Cheapskate's Guide: Free Spectacle Island cruises

Steph Solis

Two people in the distance are seen walking on a trail along the northern drumlin of Spectacle Island in Aug. 2, 2025. — Photo: Stan Grossfeld/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

There's still time to visit the Harbor Islands before the temperatures dip, and you can go for free.

Why it matters: The Harbor Islands are considered a national and state park, but getting there can cost you if you don't have your own boat.

State of play: Save the Harbor/Save the Bay, a Boston nonprofit, offers the public free cruises to and from Spectacle Island as part of their Spectacle Sundays series.

The next cruise is this Sunday, followed by Sept. 27 and Oct. 4.

How it works: Passengers should reserve on the Eventbrite, but arrive early because the cruise is first come, first served.

The cruise leaves around 10am and gives passengers a couple of hours on the island before its return to the mainland by 2pm, says Anna Cayco a spokesperson for Save the Harbor/Save the Bay.

Zoom in: Spectacle Island has picnic tables, trails for short, low-elevation hikes and a beach for swimming.

Visitors also like to comb through the shore for sea glass that washes up.

Be smart: Bring your own food and water, along with a trash bag (there are no bins on the island, but there is one on the cruise).

You should also pack sunscreen and/or a hat and a light sweater.

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Cheapskate's Guide: Free Spectacle Island cruises

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