Additional Lighthouse Cruises & Excursions
Note: Due to the uncertain environment caused by Covid, you should always check a company's website or Facebook page for up-to-date information regarding the availability of lighthouse cruises.
Pacific Coast
Alaska
Lighthouse, Totems, and Eagles Cruise (Guard Island)
Available through many major cruise lines, this cruise circumnavigates Guard Island and its lighthouse and allows you to enjoy a variety of wildlife and stunning scenery along the way! The cruise begins with a scenic drive through the town of Ketchikan before boarding the boat at Ward Cove. You’ll see parts of Tongass National Forest, Totem Bright State Park, the Ward Cove Cannery, and more. Snacks and beverages are also offered. Tour only operates from April to September at various times throughout the day. Tour departs from the Ketchikan Visitor’s Center on Berth 2. You can book through your cruise line or as a standalone tour. Call 907-225-6919 or email lighthouseexcursion@gmail.com
Northern Dream Alaska Yacht Charters
On their 10 day 9 nights Whale Watching Lighthouse Alaska Cruise, you will see Mary’s Island, Tree Point, Guard Island, Cape Decision, Five Finger Island, Eldred Rock, and more! Enjoy local cuisine cooked by an on-board professional chef while viewing a variety of local wildlife. Each state room has a queen sized bed and its own bathroom. Kayaks are also available. Cruise begins in Ketchikan and ends in Juneau, traversing much of the inside passage. Call 206-486-5021 or email northerndreamalaska@gmail.com
California
Alcatraz Cruises - Tours to Alcatraz Island allow visitors to see Alcatraz Island Lighthouse. Tours include: Early Bird Tour, Day Tour, Night Tour, Behind the Scenes Tour, and a Combo Tour with Angel Island. If it is a clear day you will likely be able to see additional lighthouses in San Francisco Bay. See website for additional information and to book online. Cruises Depart from Pier 33, San Francisco, CA 94133. Call 415-438-8320 or email info@alcatrazcruises.com
Island Packers - Tours are available to Anacapa Island Lighthouse. It takes about an hour to get to Anacapa Island, and once there, visitors depart the boat by stepping onto a ladder at the Landing Cove, climbing several rungs to a wooden dock. From the dock there is a winding set of over 157 steps that leads to the island plateau about 200 feet above sea level for stunning coastal views. See website for additional information and reserve tickets online. Tours leave from both Oxnard (3550 Harbor Blvd, Oxnard, CA 93035) and Ventura (1691 Spinnaker Dr #105B, Ventura, CA 93001). Make sure you know which location your tour leaves from. Call 805-642-1393 or email info@islandpackers.com
Washington
Outer Island Excursions (San Juan Islands)
Two lighthouse tours are available from Orcas Island (Outer Island Excursions, Sucia Drive, Eastsound, WA 98245) to Turn Point and Patos Island Lighthouses. Tours include hikes to the lighthouse and views of local wildlife. Patos Island tour last 2-3 hours, while the Turn Point tour lasts 4-5 hours. Custom lighthouse tours are also available from a variety of pickup locations both on the San Juan Islands and on the mainland. Call 360-376-3711 to book.
San Juan Islands Lighthouse Cruise - See details under Featured Cruises
Great Lakes
Illinois
Shoreline Sightseeing
Provides a great view of Chicago Harbor and Chicago Harbor Southeast Guidewall Lights (note that you may be able to get a distant view of some of the Crib lights further out on Lake Michigan). Enjoy stunning views of Chicago’s downtown as you cruise the coastline of one of the Great Lakes. Classic Lake Tours depart daily from Navy Pier, spring through autumn. See website for additional details and buy tickets online. Email info@shorelinesightseeing.com or call 312-222-9328.
