Last week, I put together a guide to the best swimming spots near Tufts for this summer. This week, I’m sharing some other fun water-related activities in the Boston Harbor and Charles River.
Red Bull Cliff Diving at the Institute of Contemporary Art
One of my absolute favorite events of the year in Boston is the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series held off the ICA rooftop into the Boston Harbor, located at 25 Harbor Shore Drive. You won’t want to miss it! Divers will take the plunge from platforms set at 21m or 27m. (More than twice the height of an Olympic platform!)
Historically, the event has taken place in early June; this year, however, the competition is booked for Sept. 19–20. Convenient for us Tufts students, as we’ll all be back on campus by then! Can’t wait until September? Check out the new series “More Than a Dive” on Red Bull’s website for a sneak peek into the world of cliff divers.
It is truly one of the most spectacular events I have ever seen in my life, so be sure to catch the action live when you return to Tufts. No tickets required!
Go on a whale watching cruise (Long Wharf)
A whale watch is a must-do for every Jumbo before they graduate, and as the summer approaches, now is the perfect time to catch sight of the humpback whales.
I highly recommend the tours hosted by the New England Aquarium. The tour lasts 3–4 hours, taking you to Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, a prime feeding area for whales, dolphins, seabirds and other marine life. Not only is whale watching fun, but it is a quintessential New England experience, so I encourage everyone — especially students from out of state — to give it a try! (My mom used to take all her international friends on these trips whenever they visited the U.S., and they all loved it!)
The New England Aquarium whale watches depart from Long Wharf, right next to the aquarium station on the Blue Line, or alternatively, just a short walk from Haymarket.
The New England Aquarium (Long Wharf)
Speaking of, the New England Aquarium is also a must-visit destination, offering both fascinating marine life and a unique architectural experience.
With its brutalist design, the New England Aquarium stands out from the crowd due to its unusual architecture. (Fun fact: It was designed by the same firm behind the Porter MBTA station, the Liberty Hotel and the Boston Children’s Museum.) Though compact, the aquarium is large enough to offer a variety of exhibits without feeling overwhelming. You can easily see everything in one visit, but there’s always something new to capture your attention.
Personally, I love to visit the aquarium’s African penguins, as they remind me of my dad. Growing up in South Africa, he got to see them in the wild, and it always brings him joy to see them again right here in Boston. I also enjoy watching the seals, especially those visible from the outside.
If your visit leaves you craving seafood, you’re in luck. Just across the street is Legal Sea Foods, the perfect spot to end your aquarium trip with a delicious meal.
(Pro tip: You can get free tickets to the aquarium through the Boston Public Library, and you don’t even need to be a Boston resident to sign up for a library card!)
Sail on the Charles River with Community Boating (Esplanade)
As the weather gets warmer, why not sail a boat up the Charles River? Founded in 1937, Community Boating is the oldest public sailing organization in the U.S., created to provide access to sailing for those who might not otherwise have the chance.
For $99, you can rent a sailboat for up to four people and enjoy two hours on the river. If you’re new to sailing, the organization offers courses that are perfect for Jumbos spending the summer in Boston. I have great memories of taking sailing lessons there when I was younger. (Although, I did fall into the river more than once.)
While the view from the Red Line crossing Longfellow Bridge is stunning, sailing on the Charles might just top it. You can cruise between the Longfellow and Massachusetts Ave bridges for a truly unique perspective of the city.
Community Boating is located at 21 David G. Mugar Way, right next to the Charles/MGH Station and easily accessible by bike from the Somerville Community Path.
The Boston Duck Tours
The Boston Duck Tours are an absolute blast and a must-do for anyone visiting Tufts. These amphibious vehicles take you on a land tour of Boston before rolling right into the water for a scenic ride along the Charles River. The duck boats (lovingly referred to as “Ducks”) depart from three locations: the Museum of Science, the Prudential Center and the New England Aquarium.
Each Duck has its own unique theme and name. When I was a kid, my favorites were the “Symphony Hal” and the “Miss Emma Science” boats, with their names playfully alluding to iconic Boston sites (Symphony Hall and the Museum of Science respectively). While tickets have gone up to over $50, I can confidently say it’s worth the experience.
If you’re not on a tour, you can still catch the action at North Point Park, where you can watch the Ducks splash into the water. It’s actually pretty entertaining!
The closest location from Tufts to hop on a Duck Tour is at the Museum of Science at 1 Science Park.
The USS Constitution and ferry ride from Charlestown to Long Wharf
If you’re an American history buff — or if you just love a great view — you’ll love visiting the USS Constitution in the Charlestown Navy Yard, arguably the highlight of Boston’s Freedom Trail. To make the most of your day, start by getting off the Green Line at Lechmere Station and taking a leisurely stroll to the Navy Yard. Once you’re there, you can take a free tour of the USS Constitution and even check out the museum.
Fun fact: The USS Constitution is actually still in active service! I have great memories of watching the USS Constitution sail across the Mirabella Pool in the North End when I was a kid.
Afterward, hop on the MBTA Ferry for a scenic ride to Long Wharf. I’ve always enjoyed this ferry ride, as it’s a fun way to get out on the water and absorb a whole new perspective of the Boston skyline. The ferry costs just $3.70 one way and takes about 10 minutes, offering a quick but beautiful ride across the harbor. Be sure to sit outside on the roof for the best views!
Once you arrive at Long Wharf, you’ll be right in downtown Boston, where you can explore Faneuil Hall, savor some great food in the North End or dive into all the other fun activities the city has to offer.
