Yes, I am the cheap traveler. I'm also not a huge fan of touristy cruises - they're often boring, expensive, and well, just too touristy. However, when I read about a cheap or free cruise, then you've got my attention. Sometimes, it's just nice to be out on the water and look back from a boat and take a glimpse of the city shrinking behind you. Additionally, when you're walking and walking and walking, at some point, a chair or just any place to sit becomes your best friend. There's nothing like have a spot to vegetate after you've been walking for hours.
Enter Inner Harbor Ferry. I did some quick research prior - rides are $3.25 one way. Note - if you purchased an MBTA all day (or 7 day) pass, you're covered for rides. As a tourist, I had purchased the all day pass, so rode the ferry for "free". Woot. It goes between the Charleston Navy Yard (near USS Constitution and also walking distance to Bunker Hill Monument) and Long Wharf (somewhat close to Faneuil Hall). It's actually a very quick 10 minute ride. The dock at Long Wharf is quite close to the Marriott hotel and is the one that sits closest to Old Atlantic Avenue. I believe the ferry runs every 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the time of day. We were actually quite confused as we were the ONLY people waiting for this ferry at Long Wharf (vs. lines at the more costly tourist boats) - we questioned if it was running that day. But lo and behold, the ferry showed up.
It's your standard two story ferry - bottom deck is enclosed (aka warm and shielded from the elements). There is also a tiny snack bar area. The top deck is open (aka possibly cold and windy with a nice view) and doesn't have any fixed chairs. What they have are a bunch of plastic patio chairs that you can move around. This boat isn't anything fancy - just enough to get you from point A to point B. They let you come on board and I believe you pay your fare on the boat (they check you as you're either boarding or de-boarding).
The views were nice - not spectacular, but nice. I wished I had a chance to go around sunset, but timing just didn't work out that way. The dock at the Charleston Navy Yard will take you pretty close to the USS Constitution - very quick walk from there and about a 10 to 15 minute walk to Bunker Hill Monument (be prepared for some very mild inclines on your walk there).
Overall, if you're on a budget and still want to get that quick ferry "tour", Inner Harbor Ferry might be for you. It's also an alternative transportation option if you're looking to get to the USS Constitution or the Bunker Hill Monument from Boston main. read more