We got to the dock a little early, but there was already a line forming. The crowd was relaxed—some locals, some tourists, all waiting for the same thing: a night on the harbor.

Once we boarded, we made a beeline for the top deck. Best views, no question. A fellow passenger leaned over and told us, “Starboard side’s where you want to be for the sunset.” He was right. Within minutes, the city started to fall behind us and the open harbor opened up.

The narrator onboard struck a nice balance—enough history to keep it interesting without turning it into a lecture. We passed island after island, each with its own story. I didn’t realize how many were out there until we started cruising past them.

We sailed out past Logan Airport—watching planes land almost close enough to touch—then looped back toward the city. As the sun started to drop, the boat slowed and we pulled up alongside the USS Constitution. Right on cue, the sunset cannon fired. Loud, sharp, and just theatrical enough to feel like a moment.

And then the sunset hit. The city skyline lit up in silhouette, glass and steel catching the light just right. It wasn’t some perfect, Instagram-filter kind of sunset—but it felt real. The kind you don’t try to photograph because you’re too busy just looking at it.

Eventually, the boat turned back toward the dock. No one was in a rush to get off. It was that kind of night—calm, quiet, better than expected.

If you’re ever looking for a different way to see Boston, this is a good one.