City Cruises Salem High Speed Ferry to/from Boston
Salem, United States

City Cruises Salem High Speed Ferry to/from Boston

Outty Ranking 63 4.5 · 793 traveler reviews0.8 hoursFrom $42
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Outty Ranking

63/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.5/5

Based on 793 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is City Cruises Salem High Speed Ferry to/from Boston worth booking?

City Cruises Salem High Speed Ferry to/from Boston is a 0.8-hour experience in Salem, United States, from $42 per person. It scores 63 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.5/5 rating across 793 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
63 / 100
Rating
4.5/5 (793)
Duration
0.8 hours
From
$42 per person

Make the most of your time in Boston or Salem, Massachusetts with this high-speed ferry service. Travel in speed and style aboard a comfortable catamaran with your ticket, letting you visit two of Massachusetts’ most famous and historic stops. This swift boat ride is the best and fastest way to get you where you want to go!

What you get

    About this experience

    Make the most of your time in Boston or Salem, Massachusetts with this high-speed ferry service. Travel in speed and style aboard a comfortable catamaran with your ticket, letting you visit two of Massachusetts’ most famous and historic stops. This swift boat ride is the best and fastest way to get you where you want to go!

    What's included

    Included

    • Skip the summer and Halloween traffic
    • High-Speed Ferry to or from Salem
    • On-board restrooms
    • See the stunning views of the skyline during your sail

    Not included

    • Food & beverage (available for purchase on board)

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Salem

    Salem Ferry Center

    Meeting point

    Salem

    Long Wharf - North, Gate 5. Next to the Marriott Long Wharf and Christopher Columbus Park.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Salem Ferry Center

    Ends at

    Ferries departing from the Salem Ferry Center will arrive at Boston Long Wharf.

    Ends at

    Ferries departing from Boston Long Wharf will arrive at the Salem Ferry Center.

    Options you can book

    • One-Way Ticket from Boston

      This ticket includes One-Way service from Boston to Salem, MA only.

    • One-Way Ticket from Salem

      This ticket includes One-Way service from Salem, MA to Boston only.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 9 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Boston Harbor City Cruises

    Know before you go

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • For Round Trip, you will need to purchase two separate one way tickets - one departing from Boston and one departing from Salem.
    • Boarding begins 15 minutes before departure. Guests must arrive early, as late arrivals will likely miss the boat.
    • Infants are REQUIRED to have a ticket.
    • Not recommended for guests prone to motion sickness.

    Photos

    City Cruises Salem High Speed Ferry to/from Boston, photo 2House of 7 Gables, City Cruises Salem High Speed Ferry to/from BostonSalem Witch Museum, City Cruises Salem High Speed Ferry to/from BostonFriendship ship, City Cruises Salem High Speed Ferry to/from BostonStatue of Roger Conant - Founder of Salem Village (1626), City Cruises Salem High Speed Ferry to/from Boston

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 784 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    4 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    3 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Photo opportunities

    3 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Traveler reviews

    784 verified traveler reviews for City Cruises Salem High Speed Ferry to/from Boston. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    639
    4 star
    52
    3 star
    18
    2 star
    9
    1 star
    66
    Sort
    Alexis_W · October 2026

    A fun family experience for all!

    Great city views, and a fun Boston/Salem experience. We Traveled with our toddler and two older children, it was so fun for all. The snacks, and beverage options were a plus! Being on the water was gorgeous.

    via Viator

    Charlie_M · October 2026

    High Speed Ferry Surprise Tour

    It was a great ride and very informative. Tom was awesome as our tour guide which we didn’t really expect it to be a tour. It was great.

    via Viator

    Elena_S · October 2026

    Relaxing

    This cruise was recommend to my sisters and I by our tour guide, he said it was relaxing and he was correct. Sisters and I enjoyed our time and loved seeing the ocean and city lights at night. I will be getting on again in the future.

    via Viator

    michelle_s · October 2026

    Don’t book through Viator for this go to the company website

    Don’t buy these tickets from Viator. They messed up and sold us tickets for times that didn’t even exist and then would not refund our money.

    via Viator

    Helen_C · October 2026

    Scenic route to Salem

    Scenic route to Salem. beauty all the way to Salem and tour guide kept it very informative. I made the mistake of scheduling House of Seven Gables so close to our arrival time. we missed 15 min of the tour. This was my mistake. House of 7gables was kind enough to still allow us in and got us to our group. My point have a time buffer plus walking distance time if you do schedule a Salem tour. Other than my mistake, it the ferry was a great experience and everything I thought it would be.

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    0.8 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $42 to $43
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    278
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Boston Harbor City Cruises, who run 6 experiences we rank across 3 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 65.7.

    See everything Boston Harbor City Cruises runs

    Why this scores 63

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)65
    Review evidence (18% weight)80
    Booking momentum (14% weight)77
    Value for money (12% weight)8
    Listing quality (10% weight)67
    Local standing (8% weight)30
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    City Cruises Salem High Speed Ferry to/from Boston: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Salem.

    How much does City Cruises Salem High Speed Ferry to/from Boston cost?

    +

    Prices start at $42 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Salem usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does City Cruises Salem High Speed Ferry to/from Boston take?

    +

    Plan for about 0.8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Salem is not rushed.

    Is City Cruises Salem High Speed Ferry to/from Boston worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 63 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.5/5 across 793 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Salem, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule City Cruises Salem High Speed Ferry to/from Boston?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is City Cruises Salem High Speed Ferry to/from Boston suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 0.8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book City Cruises Salem High Speed Ferry to/from Boston?

    +

    Around 278 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Salem can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Salem and add a light layer if any part of the 0.8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does City Cruises Salem High Speed Ferry to/from Boston start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Salem within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Salem?

    +

    Salem runs witch trial history tours, ghost and cemetery walks, museum entries and harbour trips, with October turning the whole town into a month-long event. On Outty we rank every Salem experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Satanic Salem Walking Tour, Salem Voodoo, Vampires, and Ghosts Guided Walking Tour, Bewitched Walking Tour of Salem. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Salem?

    +

    September to October for atmosphere, May to June for smaller crowds. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Salem?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in City Cruises Salem High Speed Ferry to/from Boston?

    +

    Included: Skip the summer and Halloween traffic; High-Speed Ferry to or from Salem; On-board restrooms; and See the stunning views of the skyline during your sail. Not included: Food & beverage (available for purchase on board). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for City Cruises Salem High Speed Ferry to/from Boston?

    +

    Salem Ferry Center Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is City Cruises Salem High Speed Ferry to/from Boston offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for City Cruises Salem High Speed Ferry to/from Boston?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is City Cruises Salem High Speed Ferry to/from Boston wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Transportation options are wheelchair accessible; and Infants are REQUIRED to have a ticket. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to City Cruises Salem High Speed Ferry to/from Boston if the weather is bad?

    +

    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about City Cruises Salem High Speed Ferry to/from Boston?

    +

    Across 793 reviews averaging 4.5 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    What booking options are available for City Cruises Salem High Speed Ferry to/from Boston?

    +

    There are 2 options to choose from, including One-Way Ticket from Boston, One-Way Ticket from Salem. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for City Cruises Salem High Speed Ferry to/from Boston.

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