One of the best vantage points of the Boston skyline is from the water, in a boat heading toward the Boston Harbor Islands. Few folks realize that Boston Harbor Cruises offers 10 of their boats for private functions. Have a clambake at $65 per person, throw in beer and wine for an additional $20 a head, and you can have 40 of your closest friends celebrate your birthday for a sum of $4,900. That includes a captain and crew, but not service charge or tax. 617-720-9211.

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