Free Ferry Rides To Boston Harbor Island Parks Saturday

BOSTON — If you're itching to get away this weekend and enjoy the sunshine, join the club. But it turns out you might not have to go too far to explore an island on the water. Saturday is the season opening of the Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park, and the opening begins with Free Ferry Day, a day of free ferry service to Georges and Spectacle Islands.

The annual Free Ferry Day to open the season is hosted by the National Park Service, Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and the nonprofit Boston Harbor Now, in an effort to connect folks to their islands park.

"This is a national, state park that belongs to everyone, and everyone should have the opportunity to visit: to be outside, spend the day picnicking or exploring Georges’ fort," said Rebecca Smerling Boston Harbor Now's director of programming. "We feel very strongly that the harbor and the islands are there for everyone."

And it’s good for the park’s health, too, she said.

People who visit parks are more likely to become advocates for the national and state parks.

Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park is one of 419 National Park Areas in the US. Established in 1996, the park, which includes 34 islands and peninsulas, is the largest recreational open space in eastern Massachusetts.

The islands have beaches, hiking trails, tours plenty to explore. And you get to take a ferry to get there. The ride from Boston to Spectacle Island takes about 25 minutes, while the ride to Georges takes more like 45.

First ferry day was in 2007 on a random day in June. A benefactor thought it might be a good way to get more people to come to the park. And it worked. Now, more than decade later this is the fourth year in a row the nonprofit Boston Harbor Now has organized the free ferry ride on opening day, and another on the last Sunday of the season in October.

Although the park on the island is free, the ferry ride to get there generally costs about $20 for adults. The folks at Boston Harbor Now said it was important to make sure people who wouldn't necessarily want to pay or can’t afford to pay the ferry ride could have an opportunity to connect with the parks.

Saturday the group expects upwards of 3,000 visitors to take advantage of the free ferry ride opening. On Saturday visitors can expect an opportunity the twists and turns and tunnels at Fort Warren, which is a National Historic Landmark on Georges Island. There will be period games for kids, a Civil War era vintage baseball game, civil war era dress up, fort tours, build a fort for kids and folks can bring food to grill, or buy food at the concession stand and have a picnic with water views.

Spectacle island will have different pop up programs, including art and a marine life touch table, discussions on mammals on that island and ranger walks and tours.

But that’s not all, said Smerling. There’s plenty of reasons to come back throughout the summer.
Programming will include live music, clambakes, a 5k and fun run, yoga overlooking the water, ranger guided tours, swimming and kite flying.

“We have the best kite flying around because of the high winds out there,” she said.

And don't forget that this day trip also involves a ferry ride.

“Being on the ferry is half the adventure. How often do you get to ride a ferry and look out over the water like that?" she said. "People do enjoy the ferry ride.”

10 Ways to Prepare for a day on the Boston Harbor Islands (from Boston Harbor Now):

1. Wear (or bring) comfortable, closed toe shoes.
2. Dress in layers. The islands are typically 5-10 degrees cooler than the mainland.
3. Carry a trash bag. The islands have a carry-on carry-off policy. No trash cans on the islands.
4. Bring food and water. Food and non-alcoholic drinks are welcome on the islands.
5. Pack your sand toys. Spectacle Island has a beautiful beach perfectly suited for building sand castles and swimming. DCR lifeguards are available during the months of July and August on Spectacle Island. Changing stations, rinse showers and bathrooms are available nearby.
6. Apply sunscreen and bug spray.
7. Respect wildlife. The islands are home to a lot of interesting animals and plants.
8. Pets are not permitted on the islands. Service dogs are allowed.
9. Join a ranger-led program. One of the best ways to learn about the islands and their history is to embark on ranger-guided tours or other hands-on activities.
10. Don’t forget to ask about the Lady In Black when you arrive at Fort Warren on Georges Island.

Tickets are available beginning at 8 a.m. on May 18. Ferries will depart Long Wharf at 9:30, 11:00, and 1:00 to Spectacle Island, Returning at 10:15, 12:00, 2:00 and 4:00. Ferries to Georges Island depart Long Wharf at 10:00, 12:00, and 2:00. Returning at 11:00, 1:00, 3:00, and 5:00 from Georges.

For more information visit www.bostonharborislands.org.

Patch reporter Jenna Fisher can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna).