4.3(10 reviews)
The Legacy of Witches: Salem Day Tour from Boston by Ferry
7.5 hours
Max 14 people
Boston, USA
About this activity
Learn the true story behind the peculiar happenings of the 1692 Salem Witch Trials in this in-depth day tour of significant historical sites, maritime legends, and pop culture destinations in Salem.
Highlights
- Sun-Thurs tours: Visit the famous Salem Witch Museum.
- Fri & Sat tours: Visit the fascinating Real Pirates Museum.
- Learn about the 1692 Witch Trials where it all happened.
- Honor the legacy at two commemorative spots.
- Stop for a photo op at pop culture spots.
- Enjoy free time to explore Salem on your own.
Full description
Salem, Massachusetts: a quaint, sleepy, Puritan fishing village where nothing exciting happened...until peculiar things began to frighten the otherwise quiet community, and the fear of witches among them drove the village to its breaking point. Known for the infamous 1692 Witch Trials, Salem offers the unique opportunity to dive into the true history of what actually happened in the very setting where these stories took place. Visit eight significant sites and learn about the town's seafaring past as your guide reveals what drove reasonable townsfolk to utter hysteria on this perfectly planned day trip from Boston. Depending on the day of your tour, you'll visit the Salem Witch Museum (Sunday-Thursday tours) or the Real Pirates Museum (Friday & Saturday tours). Select the Salem Witch Tour by Train option at time of booking if you prefer to travel by train instead of the ferry to Salem.
Begin your voyage in the same way early settlers did: by boat! Board the Salem Ferry in Boston and enjoy the scenery as you pass the Boston Harbor Islands and head up the coast of the North Shore before docking in Salem. If you prefer to forgo the ferry ride, select the Salem Witch Tour by Train option at time of booking for a scenic train ride from Boston's North Station to Salem in under an hour.
Depending on the day of your tour, your experience includes either the Salem Witch Museum (Sunday-Thursday tours) or Real Pirate Museum (Friday & Saturday tours). At the Salem Witch Museum, you'll be transported back to 1692 and experience the history of the Salem Witch Trials. Take away important lessons from how the events played out, meet the key figures who drove the witchcraft panic, and examine how these themes are applicable to modern culture.
Meanwhile, at the Real Pirate Museum, you'll explore Salem's maritime past. Originally a fishing village, the town prospered as a major seaport. You'll hear the surprising ways piracy and trade shaped Salem's history—even before and after the Witch Trials.
Throughout the day, you'll also retrace the footsteps of Salem’s famous history with a walk through town. Honor the innocent victims at the Salem Witch Trial Memorial, hear of the lasting impact the Witch Trials left on the town, and learn how the present-day community continues to respect its legacy. As a bustling seaport, the town was home to merchants, sailors, and even pirates. Some of these figures played surprising roles in the town’s history, both before and after the trials. Moving onto the Burying Point, your small group will visit the final resting place of notable Salem residents and some important figures from the Witch Trials.
Now that you’ve learned about the history, time to turn your attention to modern times and discover some seemingly out-of-place marks left behind by popular culture. Enjoy curious storefronts, historic homes, and more as you roam Salem’s streets. Take some photos at the Bewitched Statue, and then walk up a historic street to the setting of Hocus Pocus: Ropes Mansion. Wrap up your guided tour with a visit to the First Church in Salem and the Witch House, both of which were significant to the Salem Witch Trials.
After your guided stroll through Salem, you'll have some free time to grab lunch and go shopping on your own before returning to Boston either by ferry or train depending on the option you select at booking.
Please Note: On Halloween, October 31st, we will visit the Salem Witch Museum instead of the Real Pirates Museum.
Depending on the day of your tour, your experience includes either the Salem Witch Museum (Sunday-Thursday tours) or Real Pirate Museum (Friday & Saturday tours). At the Salem Witch Museum, you'll be transported back to 1692 and experience the history of the Salem Witch Trials. Take away important lessons from how the events played out, meet the key figures who drove the witchcraft panic, and examine how these themes are applicable to modern culture.
