Out and About on the Piscataqua River
Are you ready to jump in?
While swimming in the waters off the Portsmouth part of the N.H. coastline might not be possible (unless you’re really adventuresome), we’ve got plenty of water– and organizations– to float your boat!.
She’s mighty big, and she’ll transport you to a star
You can always believe what Aunt Sue has to tell you about Star Island on the Isles of Shoals, or you can definitely believe the expertly narrated history tours of Portsmouth harbor, the Isles of Shoals and the N.H. Seacoast aboard one of the Isles of Shoals Steamship Company’s two vessels! There are day visit tours, walking tours, extended walking tours, sunset acoustic harbor cruises, party ships (and more). Find them all, and more about the Thomas Laighton and the Challenger at www.IslesOfShoals.com
Float on a boat with a fun pedigree
For a boat trip that’s a harbor cruise, Isles of Shoals cruise, evening, sunset and light cruise, you’ll want to climb aboard the Heritage (60 feet long) or the newest addition to the Portsmouth Harbor Cruises fleet –the Utopia (42 feet long) with Capt. Dimitri (maybe 6 feet tall), or one of the other captains! Cool news: The Utopia will also ferry passengers to Wood Island Life Saving Station Museum once it’s operational! Check out routes and reviews at www.PortsmouthHarbor.com
She’s historic, and she’s proud of it
Want to take an afternoon or sunset cruise aboard the flat-bottomed boat that calls Portsmouth home? Then the Gundalow Piscataqua is your vessel! A gundalow is a shallow drafted type of cargo barge, once common in the Gulf of Maine’s rivers and estuaries. Sailing from Prescott Park along the Piscataqua River you’ll see first, lighthouses and the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (and maybe even the prettiest former prison ever.) Visit www.Gundalow.org to book a trip with Capt. Matt and crew. So fun!
What is this Star Island you speak of?
While the Isles of Shoals are a group of small islands about 6-7 miles off the coast, its star is Star Island, a 43-acre island. You can, according to their literature: “swim, kayak, take a walking tour, discover New England’s rich history, and learn about Star Island’s environmental initiatives.” You can also “Bring a picnic or buy lunch on the island.” And relax on the porch of the iconic Oceanic Hotel. You’ll feel like you’ve been transported to some beautiful movie set.
Learn all about Star Island, its conferences and camps at www.StarIsland.org. From Portsmouth, they encourage you to take the Isles of Shoals Steamship Ship Company. Plus: Sailors and boaters who visit Gosport Harbor are invited to use the Star Island Tom Dudley tender service to get to the island and back. While there is no charge, donations are encouraged.
If you get seasick, this boat might be for you!
Not everyone is up to touring the waterways. But what about touring a dry docked actual submarine? Located on Submarine Way – of course– you can see how a crew of 55 worked and lived aboard the 205 food submarine called the USS Albacore. Undergoing an exciting expansion of its facility, learn more about a visit at www.UssAlbacore.org.
Quick hits!
- The Tugboats: If someone asks you to meet them by the tugboats, they mean the Morna Tugboats in “the decks” area of Portsmouth; a great spot for photos!
- Sail Portsmouth’s Tall Ships Festival www.sailportsmouth.org
- Piscataqua Riverfest https://piscataquariverfest.com/ and Round Island Regatta https://www.gundalow.org/rir/
- Hit the water w/o a boat at Water Country. It’s New England’s largest waterpark. www.watercountry.com
- Learn about sea creatures: Your boat’s not alone out there. Learn more at Seacoast Science Center in Rye at www.seacoastsciencecenter.org
- Get paddling: Paddle your own paddleboard via portsmouthpaddleco.com
- Let’s Cruise: Cruise or fish with PortsmouthBoatCruises.com
- Taxi! Oh, Taxi!: Call the Portsmouth Water Taxi at www.PortsmouthWaterTaxi.com
Have you got a question about boat trips in Portsmouth? Drop us a line at (603) 610-5526
