Hingham Gateway to the Harbor Islands
Ferries to the Boston Harbor Islands leave from the Hewitt's Cove Shipyard in Hingham seven days a week during the summer season. This inter-island connector provides direct service to Grape, Bumpkin, and Georges Islands as well as Pemberton Point in Hull. Unfortunately, the Hingham Ferry is not handical accessible. Standard ferry fees apply when boarding in Hingham via cash or credit card. Of course, all service between islands is free.
General information about the Boston Harbor Islands is available at the kiosk located at the top of the gangway. Information concerning boat schedules, parking, camping and programming is also available. The kiosk is staffed prior to all ferry departures and our friendly rangers are able to answer questions about your trip as well as provide a FREE parking pass for those traveling to the islands. Please arrive at least 20 minutes prior to all ferry departures if you are looking to obtain a parking pass.
Additional services at the Hingham Shipyard include grocery stores, restaurants, and shops; all within walking distance. The Hingham Shipyard Marina also offers moorings, slips, and fueling services for private boaters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the islands accessible to people with physical disabilities?
The main ferries serving the islands are accessible to people with disabilities; however, none of the islands currently meet those requirements. The park is working to rectify this situation. A few islands can be available to people with disabilities: Georges Island offers paved and fairly level paths and Spectacle Island has one accessible crushed stone trail. Although Peddocks Island has accessible paths along Fort Andrews, the smaller interisland connectors do not have adequate access. Grape, Bumpkin, and Lovells Islands have trails of dirt or grass that are not suitable for people with disabilities. Please call with specific questions.
How long is the ferry ride?
During the summer season, it takes approximately 20 minutes to travel from Long Wharf North in Boston to Spectacle Island and 30 minutes from Long Wharf North to Georges Island. During our spring and fall season, it takes either 20 or 45 minutes to arrive at Spectacle depending upon the order of stops at the two islands; check the schedule carefully. Please consult the schedule for specific times between islands and mainland piers on the Island Connectors serving Hingham, Grape, Bumpkin, Peddocks, Hull, Georges, and Lovells.
Where do I park near Long Wharf North in Boston?
There are many private lots available, with separate weekend and weekday rates.
For Weekends: International Place Parking (1 International Place) has discount parking: $9.00, then pick up a $2.00 discount voucher at the Pavilion or Ferry Center. From this location, take a left onto the Greenway and walk 3-4 minutes to the Boston Harbor Islands Pavilion. International Place is a secure facility, so expect to show your ID. Other private lots offer weekend discounted rates of $10 to $15.
For Weekdays: We recommend public transit. Most private lots are over $25. Lewis Wharf at 28 Atlantic Ave. in the North End is a 5 minute walk. It has limited space, but at $15 is very inexpensive.
The main ferries serving the islands are accessible to people with disabilities; however, none of the islands currently meet those requirements. The park is working to rectify this situation. A few islands can be available to people with disabilities: Georges Island offers paved and fairly level paths and Spectacle Island has one accessible crushed stone trail. Although Peddocks Island has accessible paths along Fort Andrews, the smaller interisland connectors do not have adequate access. Grape, Bumpkin, and Lovells Islands have trails of dirt or grass that are not suitable for people with disabilities. Please call with specific questions.
During the summer season, it takes approximately 20 minutes to travel from Long Wharf North in Boston to Spectacle Island and 30 minutes from Long Wharf North to Georges Island. During our spring and fall season, it takes either 20 or 45 minutes to arrive at Spectacle depending upon the order of stops at the two islands; check the schedule carefully. Please consult the schedule for specific times between islands and mainland piers on the Island Connectors serving Hingham, Grape, Bumpkin, Peddocks, Hull, Georges, and Lovells.
There are many private lots available, with separate weekend and weekday rates.
For Weekends: International Place Parking (1 International Place) has discount parking: $9.00, then pick up a $2.00 discount voucher at the Pavilion or Ferry Center. From this location, take a left onto the Greenway and walk 3-4 minutes to the Boston Harbor Islands Pavilion. International Place is a secure facility, so expect to show your ID. Other private lots offer weekend discounted rates of $10 to $15.
For Weekdays: We recommend public transit. Most private lots are over $25. Lewis Wharf at 28 Atlantic Ave. in the North End is a 5 minute walk. It has limited space, but at $15 is very inexpensive.


