One of the mandates of the park’s enabling legislation is to improve access to the Boston Harbor Islands using public water transportation. The Boston Harbor Islands Partnership cooperates with the many agencies to provide greater access to the harbor for the public. Special efforts are made to coordinate with public transit authorities for access improvements to land routes for visitors in inland communities to reach mainland gateways easily. Park Water TransportationThe park water transportation system continues to be operated by private boat operators under agreement to the Partnership or its member agencies. It is monitored and evaluated periodically and adjusted as needed. For current information on public ferries, please visit the ferry page on the partnership website. Other Water AccessPublic excursions to certain islands may operate directly from a mainland gateway as well as from hub islands to supplement the park water transportation system. Privately operated water taxi service serving the islands is available to visitors on call. Private boaters are provided appropriate facilities as able, such as moorings and dinghies. Transportation Studies2001 StudyIn 2001, the U.S. Department of Transportation completed a water-based transportation master plan that serves the needs of the four Boston-area national parks. The main objective was to improve access to Boston Harbor Islands national park area and three other NPS parks adjacent to the Boston Harbor: Boston National Historical Park, Salem Maritime National Historic Site, and Adams National Historical Park. Boston Harbor National Park Service Sites: Alternative Transportation Systems Evalution Report (Prepared by John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center, U.S. Department of Transportation Research and Special Programs Administration, June 2001.) 2026 StudyIn 2026, the U.S. Department of Transportation completed the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area Ferry Service and Operations Study. This study aims to identify operational alternatives that optimize the ferry system, increase visitation, and support equitable public access to Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area – Boston National Historical Park. The findings from this study will inform a future infrastructure needs assessment that will explore design considerations for potential acquisition of different vessel types to support operational needs. Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area Ferry Service and Operations Study: Final Summary Report (Prepared by John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center, U.S. Department of Transportation, May 2026.) |
Last updated: September 21, 2026