City Cruises Codzilla Boston: 45-Minute High-Speed Thrill Boat Ride, $59
Quick answer
The City Cruises Codzilla is a 45-minute, 70-foot speed boat ride from Long Wharf that costs $59 per person and hits up to 40 mph.
Riders must be 4 or older and at least 42 inches tall, will get wet, and rate it 4.6/5 from 398+ reviews on GetYourGuide.
Boston Harbor City Cruises
City Cruises Harbor Codzilla High Speed Thrill Boat
4.6 (398) · from $59
The City Cruises Codzilla is a fast, loud, soaking-wet boat ride on Boston Harbor, not a sightseeing cruise, and it costs $59 for 45 minutes. That works out at $78.67 per hour, more than double the $36.33 median of the 12 Boston harbor trips on this site.
The detail that changes the decision is the rulebook. Boston Harbor City Cruises sets a 42-inch minimum height and a minimum age of 4, turns away anyone with heart, back or neck problems, and gives you nowhere dry to leave a bag. Read the rules table below before you pay.
If you want skyline views and commentary instead of spins, my Boston boat tours hub compares every harbor option, and the Harbor Advisor home page links the other cities I cover.
| Operator | Boston Harbor City Cruises (City Experiences), activity provider on GetYourGuide |
|---|---|
| Boat | Codzilla: 70 ft aluminium thrill boat, two diesel engines, water jets, 2,800 hp (per the listing) |
| Price | $59 per person, taxes and fees included |
| Duration | 45 minutes |
| Departure times | Not stated on the listing; the booking page shows them per date |
| Pier | One Long Wharf, between the Long Wharf Marriott and the New England Aquarium: One Long Wharf on Google Maps |
| Route | Not stated; the listing names no stops, only the ride itself |
| Food and drinks | Not allowed on board |
| Languages | English, live narration |
| Cancellation | Free up to 24 hours before, full refund |
| Rating | 4.6/5 from 398+ reviews on GetYourGuide |
What is the City Cruises Codzilla ride and what happens on board?
It is a short, high-speed thrill ride on a purpose-built boat, with a live guide, a loud soundtrack and a few hard turns, rather than a tour of landmarks.
- Speed: up to 40 mph, from two diesel engines and water jets, per the listing.
- Manoeuvres: hairpin turns and 360-degree spins, which is why everyone is belted in.
- Soundtrack: a scripted audio storyline with a crew member narrating, so quiet conversation is not on the menu.
- Seating: bench seats with seatbelts and safety bars; you stay seated while the boat moves.
- Water: the spray soaks passengers, and the listing says how wet you get depends on your seat.
I have not been on board, so I cannot tell you which rows are driest. The listing does not say, and the operator's own Codzilla page that I opened shows no seating plan either. Ask the crew at boarding.
Where does the City Cruises Codzilla leave from?
It leaves from One Long Wharf, the dock between the Long Wharf Marriott and the New England Aquarium, and you scan your voucher before boarding.
The easiest way there is the Blue Line to Aquarium, a 121-metre walk of about 2 minutes by OpenStreetMap routing. The MBTA lists a one-way subway fare of $2.40, and a 1-day pass costs $11.00.
- Get off at Aquarium station and walk toward the harbor.
- Find the boarding area on Long Wharf, between the Marriott and the Aquarium.
- Check where the New England Aquarium sits next to the dock before you go.
- Show the voucher on your phone to be scanned at the gate.
- Want a map? Use this walking route: Aquarium station to Long Wharf.
The listing gives no check-in lead time. Since departure times appear only per date on the booking page, I'd plan to be at the dock 20 minutes before the time on your voucher and confirm that figure with City Cruises.
Who is allowed on the City Cruises Codzilla?
Children must be at least 4 years old and 42 inches (about 107 cm) tall, and every rider must be in good health, according to the listing's safety notes.
| Rule | What the listing says | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 4 years or older, supervised | No toddlers or babies, even on a lap |
| Height | 42 inches (the exclusions list says 3 ft 6 in / 110 cm) | Measure a child at home; the crew can refuse at the dock |
| Health | No heart, back or neck problems, high blood pressure or motion sickness | Skip it if a doctor has warned you off rides |
| Pregnancy | Listed as not suitable | Skip it |
| Wheelchairs | Listed as not suitable | Not accessible; pick a calmer boat |
| Seating | Same booking to sit together | Book as one group, not several |
| Unaccompanied minors | Not allowed | An adult must come along |
What is included on the City Cruises Codzilla and what should you bring?