Meanwhile, at the Real Pirate Museum, you'll explore Salem's maritime past. Originally a fishing village, the town prospered as a major seaport. You'll hear the surprising ways piracy and trade shaped Salem's history—even before and after the Witch Trials.
Throughout the day, you'll also retrace the footsteps of Salem’s famous history with a walk through town. Honor the innocent victims at the Salem Witch Trial Memorial, hear of the lasting impact the Witch Trials left on the town, and learn how the present-day community continues to respect its legacy. As a bustling seaport, the town was home to merchants, sailors, and even pirates. Some of these figures played surprising roles in the town’s history, both before and after the trials. Moving onto the Burying Point, your small group will visit the final resting place of notable Salem residents and some important figures from the Witch Trials.
Now that you’ve learned about the history, time to turn your attention to modern times and discover some seemingly out-of-place marks left behind by popular culture. Enjoy curious storefronts, historic homes, and more as you roam Salem’s streets. Take some photos at the Bewitched Statue, and then walk up a historic street to the setting of Hocus Pocus: Ropes Mansion. Wrap up your guided tour with a visit to the First Church in Salem and the Witch House, both of which were significant to the Salem Witch Trials.
After your guided stroll through Salem, you'll have some free time to grab lunch and go shopping on your own before returning to Boston either by ferry or train depending on the option you select at booking.
Please Note: On Halloween, October 31st, we will visit the Salem Witch Museum instead of the Real Pirates Museum.
Included / Excluded
- Sun-Thurs tours: Entrance to the Salem Witch Museum
- Fri & Sat tours: Entrance to the Real Pirates Museum
- Round-trip Ferry tickets from Boston-Salem (if Boston Day Tour by Ferry option selected)
- Local English-speaking guide
- Round-trip train tickets from Boston-Salem (if Salem Witch Tour by Train option selected)
- Hotel Pick-up/Drop-off
- Gratuities
- Lunch
Itinerary
1
Boston to Salem Ferry
Cruise Boston Harbor towards historic Salem
2
Museum Experience
Visit Salem Witch or Real Pirates Museum
Meeting point
Start Location
200 Atlantic Avenue, 200 Atlantic Ave, Boston, US
Please arrive 30 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a green Walks sign. This tour meets at City Cruises Boston, GATE 5 - 200 Atlantic Ave, Boston, MA 02110 . From Tia's walk towards the water (Marriot on the right, Christopher Columbus park on the left) to Gate 5.
Get directions →Important information
Know before you book
- This tour is in English.
- This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
- This tour can accept wheelchairs/strollers. Please note that sections of this tour cover busy areas of the city & areas with brick/ cobbled roads.
- Walks / Devour complies with all local government regulations. Please refer to local government guidelines for the most up-to-date information.
- Sun - Thu tours only: Entrance to the Salem Witch Museum
- Fri & Sat tours only: Entrance to Real Pirates
- Lunch is not provided as part of the tour experience; however, there will be free time scheduled for you to enjoy lunch on your own. Your guide will offer recommendations.
- Please note this tour offers multiple options, review your selection carefully, as it may affect your transportation and departure details.
Know before you go
- This is a walking tour on various terrains so comfortable walking shoes are a must. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
- Lunch is not provided as part of the tour experience; however, there will be free time scheduled for you to enjoy lunch on your own. Your guide will offer recommendations.
- Weather Awareness: Salem summers can be hot and humid. Expect temperatures to rise, especially during midday hours. Dress in lightweight, breathable clothing to stay comfortable.
- Sun Protection: Don’t forget your sunblock, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat or cap.
- Hydration: Bring plenty of water to stay hydrated throughout the tour.
- Sun - Thu tours only: Entrance to the Salem Witch Museum
- Fri & Sat tours only: Entrance to Real Pirates
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity starts
Cancellations received greater than 24 hours prior to tour commencement are fully refundable. Cancellations received within 24 hours of tour commencement are nonrefundable. Amendment requests are subject to availability and price changes. Late arrivals and no shows are nonrefundable. This is applicable to any tour participant that fails to arrive, or arrives after tour departure.
Additional information
Ticket age ranges:
- Adult (15+)
- Child (2-14)
- Infant (0-1)
- Adult (15+)
- Child (2-14)
- Infant (0-1)