Spectacle Island
Boston, MA 02129
Dock
Not Offered
Mooring
Offered
Day Trip
Offered
Book faster with the free Dockwa app
73 Reviews
by James M. - Verified user on Jul 21, 2026
We grabbed mooring ball #7 , within 2 minutes DCR checked on our reservation, she was VERY friendly and personable, our reservation was confirmed for #7 with her help, we stayed for a few hours and had a great time. Thank you, Captain Jimmy
by Mike C. - Verified user on Jul 19, 2026
Picked this location because of access to the island’s facilities But the docks were not there as they were damaged in a storm a couple years back, hauled out and never replaced. So there is no way for a pleasure craft to access the island. Unless you want to swim in from your mooring. Only the public ferry can get folks onto Spectacle. Disappointed.
by Madeline R. - Verified user on Jul 14, 2026
The island is nice. We have always requested mooring 15 and it was fine the first night but come the next day we bottomed out while at the mooring. Due to boat traffic the waves coming in like they usually do are nonstop we fought to get the boat off the ground hoping there was no damage. We still need to check the props etc traffic does cause some rather choppy seas but it eventually dies down. Around 9-9:30. Lots of boats just tie up though. Late morning through afternoon. Then leave later at night.
But we make a reservation to ensure we get a mooring for the day/night. Easy to use Dockwa
by Jenn G. - Verified user on Jul 12, 2026
Amazing views of Boston from mooring #3 and Spectacle Island. There is food available to purchase during the day and clean bathroom facilities. The harbor is busy and wavy during the day, but quiets down after dark. Thanks for making our stay special DCR staff!
by Peter C. - Verified user on Jul 10, 2026
Great time on the morning. No docks to drop people off on the island and no way to get in w/o our own dinghy. Still fun
by Jonathan C. - Verified user on Jul 03, 2026
Fireworks in harbor Super rolly all night. Better islands for an overnight.
by Nancy M. - Verified user on Jun 29, 2026
Excellent hideaway while fog rolled in for the better part of the day!!
by Wesley L. - Verified user on Jun 15, 2026
Super easy, thank you!
by Caraline L. - Verified user on Jun 15, 2026
We didn’t arrive. I reserved but cancelled right away because we realized the wind was going to be too strong and would leave us too exposed. So we went to our dock instead. Im still waiting for my refund. Thanks.
by Jennifer T. - Verified user on Jun 14, 2026
Someone was on the mooring I reserved. They and most folks out there had not reserved. We went to a different open mooring but were waiting for those people to come Toss us off.
by Joseph B. - Verified user on Oct 06, 2025
Great place to hike, fly kites and picnic. Swimming to shore from a boat is fun too!
by Chris B. - Verified user on Sep 01, 2025
Easy to book, good communication. Great weather!!!
by Mary R. - Verified user on Aug 25, 2025
on line indicates there is a drop off/pick up area for private boats, which there is not. lower docks were removed and not replaced. phone numbers provided were out of service or not answered. unable to get clarfy information.
by Mark S. - Verified user on Aug 17, 2025
Had a great stay on Mooring 15. Beautiful view of the skyline!
by Bill B. - Verified user on Aug 10, 2025
Dockwa was great for the reservation. I did hear that many people show up only to find someone has taken their mooring refusing to move. Sure enough that's exactly what happened this weekend. Ended up getting onto the mooring but not without forcing them off. Not sure what DCR can do, but sounds like this is pretty common.
by Ben C. - Verified user on Aug 03, 2025
Convenient way to visit Spectacle Island
by Heather Z. - Verified user on Jul 27, 2025
Awesome and fun!!!! Wish there was a transient dock for boats
by Joseph H. - Verified user on Jul 27, 2025
Wonderful place to spend the day.
by michael s. - Verified user on Jul 20, 2025
it is an excellent spot to get access to the island, and mooring was in fairly good shape....however, if looking for a quiet spot to enjoy a few G&T's, cheese board and conversation, this will not be it. Lot's of marine traffic so it can be more than a bit rolly.
by Brian B. - Verified user on Jul 13, 2025
This app is just great. The stay at Spectacle was Spectacular. A little rocky during the day with boat traffic, but after sunset it’s a tranquil spot to rest and have breakfast the next morning. Some folks were tied up on our arrival but as soon as we mentioned we had a reservation we got a thumbs sup and they quickly vacated. Will be back again soon.
by Christopher B. - Verified user on Jul 10, 2025
Great spot to spend an hour or two for a swim/ fish/ relax on boat!
by Mervin K. - Verified user on Jul 08, 2025
The staff was welcoming and professional. Beautiful island for a hike or swim. Can’t wait to go back.
by Bill F. - Verified user on Aug 31, 2024
All good. Very friendly DCR staff
by Mike D. - Verified user on Aug 26, 2024
Our mooring ball, no 6, was available this time. Lots of large boats went by, so it was rocky with the wake. All in all, it was a nice time.
by Phil F. - Verified user on Aug 24, 2024
What a great spot. Easy moorings to grab. Captain Barry was so helpful getting us situated and answering all our questions. Will stop here again.
About Boston Harbor Islands: Spectacle Island
Spectacle Island features moorings for reservation. The Moorings are located on the north side of the main pier and can be reserved on the Dockwa app or on Dockwa.com. The Marina has been dismantled for this season due to taking damage over the winter. We are hoping to get the Marina back online in the future. Please note that the Spectacle Island dock is undergoing construction & maintenance. With your safety as our priority, drop off/pick ups are not permitted on the dock during this time.
Part of the Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park, Spectacle Island spans 105 acres and provides multiple attractions. Along with five miles of walking trails, the island features a visitor center, swimming beach, and breathtaking, 360 degree views of Boston and the surrounding islands.
The park is open from dawn until dusk, with facilities open during ferry operating hours. Reservations are available for both daytime and overnight use. Please note that pets are not permitted in the park. To find more information about park regulations and available activities on the island, please visit bostonharborislands.org.
Booking Info
For boaters not spending the night on the moorings we ask that the mooring is vacated at sunset.
Please add the expected number of visitors coming to the island in the "special request" section of the check-out process.
Info
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