Boston Harbor's Boat: What's In A Name?

Boston Harbor is a hub of activity, with a variety of boats traversing its waters daily. From private recreational boats to ferries, cruise ships, and even whale-watching vessels, there's always something interesting to see. One notable boat operating in the area is the Northern Lights, a classic yacht offering various cruises, including sunset sails, holiday cruises, and sightseeing tours. Another well-known boat in Boston Harbor is The Salacia, the largest and fastest of the ferries, which is used for commuting between Hingham and Boston.

Boston Harbor's history

Boston Harbor, a natural harbor and estuary of Massachusetts Bay, has played a significant role in American history since its discovery by Europeans in 1614. Recognized as one of the finest natural harbors in the world, it boasts a depth that provides natural defense from the Atlantic and easy access to several rivers, making travel into Massachusetts more convenient.

The Shawmut Peninsula, the site of Boston's founding in 1630, was first settled by Puritan colonists led by John Winthrop. They had previously landed in Salem but continued their search for clean, fresh water. The lone resident of the peninsula, Reverend William Blackstone, welcomed the Puritans and shared the location of a freshwater spring. In return, the Puritans granted him 50 acres of land, which he sold back to them four years later.

Boston Harbor became the main entry point for imports to the greater Boston area and the New England coast by 1660, leading to a rapid influx of people and transforming Boston into a bustling city. This period also witnessed continuous construction of wharves, piers, and new filled land in the harbor until the 19th century.

The harbor was the site of the Boston Tea Party in 1773, a pivotal event in the lead-up to the American Revolution. The Sons of Liberty, led by Samuel Adams, inspired colonists to dump 340 chests of East India Company tea into the harbor in protest against British taxation without representation.

In the 19th century, Boston Harbor began to face environmental challenges due to the increasing population of the city. Raw sewage and industrial activities contributed to the deterioration of water quality, leading to health advisories against swimming in the harbor. Efforts to address this issue included the construction of steam sewage stations and the creation of the Metropolitan District Commission in 1919 to oversee water quality.

Despite these measures, the harbor's water quality remained poor, and it became the subject of lawsuits in the 1980s, leading to a court-ordered cleanup. The Boston Harbor Project, a $4.5 billion initiative, played a crucial role in improving the harbor's environmental condition. Today, Boston Harbor has been transformed from one of the filthiest to one of the cleanest in the nation, suitable for fishing and swimming on most days.

Boston Harbor's pollution and cleanup efforts

Boston Harbor, a natural harbor and estuary of Massachusetts Bay, has played a significant role in American history since its discovery by Europeans in 1614. Over the years, however, the health of the harbor deteriorated due to increasing population and industrialization, with raw sewage being pumped into the harbor despite the construction of steam sewage stations. By the late 19th century, Boston citizens were advised against swimming in any part of the harbor.

In 1919, the Metropolitan District Commission was established to oversee and regulate the quality of harbor water, but this did not bring about significant improvements. It wasn't until the passing of the Clean Water Act in 1972 that efforts to improve water quality gained momentum. The Act was passed to promote increased national water quality and led to a series of lawsuits against the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for failing to update its sewage treatment systems.

The lawsuits resulted in a landmark court-ordered cleanup of Boston Harbor, with the creation of the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority in 1985. The $4.5 billion Boston Harbor Project aimed to address the failures of sewage treatment plants, which had far-reaching environmental and political effects, including frequent swimming prohibitions due to high levels of fecal coliform bacteria.

The cleanup efforts have been successful, with Boston Harbor now considered one of the cleanest in the nation. The water quality has significantly improved, and the harbor is now safe for fishing and swimming nearly every day. However, challenges remain, such as beach closings after rainstorms due to bacteria-laden stormwater and combined sewer overflow. Additionally, in 2022, pieces of plastic transmission line used in rock explosives began washing up on coastal shores, leading to an investigation by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to prevent future environmental impacts.

Boston Harbor's recreational boating

Boston Harbor is a natural harbor and estuary of Massachusetts Bay, located next to Boston, Massachusetts. It is a great destination for recreational boating, sailing, and paddling. The Boston Harbor Islands, in particular, are a boater's paradise, offering camping, hiking, fishing, and more.

There are many public boat ramps and marinas around the harbor, with some charging a small daily fee for parking. Some of the closest local boat ramps to the islands include Winthrop (649 Shirley Street), Boston (600 Morrissey Boulevard), Quincy (137 Bayview Avenue), Hingham (5 Otis Street), Weymouth (92 Beach Road), and Hull (180 Main Street).

When boating in Boston Harbor, it is important to exercise caution when traveling in or near major shipping routes, as the harbor is home to many active shipping channels. Sea and weather conditions can change rapidly and vary between the islands closer to the shore and the outer islands. It is recommended to check the marine forecast before departing to ensure a safe trip.

The Boston Harbor Islands offer a wealth of opportunities for boaters to explore the harbor using their own vessels. Boaters can launch from downtown Boston or one of the several public boat ramps throughout the harbor, cruise among diverse islands and peninsulas, and take advantage of public mooring and anchorage sites within the park.

