The Swan Boats of Boston

A $2.75 value, included in the Go Boston Card!

This attraction is seasonal and may be closed during your visit. Please verify when this attraction is open in the getting in tab below.

The Swan Boats of Boston
This Boston tradition dates back to the 1870s when Robert Paget was granted a boat for hire license by the City of Boston. In 1877, he capitalized on the technology of the newly popular bicycle and, with the help of others, developed a catamaran that housed a foot-propelled paddle wheel arrangement. To cover the mechanism, Paget suggested a swan, such as the one that guided the knight to Princess Elsa in the opera Lohengrin.

The Swan Boats have become a Boston tradition and are still run by Paget's descendents more than 130 years later. Made famous in stories like Make Way for Ducklings and The Trumpet of the Swan, the Swan Boats are the only vessels of their kind in the world.

  • Seasonal
  • Good for families
  • No parking available
  • No restaurant or snack bar
  • No restrooms
  • Disabled access
  • Reservations not required

Hours

April 18-September 20: Daily, 10:00 am-4:00 pm;
Open until 5:00 pm June through August

Closed

During inclement weather and extreme heat. May be closed major U.S. holidays.,September 21 through mid-April

Redemption Instructions

Included Swan Boat ride with the Go Boston Card

Address

9 Arlington Street
Boston Public Garden
Boston, MA 02116

Public Transportation

Take the T: Green Line to Arlington stop.
Product Rating
 
4 stars
 (1 Ratings)
Review Snapshot® by PowerReviews Express
Avg. Customer Rating:
 
4 stars
(based on 1 reviews)
0% of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Already own it? Write a Review
Reviewed by 1 Customers Sort by:
Displaying Reviews 1-1 of 1 Back to Top Previous | Next

[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]

 
Cute
By Mandy from London Ontario Canada on 8/4/2011
Pros:
Peaceful ride
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Smart Destinations The Swan Boats of Boston:

this was a sweet 15 minutes of peacefullness in the middle of the city...

Was this review helpful to you? Yes / No- You may also flag this review.

Save on Boston's Top Attractions

At a Glance

Address

9 Arlington Street
Boston Public Garden
Boston, MA 02116

Phone: 617-522-1966

Website: The Swan Boats of Boston

Adult Gate PriceChild Gate Price
$2.75$1.50