Salem Witch Trials Tour from Boston by optional Ferry or Train

Salem, US
100% of travellers recommend this
Very Good (244 reviews)

Included

  • inclusion
    Round-trip Ferry tickets from Boston-Salem if option chosen
  • inclusion
    Sun-Thurs tours: Entrance to the Salem Witch Museum
  • inclusion
    Local English-speaking guide
  • inclusion
    Round-trip Rail tickets from Boston-Salem if option chosen
  • inclusion
    Fri & Sat tours: Entrance to the Real Pirates Museum

Excluded

  • exclusion
    Hotel pick-up/drop-off
  • exclusion
    Lunch
  • exclusion
    Gratuities

Meeting Point

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.

Meeting point

200 Atlantic Ave, Boston, MA 02110 , United States

End point

End Point

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.

Meeting point

200 Atlantic Ave, Boston, MA 02110 , United States

End point

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.

Duration 60 minutes
Admission Admission Included
2

Salem Witch Museum

If your tour is Sunday-Thursday, 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.

Duration 60 minutes
Admission Admission Included
3

Real Pirates Salem

If your tour is on Friday or Saturday, you'll visit the Real Pirate Museum to 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.

Duration 60 minutes
Admission Admission Included
4

Salem

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.

Duration 60 minutes
5
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.

Duration 15 minutes
6
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.

Duration 15 minutes
7
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.

Duration 20 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
8
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.

Duration 10 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
9

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.

Duration 120 minutes
10
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.

Duration 90 minutes
Admission Admission Included

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Additional information
    Fri & Sat tours only: Entrance to Real Pirates
  • Additional information
    Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Additional information
    Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Additional 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.
  • Additional information
    Please note that the tour itinerary might vary depending on the chosen option.
  • Additional information
    Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Additional information
    Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Additional information
    Sun - Thu tours only: Entrance to the Salem Witch Museum
  • Additional information
    This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
  • Additional information
    This tour can accept wheelchairs/strollers. Please note that sections of this tour cover busy areas of the city & areas with brick/ cobbled roads.
  • Additional information
    This tour is in English.
  • Additional information
    Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Additional information
    Walks / Devour complies with all local government regulations. Please refer to local government guidelines for the most up-to-date information.
  • Additional information
    Wheelchair accessible
Provided by Walks - USA

What our experts say

  • icon
    Try lunch at the Lobster Shanty nearby.
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    Visit the Ropes Mansion Garden for photos.
  • icon
    Check out local shops for witch-themed souvenirs.
  • icon
    Arrive early to secure a good seat on the ferry.
  • icon
    Bring water and comfortable walking shoes.

More About this Experience

Introduction

Discover the dark secrets and haunting history of Salem, Massachusetts on the Boston Day Tour by Ferry: Salem Witch Trials Past to Present. Explore the quaint and picturesque town that was once the epicenter of fear and hysteria during the infamous Salem Witch Trials in 1692. This perfectly planned day trip from Boston offers a unique opportunity to dive into the true history of what happened in the very setting where these stories took place.

What to expect?

On this tour, expect to visit eight significant sites in Salem, accompanied by a knowledgeable local English-speaking guide. Gain insights into the events that led to the witch trials and the impact they had on the community. Immerse yourself in the stories of the accused and the lives they led. Experience the chilling atmosphere as you walk through the historic streets and hear tales of witchcraft and hysteria. Your admission to the Salem Witch Museum is included, where you can delve deeper into the history and learn about the cultural impact of the trials.

Who is this for?

This tour is perfect for history enthusiasts and anyone intrigued by the Salem Witch Trials. Whether you're a curious traveler or a fan of the supernatural, this tour offers a captivating experience for all. It's also a great opportunity for those interested in American history and the cultural significance of the trials. The tour is suitable for all ages, making it a family-friendly activity that can be enjoyed by everyone.

Why book this?

Embark on this fascinating journey to discover the truth behind the Salem Witch Trials. Gain a deeper understanding of the events that unfolded and the impact they had on the community. With an expert guide by your side, you'll be able to ask questions and engage in meaningful discussions about this dark chapter in American history. The tour provides a unique perspective and an opportunity to explore the historic sites where these events took place. By booking this tour, you'll have a chance to immerse yourself in a captivating narrative and gain a newfound appreciation for the complexities of the human experience.

Good to know

It's important to note that hotel pick-up and drop-off are not included in the tour. Additionally, lunch and gratuities are not provided, so it's advisable to bring some snacks or plan for a meal during the tour. Make sure to arrive at the City Cruises terminal at least 30 minutes before the tour starts. The meeting point is located at 1 Long Wharf in Boston, between the Boston Marriott Long Wharf Hotel and the New England Aquarium. Look for the City Cruises ticket booth with signage, and your guide will be holding a Walks sign. Wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather, as you'll be exploring the town on foot.

Reviews

Travelers who have experienced the Boston Day Tour by Ferry: Salem Witch Trials Past to Present have been enthralled by the immersive journey into Salem's dark history. Many praised the knowledgeable and engaging guides who provided a wealth of information and made the tour come alive. Visitors appreciated the opportunity to visit historically significant sites and learn about the events that unfolded during the witch trials. The inclusion of the Salem Witch Museum added an extra layer of depth to the experience. Overall, reviewers highly recommend this tour to anyone interested in American history or seeking a unique and captivating day trip from Boston.

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