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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
Wed 16 Apr
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You can choose the date already on the booking website
Starting at $129.00
Wed 16 Apr
Starting at $129.00
Make a reservation
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 adultā€™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
1
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.
2
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.
3
Salem
After your museum visit, you'll retrace the footsteps of Salemā€™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 townā€™s history, both before and after the trials.
4
Salem Witch Trials Memorial
Next, you'll pause for reflection at this powerful memorial honoring the innocent victims of the Witch Trials. Dedicated in 1992ā€”the 300th anniversary of the trialsā€”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.
5
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.
6
Ropes Mansion and Garden
Visiting this spot, featured in the Disney movie ā€œHocus Pocusā€, 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.
7
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.
8
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.
9
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)
Jessica_S
Oct 2024
A brilliant tour full of history, our tour guide Cameron was so knowledgeable and always happy to answer any questions. It's a great day out, would highly recommend
Response from Host
Nov 2024
Hey Jessica, Thank you for the wonderful review! We're delighted to hear that Cameronā€™s knowledge and enthusiasm made the tour so enjoyable and informative. Itā€™s fantastic that you had such a memorable day! For another great experience, weā€™d recommend the Washington: Potomac River Cruise & Guided Georgetown Walking Tour. It offers a perfect blend of history, scenic views, and local insights, making it a great way to experience the heart of D.C.! We hope to see you on another adventure soon! With best wishes, Andrii Walks & Devour Tours
Alison_F
Oct 2024
totally awesome walking tour of Salem..Elizabeth our guide was infornative and you could tell she loved bringing the history of Salem to life. Just the right amount of free time to shop and eat.
Response from Host
Oct 2024
Hey Alison, Thank you for the fantastic feedback! Weā€™re thrilled to hear that you had an ā€œawesomeā€ time on your Salem walking tour with Elizabeth. It sounds like she brought Salemā€™s history to life beautifully, with just the right balance of free time to explore, shop, and dine! If you ever find yourself near Niagara Falls, we highly recommend the VIP First Access Maid of the Mist and Cave of the Winds tour. This experience provides exclusive access to one of natureā€™s most powerful sights, bringing you up close to the iconic falls and offering breathtaking views! Thanks again for your review, and we look forward to seeing you on another adventure! Kindly, Andrii Walks & Devour Tours
Krista_M
Oct 2024
Our guide was knowledgeable and fun to be around:) He had great insight in the history and the community. It was worth it!
Response from Host
Oct 2024
Hi Krista, Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're so happy to hear that you enjoyed the tour and had a great time with your guide. Itā€™s always our goal to provide both knowledge and fun, so we're thrilled it was worth it for you! If youā€™re planning your visit to New York, we highly recommend our Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Guided Tour with Ferry. Itā€™s a fantastic way to explore two of New Yorkā€™s most iconic landmarks while learning their rich history! Weā€™d love to welcome you again soon! With best wishes, Andrii Walks & Devour Tours

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