Cycleboat is gaining momentum as more people flock to Boston Harbor
If you’re looking for a way to beat that summer heat, pedaling through Boston Harbor while sipping mimosa might do the trick.
What is happening: Cycleboat Boston offers tours of the harbor, Fort Point Canal, and the mouths of the Mystic and Charles Rivers aboard one of four pedal boats.
State of play: The boats have become more popular during the pandemic, when people looking for an escape have found some normalcy on the water, according to owners Ed and Rosie Cardinali.
Why is this important: As more housing and business developments appear in waterfront neighborhoods like Charlestown, East Boston, and the Seaport, residents and tourists turn to the port for recreation and convenient transportation.
- A city plan to further develop the waterfront was canceled earlier this month, but developers are still keen to build housing and commercial buildings along the harbor.
How it works: Boats are smaller than typical harbor tour boats and can get closer to shore, fishermen, other watercraft, and some water views.
- Cardinali tells Axios that groups of six to 26 people could propel the boat for the entire trip, but most peddlers are content to quickly become mere riders and let the gas engine do the work.
- If the bike-style seats aren’t your thing, there’s a lounge area where a passenger can take in harbor views without feeling like they’re at spinning class.
- You will be in good hands. Captain Ed can pilot just about anything. He is a kayak guide, retired international airline pilot and hot air balloon operator.
Here’s the best part: The 90-minute tour is BYOB, and the crew provides each boat with several coolers, ice, and koozies.
- Cardinali says the tours are popular with bachelor and bachelorette parties, corporate groups and anyone else who wants to grab a drink and get some exercise on the water.
Details: Cycleboat Boston launches from Pier 6 at Charlestown in the Navy Yard.
- For private charters, Cardinali will even host a party at one of the many docks around Boston Harbor.
- Tours start at $49 per person.