park map  more info about this area  back to parks top

Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area

Boston, MA

Boston Harbor Islands national park area includes 30 islands situated within the Greater Boston shoreline. The islands are rich in natural and cultural resources.

The 30 islands are managed by a unique, 13 member Partnership which includes the National Park Service and other public and private organizations. An advisory council provides a mechanism for public involvement.

CONTACTS

Email - BOHA_Information@nps.gov

Fax- 617-223-8671

Write to
Boston Harbor Islands Partnership
408 Atlantic Avenue Suite 228
Boston, MA 02110-3350

Phone
Visitor Information - 617-223-8666
Project Office - 617-223-8667

TRAVEL BASICS

Operating Hours, Seasons
During the summer season, the islands are open daily from 9:00 A.M. until sunset. During the spring and fall the islands are open on the weekends. Special arrangements for school groups are possible for weekdays in spring, summer, and fall seasons. Some sites have additional hours.

Getting There
PLANE - Logan International Airport is on Boston Harbor; watch for a panoranmic view of the islands on take-off and landing. Public transporation connects to the Boston Long Wharf departure point.

CAR - Automobile acces is not avaiable to the Boston Harbor Islands.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION - Passenger ferries link the islands to the mainland at several locations. The Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority connects to the major departure points for the islands.

Weather & Climate
Weather is variable, from clear, crisp days to stormy, chilly days. Water breezes make for cooler ferry rides, requiring jackets or windbreakers. Walking shoes, hats, sunscreen are essential.

Accessibility
The islands are not fully accessible for disabled visitors. Ferry vessels are accessible by wheelchair with staff assistance, but getting off the boat onto the islands may be difficult because of the ramps. Georges Island has some areas that are suitable for wheelchair use.

Getting Around
Access is from downtown Boston and also from Hingham, Hull and Quincy on the South Shore. In season, regularly scheduled ferries connect to Georges Island where water shuttles take visitors to other islands. Private boats may anchor off-shore.

FEES/PERMITS

Activity Fee
FERRY FARE
$8 for One Time
Round-trip pasenger fare, including ferry to George's Island and water shuttle to five other islands. Adults:$8; Seniors: $7; Children (4-12): $6.

Permits
BUMPKIN & GRAPE ISLANDS CAMPING RESERVATION
$6 for One Time

CAMPING

Boston Harbor Islands
The camping season starts in early May and continues through Columbus Day weekend in October.
Four islands offer primitive camping within sight of downtown Boston. Access is by boat ONLY. Fresh water is not available (campers should bring at least one gallon of water per person, per day). No pets are allowed on the Boston Harbor Islands.
For More Information on this campground please call 617-223-8666

FACILITIES

Ranger Stations
INFORMATION KIOSK
Phone - 617-223-8666
Location - Long Wharf, Boston (next to ferry ticket booth)
Available Facilities - Rangers and volunteers provide public information and orientation to the Boston Harbor Islands.

Visitor Centers
NATIONAL PARK AREA DISCOVERY CENTER
Phone - 617-223-8666
Location - Fan Pier, at the United States Courthouse on South Boston’s waterfront.
Exhibits - Interactive video offers visitors a unique virtual tour of Boston Light and Little Brewster Island, Grape Island and George’s Islands, as well as a soaring trip "as the gull flies" over all 30 islands in the Park. (It is is funded by a grant from The Coca-Cola Foundation through the National Park Foundation.)
Available Facilities - A staffed information desk in season. Books and other island-related sales items available. Food service and restrooms also provided.

RELATED BOOKS