A small boat lands on Georges Island while another anchors offshore, Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area
Those with private boats can access many more islands within Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area than those who must rely on the public ferry. However, other than the popular islands of Spectacle, Lovells, Georges, Peddocks, Grape, Cathleen Stone (formerly Thompson), and Bumpkin, none have visitor amenities, and most have nothing of interest on them. Moon, Long, Gallops, The Graves, Little Brewster, and Nixes Mate are closed to the public. Furthermore, boats may not land on Thompson Island.
All of the ferry-serviced islands (Spectacle, Georges, and Peddocks) have docks, but private boats can only use them to drop off passengers and equipment. Private boats must either anchor offshore or land on the gravel beach. First come, first served moorings are located at Gallops and Cathleen Stone islands during the summer season (mid-May through Columbus Day). Moorings can be reserved at Spectacle Island, Peddocks Island, and Georges Island for a fee. Boaters are welcome to anchor offshore without using the mooring buoys for free but do so at their own risk.
Spectacle is the only island within Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area with a marina that is open to private boats, but it is closed for the 2025 season due to damage. It is not known if and when it will reopen.
Public boat ramps are available at the following locations:
- Winthrop: 649 Shirley Street
- Boston: 600 Morrissey Boulevard (gravel ramp)
- Quincy: 137 Bayview Avenue
- Hingham: 5 Otis Street
- Weymouth: 92 Beach Road
- Hull: 180 Main Street (gravel ramp)
Gravel ramps are not recommended for all vehicles at low tide.
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Last updated on May 7, 2025
