Lighthouse Cruises in New England
Connecticut
Mystic Seaport - Some cruises on the 1908 steamboat Sabino may offer a view of Morgan Point Lighthouse.
Windjammer Mystic Whaler - In Mystic. Up to five-day excursions on a 110-foot schooner. Passes area lighthouses on some cruises.
DownEast Lighthouse Cruises - At Pine Island Marina, Groton, CT. Cruises from mid-April through October. See five lighthouses on Fishers Island Sound up close and hear the history from those who work the waters every day aboard Escape, a working lobster boat.
Project Oceanology - Take a boat ride to New London Ledge Light from Avery Point in Groton.
New London Maritime Society - Check for the latest schedule of cruises, tours, and other events. The society is the steward of New London Harbor Light, New London Ledge Light, and Race Rock Light (NY).
Cross Sound Ferry Services, Inc. - In New London. Offers two different lighthouse cruises that pass these: lighthouses: Morgan Point,Latimer Reef (NY), Watch Hill (RI), Race Rock (NY), Little Gull (NY), North Dumpling (NY), New London Harbor, New London Ledge, Avery Point, Plum Island (NY), Orient Point (NY), Long Beach Bar (NY).
Connecticut River Expeditions - In Essex. Some cruises may pass Lynde Point Light and Saybrook Breakwater Light.
Captain's Cove Seaport - In Bridgeport. Board the former U.S. Navy launch Chief for a 45-minute cruise on Black Rock Harbor. Enjoy scenic views of local yacht clubs, Fayerweather Island Lighthouse, and other historic sites.
Bridgeport and Port Jefferson Steamship Company - Ferry from Bridgeport, Connecticut, to Port Jefferson, New York. Provides a close view of Tongue Point Light and a distant view of Stratford Shoal Light.
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk - Offering occasional lighthouse cruises that pass local lighthouses, including Sheffield Island, Greens Ledge, Pecks Ledge, Stratford Shoal, Penfield Reef, Stamford Harbor, Great Captain Island, and others.
Sheffield Island ferry - The Norwalk Seaport Association runs ferries to Sheffield Island, as well as other cruises and events.
Greenwich Parks and Recreation Department - Summer ferry to Great Captain Island. The grounds around Great Captain Island Lighthouse are accessible, but the lighthouse is not open to the public.
SoundWaters - Environmentally-themed cruises on a three-masted schooner, leaving from Greenwich and Stamford. May occasionally pass Great Captain Island.
Mystic Seaport - Some cruises on the 1908 steamboat Sabino may offer a view of Morgan Point Lighthouse.
Windjammer Mystic Whaler - In Mystic. Up to five-day excursions on a 110-foot schooner. Passes area lighthouses on some cruises.
DownEast Lighthouse Cruises - At Pine Island Marina, Groton, CT. Cruises from mid-April through October. See five lighthouses on Fishers Island Sound up close and hear the history from those who work the waters every day aboard Escape, a working lobster boat.
Project Oceanology - Take a boat ride to New London Ledge Light from Avery Point in Groton.
New London Maritime Society - Check for the latest schedule of cruises, tours, and other events. The society is the steward of New London Harbor Light, New London Ledge Light, and Race Rock Light (NY).
Cross Sound Ferry Services, Inc. - In New London. Offers two different lighthouse cruises that pass these: lighthouses: Morgan Point,Latimer Reef (NY), Watch Hill (RI), Race Rock (NY), Little Gull (NY), North Dumpling (NY), New London Harbor, New London Ledge, Avery Point, Plum Island (NY), Orient Point (NY), Long Beach Bar (NY).
Connecticut River Expeditions - In Essex. Some cruises may pass Lynde Point Light and Saybrook Breakwater Light.
Captain's Cove Seaport - In Bridgeport. Board the former U.S. Navy launch Chief for a 45-minute cruise on Black Rock Harbor. Enjoy scenic views of local yacht clubs, Fayerweather Island Lighthouse, and other historic sites.
Bridgeport and Port Jefferson Steamship Company - Ferry from Bridgeport, Connecticut, to Port Jefferson, New York. Provides a close view of Tongue Point Light and a distant view of Stratford Shoal Light.
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk - Offering occasional lighthouse cruises that pass local lighthouses, including Sheffield Island, Greens Ledge, Pecks Ledge, Stratford Shoal, Penfield Reef, Stamford Harbor, Great Captain Island, and others.
Sheffield Island ferry - The Norwalk Seaport Association runs ferries to Sheffield Island, as well as other cruises and events.
