Frequently Asked Questions
- A list of commonly asked questions.
Donation Requests.Are the Swan Boats available for sale?
What size are the boats?
Is there a rail under the water to guide the boats?
Who wrote a story about the Swan Boats?
How do I get there?
Who started the Swan Boats?
Has anyone famous ridden the Swan Boats?
Does the pond freeze?
Can I rent a Swan Boat for a party?
Can I have my wedding in the Public Garden?
Can I get a job at the Swan Boats?
Do you have Gift Certificates?
Donation Requests.
The Swan Boats of Boston donates to many organizations in the Boston area. Please use this Donation Request Form to contact us.
Are the swan boats availalbe for sale?
Many people ask us if our Swan Boats are for sale or if we know of companies that sell Swan Boats.
Our Swan Boats are not for sale and have a proprietary design.
For your information, here is a company that sells swan boats:
DirectBoats.com
- Swan Pedal Boat
- Baby Swan Pedal Boat
- Big Swan Boat
What size are the boats?
The Swan Boats are supported by two pontoons. Each pontoon is 30 feet long by three feet wide and weighs about 800 lbs. All other boat equipment weighs 1,600 lbs. We can take about 18 adults per boat.
Is there a rail under the water to guide the boats?
No. Our peddle powered boats are steered by their drivers.
Who wrote a story about the Swan Boats?
Robert McCloskey wrote Make Way For Ducklings and E. B. White wrote The Trumpet of the Swan.
How do I get there?
Go to Boston. Head towards the Boston Public Garden. We're there.
Who started the Swan Boats?
Robert Paget.
Has anyone famous ridden the Swan Boats?
Yes. Lots of famous people have taken a ride on the Swan Boats including including Matt Damon and Melissa Etheridge, though not at the same time. Check out the full list.
Does the pond freeze?
Yes. The pond freezes in the winter, but by then the boats have been removed to storage.
Can I rent a Swan Boat for a party?
You can reserve a swan boat ride for groups. You can't stay on the boat after the ride though, and will have to find another location to continue your party.
Can I have my wedding in the Public Garden?
A wedding ceremony may take place in the Public Garden with the permission of the Boston Parks & Recreation Department (617) 635-4505. [ Special Even Permit Application ] The Swan Boats are available for wedding parties and guests to ride, and take photographs during regular operating hours. Wedding ceremonies are not permitted on the Swan Boats. To make a reservation for your wedding guests, please call (617) 591-1150.
Can I get a job at the Swan Boats?
To apply for a job at the Swan Boats you must be 16 years old. It is recommended that you complete an application (available at the Swan Boat dock) at least one year prior to the start of the Swan Boat season. A waiting list is maintained for new openings.
Do you have Gift Certificates?
Swan Boat Ride Tickets may be purchased in advance and are valid anytime. Orders may be processed through the Gift Ideas area of this web site.
