If I had a boat, I'd go out on the ocean...

July 12, 2006 5:25 AM

How can I get to Grape Island in Boston Harbor next Friday afternoon / evening?

My family is signed up for a group camping trip but due to some work issues I won't be able to make the regular (or chartered) ferry Friday morning. The earliest I can leave work (in the Back Bay) would be 2:00PM and even that isn't looking too good at this point.

The schedule of boats here show that boats run to George's Island all day long but the inter-island shuttles don't go from George's Island to Grape Island after 12:30 PM. I'd never be able to get down to Hull by 3:00 to catch the one afternoon boat to Grape. It's looking like I won't be able to meet them until Saturday morning.

Are there reliable alternatives that don't cost too much? Water taxis? Should I throw on a pair of waders and stick out my thumb? Kayaking or swimming is not an option.

posted by bondcliff to sports, hobbies, & recreation (2 comments total)

Call the local marinas and ask if any of their members would be willing to offer you a ride for a specified sum.(is that the aquatic equivalent to a private limo?)
posted by Gungho at 6:11 AM on July 12, 2006

I believe there ARE water taxis. This one says to contact them regarding the Harbor Islands. You could also contact each of the companies that run boats as part of the island ferry system; I believe it's actually a group of private contractors. Here's one.
Lastly, and you didn't hear this from me, you could try contacting the good people at Thompson Island Outward Bound; they have their own ferries to and from their island, and maybe they would be kind enough to detour for you if you paid for the fuel and crew.
posted by Sprout the Vulgarian at 6:25 AM on July 12, 2006