I don’t know about you, but when I hear ‘free’ my ears perk up. And I mean, they PERK. But as the old adage notes, there’s no such thing as a free lunch, so I’ve come to take that alluring four-letter word with a small dose of skepticism. I’ve got a ‘free’ pitch for all of you, with absolutely no strings attached. On Tuesday, there will be free ferry rides out to the beautiful Boston Harbor Islands.

On Tuesday, June 24, the National Park Service is teaming up with the Boston Harbor Islands Alliance to offer ferry rides out to Spectacle and Georges Islands – with subsequent access to Lovells, Peddocks, and Bumpkin – at no charge.

Because ticket sales in general are limited  this will be on a first-come, first-served basis and due to the expected high demand, this offer is only available to groups of five and less. That still counts as no strings, right?

Tickets go “on sale” the day of, starting at 8:00 a.m. and are available at the Boston Harbor Islands Welcome Center situated on the Rose Kennedy Greenway just across the street from Long Wharf – from where the ferry departs. They’ll weigh anchor at 9:00 a.m. through 4:00 p.m. every half hour.

“The Boston Harbor Islands is the largest recreational open space in Eastern Massachusetts offering a unique opportunity to hike, swim, camp, explore nature and history – all within 20 minutes of Boston,” said Superintendent Giles Parker. “Working with our partners at Boston Harbor Island Alliance and the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, this program will introduce individuals and families to the islands while also encouraging an active and healthy outdoor lifestyle.”

So go out, have a picnic, take a tour, relax on a sandy beach, make a date with the Lady in Black or simply take in the sites and sounds of Boston Harbor while cruising through the same waters the Arbella and others made berth hundreds of years ago.

Image via Shutterstock

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