Marine tourism gaining steam

“The more interest there is in the waterfront, the better it is for our business,’’ Cunningham said.

This summer, the South Boston Waterfront hotel has teamed up with Rowes Wharf Water Transport to offer zero-emission rides to and from Logan in the battery-operated vessel named Unplugged. Cunningham said his 428-room hotel has a geographical advantage over similar properties located in the city’s core. “When people come to Boston, they want to see the Tea Party site and the Atlantic Ocean,’’ he said.

And the best way to do that, say those in Boston’s growing marine tourism trade, is by sea, not land.

Don Benoit of Foxborough is one of the new crop of harbor entrepreneurs counting on the attraction of water. While chartering sails on his sloop, Tupelo Honey, out of Charlestown Navy Yard last year, Benoit said, he realized there was a potential business opportunity just down the coastline. “Seeing the development of Fan Pier, I’m saying to myself, ‘Is there an affordable way to get over there?’ ’’ he said.

In May, Benoit launched Cityside Harbor Shuttle to offer quick and easy rides around Boston Harbor from wharf to wharf, Thursday through Sunday. Private dock hops have become popular with locals who want to dine at the new restaurant-rich Liberty Wharf, see the city’s growing Innovation District or stroll the HarborWalk. When the weather cooperates, his powerboats are in demand.

“It’s a risk getting into a business like this, but if you don’t get in early, you may not get in. I’m willing to struggle this year. I’m very optimistic about the signs,’’ said Benoit, who also runs a heating contracting business in the winter.

Although Boston’s marine tourism industry is in its infancy, many expect the area to become the city’s new hot zone.