The $59 pays for the boat ride, the live narration and the soundtrack, and nothing else.
| Item | Status |
|---|---|
| Speed boat ride | Included |
| Live narration and soundtrack | Included |
| Taxes and fees | Included in the $59 |
| Bag storage | Not provided; the operator is not liable for lost or damaged items |
| Food and drinks | Not allowed on board |
| Poncho | The operator's page mentions a recyclable mist poncho under additional info |
- Bring: sunglasses and a hat that straps on, because the listing warns about flying hats and scarves; sunscreen on bright days.
- Change: a dry top and flip-flops or a spare pair of shoes, per the listing's packing list.
- Leave behind: anything electronic you cannot afford to soak, since there is no storage.
How does the City Cruises Codzilla compare with other Boston boats?
Codzilla is the most expensive per hour of the 12 Boston harbor trips here, apart from two brunch and dinner cruises, and the only one built for speed rather than views.
| Trip | Price | Duration | Per hour | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City Cruises Codzilla | $59 | 45 min | $78.67 | 4.6 (398+) |
| Historical sightseeing cruise | $46 | 1 hour | $46.00 | 4.6 (1,976+) |
| Sunset skyline cruise | $55 | 1.5 hours | $36.67 | 4.6 (438+) |
| Downtown harbor sailing cruise | $54 | 1.5 hours | $36.00 | 4.8 (264+) |
| Whale watching cruise | $86 | 3.5 hours | $24.57 | 4.6 (5,403+) |
If a quiet evening matters more than adrenaline, the sunset cruises in Boston are the better pick.
Is the City Cruises Codzilla worth it vs the other Boston harbor cruises?
It is worth $59 if you want a short ride that teenagers and friend groups talk about afterwards, and it is poor value if you want to learn about Boston.
34 islands and peninsulas make up the Boston Harbor Islands park, a quieter side of the harbor that a fast 45-minute ride will not explore.
- Teenagers and groups of friends - the ride is built for them, and reviewers mention a group of 17-year-olds and a 10-year-old niece enjoying it.
- Families with children 4 and up - fine if every child passes the 42-inch mark and nobody minds being soaked.
- First-time visitors who want history - choose the historical sightseeing cruise at $46 instead.
For the full list of alternatives, see the best boat tours in Boston comparison.
When is the best time to ride the City Cruises Codzilla?
June to September gives the warmest air for a ride that soaks you, with Boston highs of 80 to 85 °F in July and August 2025.
Speed adds wind chill on top of the air temperature, so the same day feels colder on Codzilla than on a slow cruise. In 2025 the average high in October was 62 °F and in November 49 °F; I'd wear a rain shell and bring a spare top for any trip outside summer. The listing does not state the operating season, so check the dates on the booking page.
The harbor itself is tidal: NOAA's Boston tide gauge shows a mean tidal range of about 9 feet in its 2025 monthly data. The listing does not say how tide or chop changes the ride, so ask the crew if the water looks rough.
| Month | Avg high 2025 | Avg high 2015-2024 | Rain days 2025 | Sunset (15th) | On deck |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 33 °F | 37 °F | 7 | 4:38 PM | Freezing air and wind off the water: full winter kit, gloves |
| Feb | 35 °F | 40 °F | 9 | 5:17 PM | Cold on deck: warm coat, hat and gloves |
| Mar | 50 °F | 46 °F | 8 | 6:51 PM | Cold on deck: warm coat, hat and gloves |
| Apr | 58 °F | 56 °F | 13 | 7:27 PM | Cool on deck: a fleece or windbreaker |
| May | 66 °F | 68 °F | 13 | 8:00 PM | Comfortable; a light layer after sunset |
| Jun | 78 °F | 77 °F | 9 | 8:24 PM | Comfortable; a light layer after sunset |
| Jul | 85 °F | 83 °F | 13 | 8:21 PM | Hot at midday; shade and water, a layer at dusk |
| Aug | 80 °F | 82 °F | 6 | 7:47 PM | Hot at midday; shade and water, a layer at dusk |
| Sep | 74 °F | 74 °F | 9 | 6:55 PM | Comfortable; a light layer after sunset |
| Oct | 62 °F | 63 °F | 8 | 6:03 PM | Cool on deck: a fleece or windbreaker |
| Nov | 49 °F | 52 °F | 12 | 4:23 PM | Cold on deck: warm coat, hat and gloves |
| Dec | 36 °F | 42 °F | 9 | 4:14 PM | Cold on deck: warm coat, hat and gloves |
What do passengers say about the City Cruises Codzilla?