Greenwich Parks and Recreation Department - Summer ferry to Great Captain Island. The grounds around Great Captain Island Lighthouse are accessible, but the lighthouse is not open to the public.
SoundWaters - Environmentally-themed cruises on a three-masted schooner, leaving from Greenwich and Stamford. May occasionally pass Great Captain Island.
Rhode Island
Save the Bay - Offers four different lighthouse cruises that encompass most of the state's lighthouses. Leaving from Providence or Newport, depending on the route.
Snappa Charters - Enjoy a cruise to Block Island or the protected waters of Narragansett Bay on a 35-foot fiberglass custom sport fisherman. Can include lighthouses on custom itineraries.
Rhode Island Bay Cruises - In North Kingstown. Lighthouse cruises departing from Quonset Point. Includes Poplar Point, Plum Beach, Dutch Island, Beavertail, Castle Hill, Lime Rock (Ida Lewis Yacht Club), Newport Harbor, Rose Island, Conanicut, and the remains of Whale Rock Light.
Jamestown and Newport Ferry Company - Ferry service between Newport and Jamestown; stops at Rose Island on request.
Prudence Island Ferry - Year-round car and passenger ferry from Bristol. Reservations required for vehicles. Prudence Island Light is within walking distance from the ferry.
Save the Bay - Offers four different lighthouse cruises that encompass most of the state's lighthouses. Leaving from Providence or Newport, depending on the route.
Snappa Charters - Enjoy a cruise to Block Island or the protected waters of Narragansett Bay on a 35-foot fiberglass custom sport fisherman. Can include lighthouses on custom itineraries.
Rhode Island Bay Cruises - In North Kingstown. Lighthouse cruises departing from Quonset Point. Includes Poplar Point, Plum Beach, Dutch Island, Beavertail, Castle Hill, Lime Rock (Ida Lewis Yacht Club), Newport Harbor, Rose Island, Conanicut, and the remains of Whale Rock Light.
Jamestown and Newport Ferry Company - Ferry service between Newport and Jamestown; stops at Rose Island on request.
Prudence Island Ferry - Year-round car and passenger ferry from Bristol. Reservations required for vehicles. Prudence Island Light is within walking distance from the ferry.
Massachusetts
Harbor Tours, Inc., of Cape Ann - Offers a cruise that circumnavigates Cape Ann, passing all five of the cape's light stations.
Thacher Island Association - Usually offers a yearly summer sunset cruise that circumnavigates Cape Ann, passing all five of the cape's light stations. Also offers regular trips that land at Thacher Island in summer.
Essex National Heritage Commission - Public tours to Baker's Island Light aboard Naumkeag from early July to early September.
Mahi Mahi Cruises - Scenic cruises and private charters in Salem, including periodic lighthouse cruises.
Friends of the Boston Harbor Islands - Occasional lighthouse cruises and other island excursions.
Boston Light Tours - Offered in season by the Boston Harbor Alliance.
Whaling City Expeditions - Seasonal harbor tours leaving from Waterfront Park in New Bedford. Views of Palmers Island Light; may be views of Butler Flats Light.
Cuttyhunk Ferry - Ferry from New Bedford to Cuttyhunk Island passes Butler Flats Light.
Chatham Water Tours - View playful seals, Chatham’s famous fishing fleet, magnificent homes, and historic Chatham Light on daily seal tours.
Flyer's - Water shuttle from Provincetown to Long Point. Stops near Long Point Light.
Pilgrim Belle Cruises - In Plymouth. Some cruises may pass near Duxbury Pier Light and Plymouth Light.
Schooner Thomas E. Lannon - In Gloucester, may offer views of Ten Pound Island Light and Eastern Point Light.
UMass Boston - Offers occasional lighthouse cruises in collaboration with Friends of the Boston Harbor Islands. Cruises include Boston Light, Graves Light, Long Island Head Light, Deer Island Light.
Catboat Rides, Inc. - Day sails from Hyannis on 34-foot catboat Eventide. Usually offers good views of Hyannis Harbor Light.
Bay Spirit Tours - In Hyannis. The Lighthouse Harbor Tour passes the replica of Brant Point Light in Hyannis inner harbor, Point Gammon Light, and Hyannis Harbor Light.
Harbor Tours, Inc., of Cape Ann - Offers a cruise that circumnavigates Cape Ann, passing all five of the cape's light stations.
Thacher Island Association - Usually offers a yearly summer sunset cruise that circumnavigates Cape Ann, passing all five of the cape's light stations. Also offers regular trips that land at Thacher Island in summer.
