From whale watches to harbor cruises, a quick trip to Boston or a corporate event, Harbor Express offers travelers a fun and relaxing excursion along the beautiful Massachusetts coastline.
"Harbor Express is the best boat ride in the harbor," says owner Mike McGurl. "You can ride the boat to Boston for dinner, take a trip to the Boston Harbor Islands or simply stay on board for a fun round trip with beautiful scenery."
The ferry service is also popular with commuters seeking a pleasant and relaxing alternative to the rush-hour gridlock of the Southeast Expressway. "We've expanded our service during commuter hours to meet a wide range of travel requirements," McGurl says. "We offer competitive pricing on transportation to downtown Boston and Logan airport, as well as parking for just $1 a day."
Looking for a fun excursion for the whole family? How about a Harbor Express whale watch? "Whale watching has been great this fall," says McGurl, who notes that passengers can buy whale watch tickets at the Harbor Express terminal in Quincy and ride free to connect with the New England Aquarium's state-of-the-art high-speed catamaran, Voyager III. "We're seeing many whales and the combination of beautiful foliage, crisp fall weather and harbor views makes for an unforgettable trip."
Harbor Express is located at 703 Washington St., off the Fore River Rotary. For more information on cruises or commuter service, call (617) 222-6999 or visit www.harborexpress.com. For whale watch reservations or more information, call (617) 973-5281 or visit www.neaq.org.
Wollaston Beach:
Located on Quincy Shore Drive, Quincy's largest beach offers 2.5 miles of clean sand, swimming,
lifeguards, free parking, a bathhouse with public restrooms, restaurants and local activities
such as a Volleyball Challenge during the summer months.
Blue Hill Adventure and Quarry Museum:
A non profit that offers summer activities such as hikes in the Blue Hills, Tours of the Quarry's in Quincy, Milton & Canton and Canoeing on the Neponset River - some of which are free and others at very nominal fees. The Museum window displays , which are free to the public are located at Presidents Place in Quincy. Contact David P. Hodgdon at 781 326 0079 or visit www.bluehilladventure.org for more information.
With several yacht clubs and the largest marina in New England, Quincy has an active sailing and boating community, with numerous races, regattas, social events and boating classes held throughout the summer months.
There are also numerous companies offering charter boat trips for fishing or leisure.
1310 Sea St., 617-471-6136.
646 Quincy Shore Drive (on Wollaston Beach). 617-770-4811.
Wollaston Yacht Club:
692 Quincy Shore Drive (on Wollaston Beach). 617-472-9796.
CHARTERS:
Charters Unlimited: Marina Bay, www.chartersunlimited.com
1-800-964-9224
Boston Belle: Marina Bay, www.bostonbellecharters.com
617-479-5770
El Dorado: Marina Bay, 617-657-6787
First Bite Charters: Bay Point, www.firstbitecharters.com
617-438-1967
333 Victory Rd., 617-847-1800.
This picturesque harborside community isn't just one of the Boston area's most popular summer hotspots - it's an active working marina! Both powerboats and sailboats dock in Marina Bay's 685 slips, with accommodations available for crafts up to 210 feet, electricity, water and free parking.
Quincy offers visitors three golf courses, including the newly opened Granite Links Golf Club:
Granite Links Golf Club:
100 Quarry Hills Dr., 617-296-7600.
Located just seven miles from downtown Boston - and with sweeping views of the spectacular Boston skyline - Granite Links is fast establishing a reputation as the Boston area's premier, world-class golf course.
Furnace Brook Golf Club:
74 Summit Ave., 617-472-8466.
Presidents Golf Course:
357 W. Squantum St., 617-328-3444.
