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

Walks - USA
4.2
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Cancellation Policy
Up to 24 hours before your scheduled admission.

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).

Departure 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.

Return Details
  • 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.

Duration
8 hours and 30 minutes

Languages Available
  • Human tour guide - English

Points of Interest


Stop At: Salem Ferry
10 Blaney St, Salem, Massachusetts
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: 1 hour

Stop At: Salem Witch Museum
19 1/2 Washington Square North, , Salem, Massachusetts
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: 1 hour

Stop At: Real Pirates Salem
285 Derby Street, Salem, MA 01970
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: 1 hour

Stop At: Salem
Salem, Massachusetts
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: 1 hour

Stop At: Salem Witch Trials Memorial
24 Liberty St, Off Charter Street, Salem, Massachusetts
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

Stop At: Bewitched Statue of Elizabeth Montgomery
Essex and Washington Street, Salem, Massachusetts
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

Stop At: Ropes Mansion and Garden
318 Essex St, Salem, Massachusetts
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

Stop At: The Witch House at Salem
310 Essex Street, Salem, Massachusetts
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

Stop At: Salem
Salem, Massachusetts
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: 2 hours

Stop At: Salem Ferry
10 Blaney St, Salem, Massachusetts
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: 1 hour and 30 minutes

Additional Information

  • 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
Inclusions
  • 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 Ferry tickets from Boston-Salem

Exclusions
  • Hotel Pick-up/Drop-off
  • Lunch
  • Gratuities

Redemption Instructions
- 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

Voucher Info
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

The tour identified in this promotion is made available through Viator. Groupon is not affiliated with or sponsored by the Walks - USA in connection with this deal. Please contact Groupon customer service for all inquiries related to this offer. Inquiries placed to Viator will be directed back to Groupon.

This offer is not eligible for promo codes.

Need To Know Info

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Merchant is solely responsible to purchasers for the care and quality of the advertised goods and services. Offer is not eligible for our promo codes or other discounts. Learn about Strike-Through Pricing and Savings

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