Essex National Heritage Commission - Public tours to Baker's Island Light aboard Naumkeag from early July to early September.
Mahi Mahi Cruises - Scenic cruises and private charters in Salem, including periodic lighthouse cruises.
Friends of the Boston Harbor Islands - Occasional lighthouse cruises and other island excursions.
Boston Light Tours - Offered in season by the Boston Harbor Alliance.
Whaling City Expeditions - Seasonal harbor tours leaving from Waterfront Park in New Bedford. Views of Palmers Island Light; may be views of Butler Flats Light.
Cuttyhunk Ferry - Ferry from New Bedford to Cuttyhunk Island passes Butler Flats Light.
Chatham Water Tours - View playful seals, Chatham’s famous fishing fleet, magnificent homes, and historic Chatham Light on daily seal tours.
Flyer's - Water shuttle from Provincetown to Long Point. Stops near Long Point Light.
Pilgrim Belle Cruises - In Plymouth. Some cruises may pass near Duxbury Pier Light and Plymouth Light.
Schooner Thomas E. Lannon - In Gloucester, may offer views of Ten Pound Island Light and Eastern Point Light.
UMass Boston - Offers occasional lighthouse cruises in collaboration with Friends of the Boston Harbor Islands. Cruises include Boston Light, Graves Light, Long Island Head Light, Deer Island Light.
Catboat Rides, Inc. - Day sails from Hyannis on 34-foot catboat Eventide. Usually offers good views of Hyannis Harbor Light.
Bay Spirit Tours - In Hyannis. The Lighthouse Harbor Tour passes the replica of Brant Point Light in Hyannis inner harbor, Point Gammon Light, and Hyannis Harbor Light.
New Hampshire
Friends of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouses - Offers occasional lighthouse cruises. An annual cruise in September passes Portsmouth Harbor Light, Whaleback Light, White Island Light, Cape Neddick "Nubble" Light, and Boon Island Light.
Isles of Shoals Steamship Co. - Cruises from Portsmouth, May to October. Some cruises pass Portsmouth Harbor Light, Whaleback Light (ME), and White Island Light.
Portsmouth Harbor Cruises - Harbor tours, sunset cruises and Isles of Shoals trips, May to September.
Captain and Patty's - Kittery Point, Maine. Offers an 80-minute River Tour that passes Portsmouth Harbor Light and Whaleback Light.
Friends of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouses - Offers occasional lighthouse cruises. An annual cruise in September passes Portsmouth Harbor Light, Whaleback Light, White Island Light, Cape Neddick "Nubble" Light, and Boon Island Light.
Isles of Shoals Steamship Co. - Cruises from Portsmouth, May to October. Some cruises pass Portsmouth Harbor Light, Whaleback Light (ME), and White Island Light.
Portsmouth Harbor Cruises - Harbor tours, sunset cruises and Isles of Shoals trips, May to September.
Captain and Patty's - Kittery Point, Maine. Offers an 80-minute River Tour that passes Portsmouth Harbor Light and Whaleback Light.
Maine
Finest Kind III Tour & Cocktail Cruise - Offers a 90-minute Nubble Light cruise up to four times daily in season. Located at Perkins Cove in Ogunquit.
Friends of Wood Island Lighthouse - Trips to the island lighthouse off Biddeford Pool in summer.
Portland Discovery Land & Sea Tours - The 90-minute "Lighthouse Lovers' Cruise" passes several lighthouses.
Ribbit Adventures - Enjoy the sights of Casco Bay from a unique vantage point aboard a 6.5 meter Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RIB). If you don't like crowds and want a more personalized tour - Ribbit Adventures is for you!
Sea Escape Cottages and Charters - At Baileys Island. Two-hour sunset, island and seal watch cruises in Casco Bay; also fishing trips and charters to area lighthouses.
Casco Bay Lines - The Bailey Island Cruise provides views of Portland Breakwater Light, Spring Point Ledge Light, Ram Island Ledge Light, Portland Head Light, Halfway Rock Light (with binoculars), and the Little Mark Island Monument.
Lucky Catch Lobstering - In Portland. Captain Tom will guide you through the daily routines of a Maine lobsterman, while enjoying close-up views of historic lighthouses, including Portland Head Light.
Seguin Island Ferry - This personalized tour offers unforgettable ferry trips from Popham Beach for up to 30 persons on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays at 11 a. m.
Atlantic Seal Cruises - In Freeport. Offers a seasonal trip that culminates with a 2-hour stop at Seguin Island for a lighthouse and museum tour.
