Harbor and is a beautiful space to take a walk along a big lawn with gardens, a picnic park, viewing decks and shoreline paths for bicycle users and walkers that gives access to the waterfront.

The Encore Boston Harbor has a free water shuttle. Luxury motor yachts depart day and night from Long Wharf North in downtown Boston, where you can climb aboard and enjoy the ocean breezes.

Save The Harbor/Save The Bay

212 Northern Avenue #304
This non-profit, public interest harbor advocacy organization works to restore and protect Boston Harbor, Massachusetts Bay and the marine environment to make it accessible for all the public to enjoy. It has events and activities for all ages, including free Boston Harbor cruises, free trips to the Harbor Islands, community-organized Better Beaches events and many more. One of the main events is “Beats on the Beach Block Party,” a collaboration of local artists with the goal of supporting creatives of color while bringing community members to the city’s waterfront.

Community Boating Inc. Boston

21 David G. Mugar Way
As the oldest public sailing organization in the United States, this organization is living out its mission of “sailing for all” through their various programs for adults, youth and community members who need special assistance.

It is known for its award-winning adult program that offers  public access to watersport for everyone from first-time sailors to national champions. Memberships include instruction, sailing, windsurfing and paddling.

For youth, Community Boating Inc. Boston works to make junior membership affordable to all. The fee is on a needs-based sliding scale from $1 to $445 and includes membership, classes and boat use. During the registration process, there is a fee calculator that offers discounts based on household income and family makeup. Memberships are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Courageous Sailing

507 Jamaicaway
With the mission of “transforming lives through sailing programs that inspire learning, personal growth and leadership,” this organization has worked to make sailing accessible for all. It also has boating opportunities on Jamaica Pond and youth programming for beginners and intermediate, however, youth must be able to demonstrate a minimum level of swimming competency. No child is turned away for financial reasons. Whether you are looking for sailing lessons or want to rent a kayak, rowboat or sailboat for the day, this is a fun place where the family can enjoy the water all summer long.

OUTSIDE THE CITY

Boston Outrigger Canoe Club

60 Winter Island Rd., Salem, Mass.
This organization is “dedicated to expanding the sport of Hawaiian outrigger canoe racing along the East Coast.”  Its website reports that “outrigger canoes (OCs) are ocean-going vessels developed and used by the peoples in the South Pacific to move from island to island.” Each outrigger canoe is a multi-person watercraft (a four-person canoe and three six-person canoes are available). You do not have to have experience, as they provide gentle coaching and equipment.

boating, Boston Harbor Islands, summer recreation, water activities