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Explore
Boston Harbor Islands
Boston Harbor Islands
Your 20-Minute Escape to Island Paradise
Discover 34 islands offering beaches, hiking, camping, history, and natural beauty - all just minutes from Marina at Admiral's Hill.
Boston’s Hidden Jewel—Just 20 Minutes Away
The Boston Harbor Islands National & State Park spans 34 islands and peninsulas—beaches, forts, trails, and skyline views—right off our docks in Chelsea, MA. From Marina at Admiral’s Hill, most islands are a quick 12–25 minute cruise, letting you choose your pace, your route, and your perfect day on the water.
Why Depart from Marina at Admiral’s Hill
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Calm, protected departure for a comfortable ride out
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Faster than ferries (no downtown queues or 30–45 min crossings)
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Year-round access beyond seasonal ferry schedules
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Flexibility to visit multiple islands in one trip
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Easy loading for camping gear, coolers, fishing setups & beach kits
Featured Islands
Explore standout destinations across the Boston Harbor Islands—minutes from your slip at Admiral’s Hill. From lifeguarded beaches and skyline hikes to historic forts, moorings, and even overnight camping, these featured spots make it easy to build your perfect day (or weekend) on the water, no ferry schedules required.
Spectacle Island
(12–15 minutes) The family-friendly beach day: tie up at one of 38 first-come, no-fee boat slips and head for Boston Harbor’s only lifeguarded swimming beach. Explore 5 miles of trails to the harbor’s highest viewpoint, refuel with seasonal dining at Brato Brewhouse + Kitchen, and enjoy accessible facilities at the visitor center—perfect for beach time, easy hikes, lunch with a view, and kids’ first island adventure.
Peddocks Island
(15–20 minutes) History and the harbor hub: pick up one of 21 public moorings (Dockwa reservations recommended) and roam Fort Warren’s Civil War-era tunnels and ramparts. Ranger programs and seasonal inter-island shuttles to Lovells, Peddocks, Grape, and Bumpkin make Georges an ideal base for fort exploring, photography, and multi-island day plans.
Georges Island
(20–25 minutes) Camping and big-sky adventure: settle into Boston Harbor’s largest mooring field (71) and venture to tent sites or reserve a yurt for the night. Wander Fort Andrews’ evocative ruins, swim quiet beaches, and spot wildlife across varied terrain—perfect for overnight stays, fishing, nature walks, and sunrise-to-sunset missions.
Also Worth the Cruise
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Lovells: rocky beaches, tide pools, primitive camping, fewer crowds
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Grape: wooded trails, birding, wild berries in season, primitive camping
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Bumpkin: quiet meadows, ruins to explore, primitive camping
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Little Brewster (Boston Light): America’s oldest lighthouse—best viewed by boat
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Thompson: limited public access; scenic from the water
Helpful Information
What You Can Do
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Hike & Stroll: 50+ miles of trails; skyline and ocean vistas
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Swim & Beachcomb: lifeguards at Spectacle; many natural beaches elsewhere
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Fish: striped bass hot spots along rocky shores and drop-offs
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Camp: Peddocks (yurts/tents); Lovells, Grape, Bumpkin (primitive)
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History Hunts: Fort Warren (Georges), Fort Andrews (Peddocks), lighthouse views
When to Go
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Spring (Mar–May): wildflowers, cooler hiking temps, migrating birds
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Summer (Jun–Aug): peak services, warm water, ranger programs & events
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Fall (Sep–Nov): foliage, great fishing, lighter crowds after Labor Day
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Winter (Dec–Feb): serene, beautiful, advanced planning required (no services)
Mooring & Docking:
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Georges (21 moorings, Dockwa reservations advised)
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Spectacle (38 slips, first-come, no reservations)
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Peddocks (71 moorings) + additional moorings at Lovells, Grape, Bumpkin
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Most moorings are DCR-maintained and in good condition
Safety & Stewardship:
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Harbor is a No Discharge Zone (use pump-outs)
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Watch shipping channels & changing weather
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Limited fresh water on most islands—pack plenty
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Cell coverage can vary; plan accordingly
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