Balmy Days Cruises - A variety of cruises from Boothbay Harbor.
Cap'n Fish's Boat Trips - Cruises from Boothbay Harbor, including lighthouse cruises.
Burnt Island tours - A public tour and educational program is offered in summer. Balmy Days Cruises' Novelty, located at Pier 8 in Boothbay Harbor, serves as the ferry to the island.
River Run Tours - Departing from Bath and Five Islands.
Hardy Boat Cruises - Cruises leave from New Harbor. Sunset cruises past Pemaquid Point Light in summer.
Monhegan Boat Line - Year-round service from Port Clyde to Monhegan Island. This company also offers a lighthouse cruise in summer.
Bufflehead - Daysail charters out of Rockland's Lermond Cove on a 32' wooden gaff sloop, passing Rockland Breakwater Light and Owls Head Light. Longer sails may pass other area lights including Browns Head.
Shantih II - Day sails from Rockport Harbor on a classic yacht. Itinerary depends on winds; may sometimes pass Brown's Head Light.
Lively Lady - Tours from Camden include lighthouses, lobstering, and a variety of wildlife.
Maine State Ferry between Lincolnville Beach and Islesboro - Grindle Point Lighthouse is near the ferry landing on Islesboro.
Penobscot Narrows Lobstering Tours - Located in Bucksport, offering lobstering cruises and a lighthouse cruise that includes Fort Point Light and Dice Head Light.
Old Quarry Ocean Adventures - In Stonington. The Lighthouses Boat Trip provides views of 7 lighthouses: Isle au Haut, Saddleback, Brown's Head, Goose Rocks, Eagle Island, Pumpkin Island, and Deer Island Thorofare (Mark Island).
Eagle Island Mailboat Cruise - Departing from Sylvester’s Cove in Deer Isle, the two-hour cruise aboard the Katherine passes close by the Eagle Island Lighthouse. Mid-June to mid-September, Mondays through Saturdays at 8:30 a.m. Reservations required.
Swans Island Ferry - Ferry from Bass Harbor on Mount Desert Island takes cars and passengers year-round. Once on the island, you can drive to Burnt Coat Harbor Light.
Isle Au Haut Company - Lighthouse cruises offer views of several lighthouses in the Stonington area. Also provides year-round service from Stonington to Isle au Haut.
Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company - Offers several different tours with views of Acadia area lighthouses, also occasional longer trips. Also offers a cruise to Baker Island with a walking tour that includes the lighthouse there.
Margaret Todd - This 151-foot four-masted schooner sailing from Bar Harbor provides views of Egg Rock Light.
Bar Harbor Boat Tours - Offering a 3.5-hour "Puffins, Lighthouses and Seabirds" trip, leaving daily at 12:30 p.m. from Bar Harbor, late May to late October. Includes viewing of Winter Harbor (Mark Island), Petit Manan, and Egg Rock Lighthouses. This trip includes an extended viewing of Petit Manan Lighthouse.
Island Cruises - Offers a variety of cruises; some pass Bass Harbor Head Light.
Sea Princess Naturalist Cruises - Cruises passing Bear Island, narrated by a naturalist.
Robertson Sea Tours Adventures - Offers a Scenic Island Cruise that includes Narraguagus Light. The Historic Lighthouse Cruise includes Nash Island Light. Also offers a Petit Manan puffin cruise.
Pleasant River Boat Tours - In Addison. Observe marine mammals, eagles, and sea life in the most pristine setting on the U.S. seaboard. Three local lighthouses may be seen.
Bold Coast Charter Company - In Cutler. Nature cruises to Machias Seal Island (Canadian lighthouse) pass Little River Light.
Captain's Lady - In Lubec. Offers a variety of cruises; some may pass West Quoddy Head Light.
Finest Kind III Tour & Cocktail Cruise - Offers a 90-minute Nubble Light cruise up to four times daily in season. Located at Perkins Cove in Ogunquit.
Friends of Wood Island Lighthouse - Trips to the island lighthouse off Biddeford Pool in summer.
Portland Discovery Land & Sea Tours - The 90-minute "Lighthouse Lovers' Cruise" passes several lighthouses.
Ribbit Adventures - Enjoy the sights of Casco Bay from a unique vantage point aboard a 6.5 meter Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RIB). If you don't like crowds and want a more personalized tour - Ribbit Adventures is for you!
Sea Escape Cottages and Charters - At Baileys Island. Two-hour sunset, island and seal watch cruises in Casco Bay; also fishing trips and charters to area lighthouses.