Five of the six reviews I read that contain text name the guide or crew as the highlight, and every review gives five stars.
- Crew: guides are described as funny and interactive, and riders name them.
- Ages: reviewers mention a 10-year-old, teenagers and adults, so it works across ages above the minimum.
- Wetness: one rider says they got totally soaked, and nobody complains about it.
- Repeat riders: one reviewer was on a second visit and another says they can't wait to go again.
The sample is positive-only, since GetYourGuide sorted it by Recommended, and 4 of the 10 reviews are photos with no text. The listing's sub-scores are 4.8 for guide, 4.8 for transportation and 4.6 for value for money, so value is where riders are least generous.
Who should skip the City Cruises Codzilla?
Skip it if you have back, neck or heart problems, are pregnant, use a wheelchair, get seasick, or travel with a child under 4 or shorter than 42 inches.
- Photographers: you hold the safety bars and get sprayed, so skyline photos are out. The Classic Harbor Line sailing cruise suits them.
- Sightseers: the listing names no landmarks, so I cannot promise a view of the USS Constitution or Castle Island.
- Quiet travellers: the soundtrack is deliberately loud.
- Anyone carrying valuables: there is no storage and no liability for damage.
The Boston boat tours hub lists calmer boats that leave from the same part of the waterfront.
How do you book the City Cruises Codzilla?
$59 per person for a 45-minute Codzilla speed boat ride from Long Wharf, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Check availabilityI earn a commission if you book through this link, at no extra cost to you.
Pick the date first, because the booking page shows the departure times for that day. Book one order for the whole party so everyone sits together.
City Cruises Codzilla FAQ
Is a Boston Harbor cruise worth it?
A Boston Harbor cruise is worth it if the format matches what you want. Codzilla suits thrill seekers at $59 for 45 minutes; for history and skyline views, a 60 to 90 minute narrated cruise at $46 to $55 is better value.
What is the best boat tour in Boston?
There is no single best boat tour, because the options differ by purpose. Codzilla is the pick for speed, the Classic Harbor Line sailing cruise rates 4.8/5 for relaxing, and the whale watch is the longest at 3.5 hours.
How fast does Codzilla go?
Codzilla reaches up to 40 mph, according to the listing, powered by two diesel engines and water jets rated at 2,800 horsepower. The ride includes hairpin turns and 360-degree spins.
How long is the City Cruises Codzilla ride?
The ride lasts 45 minutes. The listing does not say whether that includes boarding, so arrive early and treat it as the time on the water.
How tall do you have to be for Codzilla?
Riders must be at least 42 inches tall and at least 4 years old, and children must be supervised. The exclusions list shows 110 cm, so measure a child with shoes off.
Will I get wet on Codzilla?
Yes, the listing says it is designed as a wet ride and your seat position affects how soaked you get. There is no storage, so bring a change of clothes.
Where does Codzilla leave from in Boston?
It leaves from One Long Wharf, between the Long Wharf Marriott and the New England Aquarium. Aquarium station on the Blue Line is a 2-minute walk away.
Can I bring food or drinks on Codzilla?
No, food and drinks are not allowed on board, according to the listing. Pets are also banned except assistance dogs.
Can pregnant women or wheelchair users ride Codzilla?
No, the listing excludes both pregnant women and wheelchair users, along with people with back, neck or heart problems or high blood pressure.
Can I cancel a Codzilla booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the start for a full refund, according to the GetYourGuide listing.
Does Codzilla run in winter?
The listing does not state an operating season. Check the dates on the booking page, and expect cold: the 2025 average highs were 36 °F in December and 33 °F in January.
Sources: GetYourGuide listing (t7223), checked 2026-10-17; City Experiences Codzilla page; MBTA fares; National Park Service, Boston Harbor Islands; NOAA CO-OPS Boston station 8443970; Open-Meteo archive API; sunrise-sunset.org API; Nager.Date API; OSRM foot routing (OpenStreetMap).
