The Salem Ferry

 

25

8

Scott D B.

Salem, MA

What a great way to get from Salem to Boston and vice-versa!
I say no more...

ok, it's exciting, you can sunbathe, you can have a wee beer or two and it's not that expensive!!!

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Elite '08

20

88

Ger T.

Arlington, MA

Not the cheapest or most efficient way to get to Salem for me since I live in Arlington, but for a scenic route, this can't be beat. It seems appropriate to go between Boston and Salem by sea, since both cities are famous port cities. The ferry departs from the New England Aquarium wharf (where the Liberty Clipper docks) and is a fast and comfortable ride. You get great views of both the Boston harbor skyline and the Salem waterfront coming and going. I got some great photos!

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Elite '08

182

285

Jenny N.

Brookline, MA

Get thee to Salem by ferry! I had no idea this option was available until I took advantage of it for the first time this past Memorial day weekend. It's a most wonderful and scenic ride. Nothing really beats the wind in your hair, cruising on the endless ocean on a hot summer day! It's the perfect mode of transport for a day trip to Salem from Boston, or the other way around. Just make sure you bring a hoodie or windbreaker as it can get rather chilly on the water with the strong ocean breezes. You could also ride inside on the lower deck, but where's the fun in that? From the ferry landing, it's only a 10-15 minute walk to downtown Salem. I was amused that the pedi-cab drivers were urging people not to walk the mile into town... On the Boston side, the ferry docks right at Long Wharf by the New England Aquarium. It's literally a stone's throw from Faneuil Hall, North End and the many other delights of downtown.

It would be nice if tickets were a wee bit cheaper for the 45 minute ride ($22 round trip), but my main gripe is that the ticketing system is really inefficient and we waited in line for well over 15 minutes despite there not being many people in line (less than 10). By the time the boat was docked and loaded in Boston, we were still waiting for tickets...At that point, the crew just ushered us onboard and told us to pay on the boat. We were told that this was a new ticketing system, and you used to be able to buy tickets onboard. Also, the ticket kiosk is not very clearly marked so I walked all around the two sides of the wharf before finding myself in the right line (note: the Salem Ferry booth is closest to the Aquarium and next to the whale watch ticket line). They should make the directions more clear on their website!  Andy hopefully they will also work out the ticketing issues over the next couple of weeks...

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

3

33

paul m.

Beverly, MA

The ferry has to be the best way to go into Boston for an evening. The boat is a clean, high-speed catamaran that can carry more than 100 people. Riding intown in the daylight, you pass Marblehead Neck, Nahant, and Spectacle and Thompson's Islands before passing between Logan and Castle Island.

The ferry docks at Aquarium (Central) Wharf, so you are within easy walking distance to Quincy Market and the North End.

When you return to Salem later, you can enjoy the lights of the city on the way out of the harbor. Parking is free.

(On one occasion we returned to the boat to find it disabled. The crew arranged for and paid for taxi service back to the Salem parking lot. We were able to use our return tickets on a later trip.)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

2

23

jenilee l.

Salem, MA

everyday i take the commuter rail back and forth from home in salem to boston. i am always pleased as pie when i get off work just in time to make it to the ferry to go home on a summer night.

i'd like to encourage anyone who has the chance to spend the little extra cash to take the ferry when traveling between boston and salem. it offers refreshments (including the always refreshing beer), and of course, a bit of a wake up call on the windy deck. gotta love a boat ride home. not to mention in boston, you get an incredible view of the city that is hard to come by unless you travel by sea, and in salem you can enjoy docking right near the house of gables and enjoy a historic walk toward downtown.

just as a tip, i heard that salem will begin building another dock for this ship with a more direct walk to downtown, and a sort of small boardwalk. salem ferry, ftw!

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

3

20

C D.

Boston, MA

I agree with the first reviewer, the Salem Ferry is a GREAT ride to or from Boston/Salem.  If you're looking for something to do on a weekend night take the ferry up to Salem where you can walk to tons of restaurants right downtown is great.  We can actually walk to the Salem ferry from where we live and take it to Boston to go out to dinner and then back to Salem.  The ride out of Boston harbor at night is amazing with tons of party boats all around with the back drop of the city....perfect.  Plus, they do serve beer and wine on-board, not sure if it's a full bar though.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

23

34

Matt W.

Boston, MA

This summer we took the commuter rail to Salem to hang out on a friend's boat for the day.  While out and about, we noticed this high speed catamaran thing coming in and out of Salem harbor.  That was the day that we discovered...

The Salem Ferry

It leaves from the Aquarium in Long Wharf.  It drops you within walking distance of downtown Salem.  It is only $18 round trip.  It is a flippin sweet 50 minute care-free smooth ride.  

We took it home that night, and it was fun.  They even serve beer on board.  You can actually stand on the bow of one of the catamaran(s) and it feels like you are flying through the water at fifty miles per hour.

It runs May through Halloween.

This summer, check it out.  It is a trip in itself.

*I do not work, nor do I know anyone who works for Salem Ferry...I just think it's cool.*

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review