Public moorings are available on a first-come, first-served basis on Spectacle, Peddocks, Georges, and Gallops Islands, with no island access at Gallops. Moorings can be reserved through the DOCKWA Marine Reservation System, a simple app downloadable on smartphones.

In addition to recreational boating, Boston Harbor provides easy access to Boston's historic sites, ethnic neighborhoods, famous museums, dining options, and lively nightlife. The revitalized waterfront allows visitors to seamlessly enjoy all that the city has to offer.

Boston Harbor's ferries

Boston Harbor is home to a variety of ferries that serve different purposes, from transportation to whale watching. Here is an overview of some of the notable ferries operating in Boston Harbor:

The Salacia

The Salacia is the largest and fastest ferry in Boston Harbor. It is used for the Hingham-Boston commute during the winter months and operates between Long Wharf and Provincetown in the summer.

The Aurora and Asteria

The Aurora and Asteria are two nearly identical fast ferries with catamaran hulls. They are smaller than The Salacia and are used for the Hingham commute as well as whale watching tours during the summer.

The Voyager

The Voyager is a whale-watching vessel that also operates the Quincy Ferry route. It is smaller than The Aurora and Asteria but offers a faster and more specialised whale-watching experience.

Ruth E. Hughes

The Ruth E. Hughes is one of the older passenger ferries serving the Hingham commuter route to Rowes Wharf. It is known for generating a significant wake, so other boaters should be cautious when passing by!

Massachusetts

The Massachusetts ferry also serves the Hingham Run and offers tours of Boston Harbor during the summer. It is known for its friendly crew.

Lightning and Flying Cloud

The Lightning and Flying Cloud are two identical catamaran fast ferries serving the Quincy-Hull-Logan Airport ferry route. They provide quick and efficient transportation between these destinations.

Thompson Island Ferry

The Thompson Island Ferry departs from the Reserve Channel in South Boston and provides transportation to Thompson Island. It is one of the ferries that allows passengers to explore the Boston Harbor Islands.

In addition to these ferries, Boston Harbor also hosts a variety of cruise ships, tour boats, and other vessels for recreational and transportation purposes. The harbor is a bustling hub for both commuters and tourists, offering a range of options for exploring the area by water.

Boston Harbor's cruise ships

Boston Harbor is a natural harbor and estuary of Massachusetts Bay, located adjacent to Boston, Massachusetts. It is home to the Port of Boston, a major shipping facility in the Northeastern United States. Boston Harbor has been an important port in American history since its discovery by Europeans in 1614.

The harbor is a great place to go boating, sailing, or paddling. It is also a popular destination for cruise ships, with a variety of cruise lines operating out of Boston Harbor for trips to the Caribbean, Bermuda, or up to Acadia National Park in Maine.

• Seven Seas Splendor: The top-ranked ship sailing from Boston, according to U.S. News, with 746 passengers and 548 crew members. It offers eight eateries, ranging from casual to fine dining, and a wide array of onboard activities, including a spa, paddle tennis, and an infinity-edge pool.
• Celebrity Silhouette: One of the largest ships in its fleet, with a nearly 1-to-3 crew-to-guest ratio. It offers plenty of onboard activities, from enrichment seminars to comedy shows, and 12 restaurants and cafes.
• Norwegian Jewel: With 2,330 passengers and 1,069 crew members, this ship has 13 eateries and 12 bars and lounges. It is well-suited for families, with age-appropriate kids' clubs, a video arcade, and waterslides.
• Norwegian Breakaway: A lively and family-friendly ship with a capacity of 3,903 passengers and 1,657 crew members. It offers two aqua parks, a three-level sports complex, and more than 15 dining options.
• Oceania Insignia: With a nearly 1-to-2 crew-to-passenger ratio, this ship provides personalized attention to guests. It offers five sit-down dining venues, several bars and lounges, and activities geared toward older cruisers, such as afternoon tea and board games.
• Majestic Princess: Debuted in 2017 with a capacity of 3,560 guests and 1,346 crew members. It features specialty restaurants, casual eateries, a spa, a casino, a fitness center, and a glass-paneled walkway that stretches beyond the ship's edge.
• Brilliance of the Seas: Introduced in 2002 with a capacity of 2,142 guests and 848 crew members. It offers nine dining experiences, poolside movies, a three-story theater, a rock-climbing wall, and a mini-golf course.
• Zuiderdam: Launched in 2002 with a capacity of 1,964 passengers and 812 crew members. It features BBC Earth in Concert, cooking demonstrations, and the Greenhouse Spa & Salon.
• Volendam: Maintains an almost 2-to-1 guest-to-crew ratio, with a capacity of 1,432 passengers and 604 crew members. It offers games, a casino, a spa, a piano bar, and live shows.
• Norwegian Gem: Built in 2007 with 2,344 passengers and 1,070 crew members. It offers 14 dining venues, sports courts, a spa, multiple pools, and programs for kids.

Frequently asked questions