Go Boating or Sea Kayaking
Boaters and kayakers are very welcome in the Boston Harbor Islands national park area, which includes plenty of protected water, interesting coastline, and coves to explore. You can fish, camp, hike the island trails, walk along the shore, and more. Whether arriving by motorboat, sailboat, or kayak, everyone’s invited to come ashore to see all that the islands have to offer. Permits are required for on-island camping. Docks are available seasonally on some islands.
For Kayakers
Travel through protected waters among the islands of Hingham Harbor on your own. Or participate in one of our free, ranger-guided tours departing from Spectacle or Grape Islands.
For Boaters
The islands offer protected harbors and great views. So if you’re a boater, get the information you need about marinas, moorings, and more. Island resources are fragile. Please take care, if landing on park islands, to not disturb natural or cultural features. You must “carry-on, carry-off.” (Private boaters may not land on Thompson, Moon, Long, or Gallops Islands.)
Boston Harbor is designated a No Discharge Area, and all treated and untreated boat sewage must be pumped from boaters' sewage holding tanks into either a pump-out facility or pump-out boat. There are a total of 35 pump out facilities in Boston Harbor.
Boat Ramps
Communities around Massachusetts have free public boat ramps with parking areas. The parking areas may carry a small daily fee. Here are the closest local boat ramps to the islands:
- Winthrop: 649 Shirley Street
- Boston: 600 Morrissey Boulevard (gravel ramp)
- Quincy: 137 Bayview Avenue
- Hingham: 5 Otis Street
- Weymouth: 92 Beach Road
- Hull: 180 Main Street (gravel ramp)
Gravel ramps are not recommended for all vehicles at low tide.
More
- Go to more about park docks and marinas: Island Docks & Marinas
- Go to more about moorings near park islands: Moorings
- Go to more about ranger-guided kayak tours: Sea Kayak Tours
- Consult NOAA Chart 13270: charts.noaa.gov/OnLineViewer/1370.shtml
- Visit The Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management for information on pump-out facilities: mass.gov/czm/nda/pumpouts
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there moorings at the Boston Harbor Islands?
There are currently six managed moorings, all near the Spectacle Island Marina. They are available for a fee in-season, and free off-season. There are about 20 moorings adjacent to other islands. These moorings are unmanaged, and available at your own risk, and on a first come first serve. They are near Long, Peddocks, Gallops, among other islands.
What about sea kayaking?
Boston Harbor and the islands offer spectacular opportunities for the experienced sea kayaker. Exploring the islands by sea kayak offers more flexibility than using the park ferry and shuttle system—kayakers can have an adventure not yet available to most visitors who are limited to islands that have piers and ferry service. Remember: The harbor is an active port used by HUGE cargo ships and tankers. They cannot stop to avoid a kayak! We suggest paddling in Quincy or Hingham Bay.
There are currently six managed moorings, all near the Spectacle Island Marina. They are available for a fee in-season, and free off-season. There are about 20 moorings adjacent to other islands. These moorings are unmanaged, and available at your own risk, and on a first come first serve. They are near Long, Peddocks, Gallops, among other islands.
Boston Harbor and the islands offer spectacular opportunities for the experienced sea kayaker. Exploring the islands by sea kayak offers more flexibility than using the park ferry and shuttle system—kayakers can have an adventure not yet available to most visitors who are limited to islands that have piers and ferry service. Remember: The harbor is an active port used by HUGE cargo ships and tankers. They cannot stop to avoid a kayak! We suggest paddling in Quincy or Hingham Bay.
Park Map
