Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area | SWIMMING

Swimming at Grape Island, part of Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area

Swimming at Grape Island, part of Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area

While Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area is water-oriented, none of the islands or peninsula parks are true swimming destinations. The beaches are all gravel, so you need either tough feet or water shoes to have any chance of enjoying yourself. Unless you are already camping on one of the islands, why spend the time and money to travel out to an island to swim when you can swim on the mainland without hassle on similar or better beaches?

Only Spectacle Island has a designated swimming beach with a lifeguard (late June through Labor Day weekend), and the area is not very big. It consists of a gravel beach, lifeguard stand, changing rooms, and outdoor rinse-off showers. A modern restroom is located inside the Spectacle Island Visitor Center, which is just a stone’s throw away. If you get hungry, there is a food vendor as well.

Lifeguarded beach at Spectacle Island in Boston Harbor

Lifeguarded beach at Spectacle Island

Changing rooms at the beach on Spectacle Island in Boston Harbor

Changing rooms at the beach on Spectacle Island in Boston Harbor

Outdoor rinse-off showers at the Spectacle Island Beach, Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area

Outdoor rinse-off showers at the Spectacle Island Beach, Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area

Georges Island is the only island where swimming is not allowed. The rest of the islands within Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area—aside from those closed to visitors—allow swimming at your own risk as long as you stay away from boat areas and keep within fifteen feet of the shore.

Swimming on Lovells Island, Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area

Swimming on Lovells Island, Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area

Back to the Top


With a few exceptions, use of any photograph on the National Park Planner website requires a paid Royalty Free Editorial Use License or Commercial Use License. See the Photo Usage page for details.

Last updated on January 21, 2024
Share this article