United States
Massachusetts (MA)
Cape Ann
Essex
Things to Do in Essex
Essex River Cruises & Charters
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Essex River Cruises & Charters

See all things to do
See all things to do
Essex River Cruises & Charters
4.5
663 reviews
#1 of 4 Outdoor Activities in Essex
Boat Tours
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8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Monday
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Sunday
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
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About
"Enjoy a scenic river excursion that captures the essence of New England " -Boston Globe. 1 1/2 hour narrated cruises, along the calm waters of the Essex River. Glide back in time, past islands, dunes & beaches formed by glaciers. See historic mansions, shipyards, saltmarsh farms, rare birds, wildlife, and stunning scenery. Charters &Clambakes. Restroom onboard, free parking, handicaped accessible, cards taken, and bar available. We also specialize in customizable private charters, perfect for corporate outings, birthdays, weddings, celebrations, and family reunions. Our private events range from New England Clambakes or BBQs on secluded tidal beaches to cocktail cruises. All charters are unique and planned your way with a variety of catering and bar options.
Essex, Massachusetts
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2022
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Essex River Cruises & Charters
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
663 reviews
Excellent
518
Very good
107
Average
29
Poor
3
Terrible
6
Ermeadle
1 contribution
Fall Folliage Essex River Fun
Oct 2021 • Family
Aboard the Essex River Queen is a great way to see another side of the North Shore! The whole experience was well planned and organized by the crew. The guide Alex was well versed in the local history and did a great job piloting the boat. Regardless the time of years, I would highly recommend this adventure to locals as well as those just visiting the area!
Written October 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Travel 2021
2 contributions
Such a breeze
Sep 2021
From booking to landing, Essex River Cruises does things right and makes it easy to discover a vast estuary we, lifelong New Englanders, knew nothing about. Captain Jesse - or Alex? - provided a narration full of history, anecdotes, real time observations, and a bit of salty humor. This was a gorgeous afternoon well spent!
Written September 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Clifford A
One of our favorite things is showing New Englanders and locals more to love about this place we call home! Join us again soon.
Written October 7, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
kayak01
Methuen, MA101 contributions
Add this to your 'must do' list.
Oct 2021
Make this a 'must do' on your list....whether you are living in Massachusetts or visiting. The staff is so pleasant and easy to work with. We chartered one of the boats for a 2 and 1/2 hr family event and it was perfect. The views are breathtaking and riding along gently over the marsh is a perfect way to share time with loved ones. We were lucky enough to see a seal family and had a special stop on a sand bar. Would highly recommend the narrated tours as well - they share the very interesting history of the area and islands. We try to do this every year - it's always different with the seasons!
Written October 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Clifford A
Thank you so much! We are so glad you were able to have such a memorable experience especially seeing the seal family. Being directly on the Essex River allows us to see some really unique wildlife, and we are so happy when we get to share those special moments with our guests. Join us again soon!
Written October 7, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
AHM
3 contributions
Great afternoon on the Essex River estuary
Jun 2022
I really enjoyed this 90-minute cruise and would recommend it to anyone. The captain was very knowledgeable about the fascinating history of the area, and the Great Marsh and its wildlife. He gave us a lively and entertaining narration as we enjoyed the beautiful views over the marsh to islands and beaches. Don't miss this gem of a tour!
Written June 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Clifford A
Thank you for joining us! We are happy to hear that you had a great time and got to enjoy the views and wildlife! We hope to see you again.
Written September 23, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
kim02128
1 contribution
Perfect Cape Ann activity
Sep 2022
The perfect compliment to your visit to Cape Ann...I am a resident of Cape Ann and I love sharing this experience with friends. The boat is very comfortable and the tour guide is very well informed and easy to engage. Seeing the river and all its beauty is unforgettable ..and as soon as you've completed the morning cruise you'll be ready for lunch at any great restaurant in Essex.
Written September 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Peter J
Wellesley15 contributions
Breathtaking, highly informative, and extremely pleasant!
Sep 2021
The skipper is a master boat handler and somewhat alters the route as time and tides permit for maximum passenger enjoyment. Meanwhile the narrator shows exceptional knowledge of the area, its wildlife, and its history and is easy to hear and understand thanks to an superb sound system. We'd gladly do it again.
Written September 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Clifford A
We take pride in our narrators passion and knowledge of the area and are glad our guests get to see that too. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Written October 7, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
LulaHK
1 contribution
Wonderful afternoon on the river
Jul 2022
Beautiful tour of the Essex River with wonderful, professional tour guide & boat captain. The scenery was gorgeous. The ride was lovely, quiet, and low-key with interesting, non-intrusive narration. I learned a lot, even though I am a local. The length of the trip was perfect. Highly recommend.
Written July 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Clifford A
Thank you for joining us! We are happy to hear that you had a wonderful time and got to learn some new things as a local! We hope to see you again soon.
Written September 23, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
JoeyGorg
1 contribution
A new old experience.
Jun 2021
Over the past years we've taken visiting friends on the Essex River cruise, and it stays fresh and gets better each time. The Captain, his crew, and the dockside crew are totally professional, helpful and friendly. The information given in the narration gives a clear understanding of the river, the great marsh, and the surrounding area. It is one of the top Cape Ann attractions. We'll be back.
Written June 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Biker7
Melrose, MA27 contributions
Essex River Cruise
Aug 2022 • Family
We went on the Sunday am river cruise to celebrate my husband birthday.
It was excellent! They served coffee , juice and muffins. They also have a cash bar. The skipper was excellent and the first mate was very knowledgeable about the history of the area. They have a small bathroom on board. They also provide bug spray and binoculars. The weather was perfect w a nice breeze.
This was my third time on the cruise over the past several years. I love the cruise.
Written August 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Clifford A
Thank you for your continued support! We are so glad you had an excellent time and hope to see you soon!
Written September 23, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ken C
Bonita Springs, FL14 contributions
Essex River Cruise
Jul 2021
This was a real treat. The pilot and narrator were very pleasant, knowledgeable young men who enjoyed their work. They explained the Essex Estuary along with interesting history. The approx 5-7 foot tide differences affects everything from the boat's course to the local economy. past and present.
Written August 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Clifford A
Thank you so much for joining us on our cruise, we are so happy you enjoyed our crew. Come again soon!
Written October 7, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Essex River Cruises & Charters - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go