
Bring a Group
We welcome all kinds of groups: companies, extended families, summer camps, youth groups, and others come to the islands to share a fun experience. There’s plenty of room for everyone and something to do for visitors of all ages—from taking the ferry ride to swimming to camping or just sightseeing at your final destination.
From a family picnic to a company outing we can help. Island venues are great for private events, such as weddings. So just gather your group, and we’ll help make planning your visit fast and easy, and your island visit memorable.
Boat Tips
Remember to arrive 20 to 30 minutes before your boat is due to depart the mainland. For groups traveling on the scheduled public ferry (not chartered), group discounts are available. Please be mindful that the ferry can not wait for late groups.
Group Discounts & Permits
When 10 or more people are traveling together, group ferry fares are available. Special ferry rates are available for school and other educational groups. When 25 or more people are coming for a day visit, a permit is required by Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). If your group of 25 or more is camping, a group campsite reservation is required, no additional permit is necessary. Group rates are also available for the Boston Light Tour.
Island Pass: Free Non-Profit Trips
Boston Harbor Islands Partnership provides free access to the park for underserved populations through the Island Pass program. This program is sponsored in collaboration with Boston Harbor Island Alliance, Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, and National Park Service through the generaous support of Boston’s Best Cruises, Bank of America, and State Street Foundation.
More
- Go to more about: Free Trips for Non-profits
- Go to more about permits for Georges, Spectacle, Peddocks, Lovells, Bumpkin, and Grape Islands or Webb Memorial Park: DCR Permits
- Go to more about camping: Camping
- Go to more about holding an event: Private Events
- Go to more about: Boston Light Tour
- Call Ranger Line for planning a group trip, including permits and special fares: 617-223-8666
- Call Boston’s Best Cruises to purchase group ferry tickets: 617-770-0040 X102
- Visit National Park Service for school trip information: nps.gov/boha/forteachers
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I reserve a bunch of picnic tables for my group?
At Georges and Spectacle Island: You may only reserve tables by hiring Island Caterers for your group. However, there are over 200 picnic tables total on both islands, room enough for most groups even on the busiest days. It is likely you will also be able to shift them around as needed, but make sure to ask an island ranger first!
At Webb Memorial Park: contac the DCR for use of the gazebo area.
Which islands have grills? May I bring my own grill?
There are small stationary grills on Georges, Grape, Bumpkin, Peddocks, and Lovells Island, as well as Webb Memorial Park. Visitors may bring their own quality grill, and their own charcoal and cooking utensils. Please remember to let charcoals burn to ash and take all trash home with you after use. Grills and open flames of any kind are prohibited on Spectacle, Nut, and Deer Island.
May I bring my radio to the park?
Amplified music is not permitted on any island in the park. However, feel free to enjoy any music utilizing your headphones or earbuds.
At Georges and Spectacle Island: You may only reserve tables by hiring Island Caterers for your group. However, there are over 200 picnic tables total on both islands, room enough for most groups even on the busiest days. It is likely you will also be able to shift them around as needed, but make sure to ask an island ranger first!
At Webb Memorial Park: contac the DCR for use of the gazebo area.
There are small stationary grills on Georges, Grape, Bumpkin, Peddocks, and Lovells Island, as well as Webb Memorial Park. Visitors may bring their own quality grill, and their own charcoal and cooking utensils. Please remember to let charcoals burn to ash and take all trash home with you after use. Grills and open flames of any kind are prohibited on Spectacle, Nut, and Deer Island.
Amplified music is not permitted on any island in the park. However, feel free to enjoy any music utilizing your headphones or earbuds.