Casco Bay Lines - The Bailey Island Cruise provides views of Portland Breakwater Light, Spring Point Ledge Light, Ram Island Ledge Light, Portland Head Light, Halfway Rock Light (with binoculars), and the Little Mark Island Monument.
Lucky Catch Lobstering - In Portland. Captain Tom will guide you through the daily routines of a Maine lobsterman, while enjoying close-up views of historic lighthouses, including Portland Head Light.
Seguin Island Ferry - This personalized tour offers unforgettable ferry trips from Popham Beach for up to 30 persons on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays at 11 a. m.
Atlantic Seal Cruises - In Freeport. Offers a seasonal trip that culminates with a 2-hour stop at Seguin Island for a lighthouse and museum tour.
Balmy Days Cruises - A variety of cruises from Boothbay Harbor.
Cap'n Fish's Boat Trips - Cruises from Boothbay Harbor, including lighthouse cruises.
Burnt Island tours - A public tour and educational program is offered in summer. Balmy Days Cruises' Novelty, located at Pier 8 in Boothbay Harbor, serves as the ferry to the island.
River Run Tours - Departing from Bath and Five Islands.
Hardy Boat Cruises - Cruises leave from New Harbor. Sunset cruises past Pemaquid Point Light in summer.
Monhegan Boat Line - Year-round service from Port Clyde to Monhegan Island. This company also offers a lighthouse cruise in summer.
Bufflehead - Daysail charters out of Rockland's Lermond Cove on a 32' wooden gaff sloop, passing Rockland Breakwater Light and Owls Head Light. Longer sails may pass other area lights including Browns Head.
Shantih II - Day sails from Rockport Harbor on a classic yacht. Itinerary depends on winds; may sometimes pass Brown's Head Light.
Lively Lady - Tours from Camden include lighthouses, lobstering, and a variety of wildlife.
Maine State Ferry between Lincolnville Beach and Islesboro - Grindle Point Lighthouse is near the ferry landing on Islesboro.
Penobscot Narrows Lobstering Tours - Located in Bucksport, offering lobstering cruises and a lighthouse cruise that includes Fort Point Light and Dice Head Light.
Old Quarry Ocean Adventures - In Stonington. The Lighthouses Boat Trip provides views of 7 lighthouses: Isle au Haut, Saddleback, Brown's Head, Goose Rocks, Eagle Island, Pumpkin Island, and Deer Island Thorofare (Mark Island).
Eagle Island Mailboat Cruise - Departing from Sylvester’s Cove in Deer Isle, the two-hour cruise aboard the Katherine passes close by the Eagle Island Lighthouse. Mid-June to mid-September, Mondays through Saturdays at 8:30 a.m. Reservations required.
Swans Island Ferry - Ferry from Bass Harbor on Mount Desert Island takes cars and passengers year-round. Once on the island, you can drive to Burnt Coat Harbor Light.
Isle Au Haut Company - Lighthouse cruises offer views of several lighthouses in the Stonington area. Also provides year-round service from Stonington to Isle au Haut.
Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company - Offers several different tours with views of Acadia area lighthouses, also occasional longer trips. Also offers a cruise to Baker Island with a walking tour that includes the lighthouse there.
Margaret Todd - This 151-foot four-masted schooner sailing from Bar Harbor provides views of Egg Rock Light.
Bar Harbor Boat Tours - Offering a 3.5-hour "Puffins, Lighthouses and Seabirds" trip, leaving daily at 12:30 p.m. from Bar Harbor, late May to late October. Includes viewing of Winter Harbor (Mark Island), Petit Manan, and Egg Rock Lighthouses. This trip includes an extended viewing of Petit Manan Lighthouse.
Island Cruises - Offers a variety of cruises; some pass Bass Harbor Head Light.
Sea Princess Naturalist Cruises - Cruises passing Bear Island, narrated by a naturalist.
Robertson Sea Tours Adventures - Offers a Scenic Island Cruise that includes Narraguagus Light. The Historic Lighthouse Cruise includes Nash Island Light. Also offers a Petit Manan puffin cruise.
Pleasant River Boat Tours - In Addison. Observe marine mammals, eagles, and sea life in the most pristine setting on the U.S. seaboard. Three local lighthouses may be seen.
Bold Coast Charter Company - In Cutler. Nature cruises to Machias Seal Island (Canadian lighthouse) pass Little River Light.
Captain's Lady - In Lubec. Offers a variety of cruises; some may pass West Quoddy Head Light.