Boston Day Tour by Ferry: Salem Witch Trials Past to Present in Salem booking from $129.00

Boston Day Tour by Ferry: Salem Witch Trials Past to Present

Overview

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 with a small group of 14 people. 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).

City: Salem

Tue 15 Apr

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $129.00

Make a reservation

Tue 15 Apr

Starting at $129.00

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Sun-Thurs tours: Entrance to the Salem Witch Museum

Local English-speaking guide

Small group of 14 people max

Fri & Sat tours: Entrance to the Real Pirates Museum

Round-trip train tickets from Boston-Salem (April, May & Nov tours only)

Round-trip Ferry tickets from Boston-Salem

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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.
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.
This tour is in English.
Sun - Thu tours only: Entrance to the Salem Witch Museum
Fri & Sat tours only: Entrance to Real Pirates
Tours in April, May, & November will meet at North station and travel to Salem from Boston by MBTA rail instead of the ferry.

What To Expect

Salem Ferry

Meet your guide and 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 in just about an hour. Your roundtrip ferry ticket is included in the cost of your tour. Note: Tours in April, May, & November will meet at North station and travel to Salem from Boston by MBTA rail instead of the ferry.

Salem Witch Museum

If your tour is Sunday-Thursday, you'll start your day of exploring 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.

Salem

After your museum visit, you'll retrace the footsteps of Salem’s famous history with a walk through town. 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.

Salem Witch Trials Memorial

Next, you'll pause for reflection at this powerful memorial honoring the innocent victims of the Witch Trials. Dedicated in 1992—the 300th anniversary of the trials—by Elie Wiesel, the memorial commemorates the 20 victims in their own words, featuring proclamations of innocence taken from the court transcripts. You'll also visit the nearby Burying Point, the final resting place key figures of the trials, as well as notable Salem residents.

Bewitched Statue of Elizabeth Montgomery

After learning about Salem's dramatic past, you'll switch gears for an exploration of witches in modern pop culture. One can't-miss site is the famous Bewitched Statue, commemorating the famous sitcom, which filmed several episodes in Salem in 1970.

Ropes Mansion and Garden

Visiting this spot, featured in the Disney movie “Hocus Pocus”, will put a spell on you! Explore the gardens that are open to the public. Please note entrance to the house is not included in this tour. You'll also swing by the First Church of Salem as you begin to wrap up your day of sightseeing.

The Witch House at Salem

Pause outside the only building still standing with direct ties to the 1692 Salem Witch Trials: the home of Judge Jonathan Corwin.

Salem

Before returning to Boston, you'll have free time to do some shopping or grab lunch on your own. Your guide will provide recommendations for the best restaurants and shops to check out.

Salem Ferry

Board the return ferry for the journey back to Boston. Note: Tours in April, May, & November will return to Boston by MBTA rail instead of the ferry.

Show 6 more stops

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveler Photos

Reviews (126)

Melissa_R

Dec 2024

Fantastic tour, our guide Elizabeth was so knowledgeable and friendly. Thanks to the structure of the tour and our incredible guide, we were able to see a lot of Salem. Elizabeth’s knowledge of history and the area was outstanding and we were so thankful for such an amazing guide!

Response from Host

Dec 2024

Hi Melissa, Thank you for sharing your fantastic review! We’re thrilled to hear that your Boston Day Tour by Ferry experience was so memorable. Elizabeth’s deep knowledge of Salem’s history and her warm, friendly demeanor truly set the tone for a remarkable day. It’s wonderful that the thoughtfully structured tour allowed you to explore so much of this fascinating and historic area to bring this period of Boston's history to life. We’re delighted that you found the tour both educational and enjoyable. We’d love to welcome you on another adventure to uncover even more captivating stories and iconic landmarks. Safe travels, - Rod, Walks and Devour Team

Mark_N

Nov 2024

Out guide was great. Extremely knowledgeable about the area and the history. Was a real treat. I would recommend this tour to anyone visiting Boston who wants a trip to Salem. The boat ride was also great with great views of Boston.

Response from Host

Nov 2024

Hi Mark, Thank you so much for your review! We’re thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your guide’s deep knowledge of the area and history—it sounds like they made the experience extra special. We’re also glad you appreciated the boat ride and the fantastic views of Boston; the trip to Salem is indeed a treat for any visitor! If you're planning more adventures, we’d highly recommend our Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Guided Tour with Ferry on your next trip! This tour offers a fascinating look at the history of these iconic landmarks, with knowledgeable guides to enhance your experience, all while taking in the beautiful New York Harbor views! We can't wait to welcome you back! Warm wishes, Andrii Walks & Devour Tours

AnnaMaria_C

Nov 2024

The Ferry ride was the best part. Great weather/views!The tour guide was second best. (Ms. Clements)We had a great time but we didn't stay with the tour the entire time so we did our own thing too!

Response from Host

Nov 2024

Hi Anna, Thank you for sharing your experience! It sounds like you had a fantastic time, especially with those beautiful views on the ferry ride. We're glad to hear Ms. Clements added to the day with her guidance, even if you took some time to explore on your own—that's what makes these tours so flexible and fun! If you're looking for another unique adventure, we’d highly recommend the VIP First Access Maid of the Mist and Cave of the Winds experience. You’ll get up-close with the breathtaking views of Niagara Falls and enjoy exclusive first-access privileges that make the tour even more memorable! Thanks again, and we hope to welcome you on another tour soon! Kindly, Andrii Walks & Devour Tours

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Boston Day Tour by Ferry: Salem Witch Trials Past to Present

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