United States
Long Wharf (LW) to Spectacle Island (SI) Ferry
Schedule, crossing time & sailings for 2026
Departs
Long Wharf (LW)
Massachusetts
Arrives
Spectacle Island (SI)
Massachusetts
Boston Harbor Islands FerryAt a glance
The Long Wharf (LW) to Spectacle Island (SI) ferry takes about 30m, with 3 sailings a day between 10:30 and 14:30. It is operated by Boston Harbor Islands Ferry.
- First sailing
- 10:30
- Last sailing
- 14:30
- Sailings / day
- 3
- Crossing
- 30m
Long Wharf (LW) to Spectacle Island (SI) ferry timetable
| Departs | Arrives | Duration | Operator | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10:30 | 11:00 | 30m | Boston Harbor Islands Ferry | Daily |
| 12:30 | 13:00 | 30m | Boston Harbor Islands Ferry | Daily |
| 14:30 | 15:00 | 30m | Boston Harbor Islands Ferry | Daily |
Times are indicative and may change seasonally. Confirm with the operator before travelling.
About the Long Wharf (LW) – Spectacle Island (SI) crossing
Three departures, exactly two hours apart, every day from 15 June to 12 October. Half past ten, half past twelve, half past two — and nothing after that.
Thirty minutes, 3.6 nautical miles
Seven knots out into the harbour. Spectacle Island is the closer of the two main Boston Harbor Islands destinations and the crossing is fifteen minutes shorter than the run to Georges.
A longer season than its neighbour
Spectacle runs to 12 October; Georges Island stops on 7 September. Five extra weeks, which reflects a beach and a swimming area rather than a fort.
An island made of landfill
Spectacle was Boston’s dump until the Big Dig covered it in excavated earth and turned it into a park. The hills you land under are made of the material that came out from under the city.
Vehicles, pets & onboard
- Inter-island shuttles from Georges and Spectacle
- Lighthouse cruise to Boston Light
- Camping on several islands
- Free and discounted access arrangements
Onboard facilities and vehicle, pet and luggage policies vary by operator and vessel; confirm details with the operator before booking.
Getting to & from the ports
Frequently asked questions
Is there a ferry back from Spectacle Island (SI)?
Yes — see the Spectacle Island (SI) to Long Wharf (LW) ferry for the return schedule.
How many times a day does it sail?
3 sailings a day.
Which company runs this ferry?
Operated by Boston Harbor Islands Ferry.
What's the duration of this crossing?
Roughly 30m.
What time is the first sailing?
First departure is 10:30, last is 14:30.
Is this a domestic or international route?
Domestic — the whole crossing stays within United States.
How much does a ticket cost?
Ticket prices vary by operator, season and whether you bring a vehicle. Check the operator (Boston Harbor Islands Ferry) for current fares.
Can I do this as a day trip?
A day trip is often possible: with a crossing of about 30m and several sailings a day (first 10:30, last 14:30), you can return the same day. Always check the return timetable before you go.
Does the ferry run all year?
Sailings run daily, and frequency can change between the summer and winter seasons. The timetable above shows the latest published departures — confirm with the operator for off-season dates.
Can I take a car on this ferry?
Boston Harbor Islands Ferry does not list vehicle space on this service — plan to travel as a foot passenger. If you need to bring a car, check with the operator for alternative crossings.
Can I take a pet on this ferry?
Most ferry operators allow pets on this route, usually in a carrier, on deck or in designated pet areas or cabins, and registered assistance dogs travel free. Rules and any fees vary by operator and vessel — check with Boston Harbor Islands Ferry, so declare your pet when booking.
What's the luggage allowance?
Foot passengers can normally bring their own luggage aboard at no extra charge, with racks or a luggage area near the entrance, and there is usually no airline-style weight limit. Oversized or excess items may carry a fee, so check with the operator if you are travelling with bulky baggage.
Same departure port
More ferries from Long Wharf (LW)
Everything else that sails from the same quay.
Sharing a stop
Crossings calling at Long Wharf (LW) or Spectacle Island (SI)
Nearby links that share a quay with this one.
Timetable valid Jun 15, 2026 – Oct 12, 2026.
Reviewed by Serhat Özçelik, Founder & Editor of Ferry Schedule Hub · Last updated August 11, 2026.
Operated by
Ports on this route
Long Wharf (LW) on the map
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