• Lush vegetation on the top of Spectacle Island's North drumlin dominates the foreground. Boston's skyline can be seen in the distance. The park's logo with tag line minutes away, worlds apart empashises the stark contrast between the city and islands.

    Boston Harbor Islands

    National Recreation Area Massachusetts

Operating Hours & Seasons

Boston Harbor Islands is a Partnership park. Operating hours and seasons vary.

Six islands, are accessible by seasonal ferry service as follows:

Ferries to Georges Island and Spectacle Island operate from
early-May to Columbus Day.

Ferries to Bumpkin Island, Grape Island, Lovells Island, and Peddocks Island operate from late-June to Labor Day.

Boston Light on Little Brewster Island is open on designated days for ranger-led tours from June to October.

Thompson Island is open to the general public on Sundays from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Deer Island, Nut Island, Webb Memorial State Park, and Worlds End can be visited year-round by car.

Many other islands are accessible by private craft, but do not have docks. Public access is restricted at Gallops Island, Long Island, Moon Island, and The Graves. Public Access is discouraged on Rainsford Island, Snake Island, Hingham Harbor islands and many of the "outer islands" during bird breeding season (April-August).

Visit bostonharborislands.org to plan your trip.

Did You Know?

Bembidion nigrpiceum

Scientists have recently identified a beach-dwelling ground beetle at Boston Harbor Islands that has not been seen in North America for over 100 years. It is believed the beetle, Bembmidion nigropiceum, was brought to Boston from Europe in the 1800s via ship ballasts.