This July, 35 youth from Eastie Farm joined over 154 other young people from East Boston families enjoying free cruises with Save the Harbor/Save the Bay to Georges and Spectacle Islands. So far nearly 4,000 youth and families have joined Save the Harbor’s free All Access Boston Harbor Cruises this summer, with dozens more trips planned through August and September.
“It’s easy to forget that there are spectacular parks and islands right here in Boston Harbor thanks to the success of the Boston Harbor Cleanup,” said Save the Harbor Executive Director Chris Mancini. “Since they are here for everyone, we figured we’d offer the boat rides out there for free. And what better way to beat the heat than a swim in the clear waters at the beach on Spectacle Island or exploring the ghost stories in the ‘Dark Tunnel’ of Fort Warren.”
All Access cruises begin each in July and run every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday through August 22. The program welcomes about 500 kids and families daily from around the region to the Leader Bank Pavilion or Fan Pier before departing for the islands. Just before departure, Save The Harbor’s lively Harbor Historian David Coffin adds upbeat education to the day, sharing Spectacle Island’s history as a landfill on fire before becoming the beautiful park it is today. “It’s one of my favorite stories to share with the kids,” said Coffin. “And it helps them really grasp the importance of the park’s carry-in, carry-out policy. It’s one of the learning experiences that goes home with them, encouraging the next generation of environmental stewards.”