CAMBRIDGE CITY TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Sunset Haunts: A 90‑Minute Ghost Cruise Along the Charles River
A 90-minute narrated evening cruise from CambridgeSide Mall that pairs eerie tales—Houdini, Harvard murders—and themed cocktails with sunset river and city views.
Sunset Haunts: A 90‑Minute Ghost Cruise Along the Charles River.
Board a Charles River Boat Company vessel at CambridgeSide Mall and glide past the banks of the Charles River as costumed guides from the Boston History Company weave stories of Harry Houdini, death by fire, and a notorious murder tied to Harvard University. The Ghost Tour of the Charles River blends historical accounts and fictionalized hauntings against a sunset cityscape, accompanied by an onboard bar serving themed cocktails.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Tales from Houdini to Harvard
Narration focuses on eerie sightings and dark episodes connected to the riverbanks and nearby institutions — from stories about Harry Houdini to accounts of deadly fires and a horrific murder associated with Harvard University.
Sunset riverscape and city views
The cruise unfolds at dusk, offering a sunset backdrop and broad city vistas as the boat moves along the Charles River past the sites tied to the evening’s stories.
Narration, costumed guides and themed cocktails
Each cruise features a costumed guide provided in partnership with the Boston History Company and an onboard bar serving themed cocktails, creating a theatrical, adult‑oriented atmosphere rather than a haunted attraction.
What the day feels like
What the cruise feels like
This is an evening narrated cruise that moves along the Charles River while costumed guides recount a mix of historical and fictional haunted stories; guests can sip themed cocktails and watch the sunset and city skyline from the safety of the boat.
THE HISTORY
Tales from Houdini to Harvard
Narration focuses on eerie sightings and dark episodes connected to the riverbanks and nearby institutions — from stories about Harry Houdini to accounts of deadly fires and a horrific murder associated with Harvard University.
THE SETTING
Sunset riverscape and city views
The cruise unfolds at dusk, offering a sunset backdrop and broad city vistas as the boat moves along the Charles River past the sites tied to the evening’s stories.
THE ROUTE
Narration, costumed guides and themed cocktails
Each cruise features a costumed guide provided in partnership with the Boston History Company and an onboard bar serving themed cocktails, creating a theatrical, adult‑oriented atmosphere rather than a haunted attraction.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this cruise suits — and who should sit this one out.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The cruise runs 90 minutes; typical scheduled embarkation is evening (board at 5:15 pm for a 5:30–7:00 pm cruise). There is an additional 7:30–9:00 pm tour on October 24, and select dates in late October are scheduled.
Dress for an evening on the water; the boat has heat for chilly evenings and cruises sail rain or shine.
Departures are from CambridgeSide Mall at 100 CambridgeSide Place; the boat and ticket booth are outside the CanalSide Food Hall. Validated parking is available at the CambridgeSide Mall Garage for $4.00.
All tickets are non‑refundable and cruises operate rain or shine.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Ghost Tour of the Charles River?
The cruise lasts 90 minutes.
Where do I meet for boarding?
Cruises depart from CambridgeSide Mall at 100 CambridgeSide Place; the boat and ticket booth are located outside the doors of the CanalSide Food Hall.
Are tickets refundable if the weather is bad?
All tickets are non‑refundable; cruises sail rain or shine.
Is this tour appropriate for children?
The tour is not recommended for children under the age of 16.
Is this a haunted house or haunted ship?
No — this is a narrated river tour that mixes historical and fictional haunted stories; it is not a haunted house or haunted ship.
Will there be food and drink on board?
There is an onboard bar that serves themed cocktails.