OHIO
Goodtime III
Provides a view of Cleveland East and West Pierhead lighthouses. See schedule for cruises on website. Buy tickets online. Cruises leave from 825 East Ninth Street Pier, Cleveland, OH 44114-1017. Phone: 216-242-1854
Jet Express
Ferry to a variety of islands in Lake Erie, allowing visitors to see South Bass Island and Perry Monument Lighthouses. Boats go between Sandusky, Port Clinton, Put-In-Bay, Kelly’s Island, and Cedar Point. See detailed schedule on website. On September 20th, 2020, there will be a Lighthouse & Islands Tour visiting West Sister, Colchester Reef, Port Clinton, and South Bass Island lighthouses, as well as West Sister, Middle Sister, East Sister, North Harbor, Hen, Chick, North Bass, Middle Bass, South Bass, Gibraltar, Sugar, Rattlesnake, and Green Islands! Tour leaves from Port Clinton (3 Monroe St, Port Clinton, OH 43452) Call 800-245-1538 or email fast@jet-express.com
Lorain Lighthouse
There are two types of tours to see the lighthouse. One is a normal tour departing from Dock “A” (Transit Dock) at the Oasis Marina at Port Lorain, north of the Erie Steak and Seafood Restaurant. Tour boats depart every 45 minutes. The Lighthouse is not handicap accessible. Tickets for the boat ride and tour are $20.00 per person. They are available online now. The other way to tour the lighthouse is through a sunset wine dinner (starting on Tuesday, June 16, 2020 and continue every Tuesday thru September 8, 2020) The evening includes a boat ride (departing from the same location as normal tours) to and from the lighthouse and a brief guided tour of the lighthouse. The dinner, including a wine paired with each course, is catered by Erie Steak and Seafood Restaurant. The cost per person is $130 (includes tip) and reservations can be made by calling 440-984-1012 (starting April 1, 2020). There are only 18 reservations available for each dinner, so call early. Email info@lorainlighthouse.com
The Sandpiper
On their seasonal Lighthouse Cruise (once a month, June through September), enjoy a 5-hour downriver cruise passing the Veteran's Glass City Skyway into the magical open waters of Lake Erie to Toledo's unique Harbor Lighthouse and the remains of The Turtle Island Lighthouse. See website for dates and times tour is offered. Tours leave from downtown Toledo: 1 Jefferson Avenue, Toledo, OH 43604. Call 419-537-1212 or email info@sandpiperboat.com
Michigan
Charity Island
View Gravelly Shoals and Charity Island Lighthouses. Watch website for updates on plans to offer a day trip in 2020. Day trip visitors will bring their own picnic lunch and dine up at the lighthouse. They will arrive around 12 noon, get three hours on the island before boarding and returning to the mainland. 989-737-4078.
Grand Portage-Isle Royale Transportation Line
Trips leave from Grand Portage, Minnesota and circle the entire island, allowing you to view Rock of Ages, Rock Harbor, and Isle Royale (Menagerie Island) lighthouses. Make sure to get off at the Windigo stop to see the second order lens of the Rock of Ages Lighthouse (inside the Windigo Visitors Center). Note that round trip (from Grand Portage, all the way around the island and back to Grand Portage) takes 2 days; the boat ends at Rock Harbor on the first day. The next day it circles around the rest of the island and then goes back to Grand Portage. Day trips are also available, but note that they only go to Windigo and back, so only Rock of Ages Lighthouse and its lens could be seen. Please see website for specific schedule. 402 Upper Road, Grand Portage MN 55605. reservations@isleroyaleboats.
Harbor Beach Lighthouse Tours
Harbor Beach Light House Preservation Society, Box 8, Harbor Beach, MI 48441. 989-479-3363. Tours are conducted on Saturdays from end of June through the end of September. The boat leaves the Harbor Beach Marina starting at 9:00 a.m. and then about every 20 minutes until 40 minutes before closing time. Guests will enjoy a ten-minute boat ride to the lighthouse located one mile offshore, tour of the newly rebuilt fog signal building and tour the lighthouse tower narrated by trained docents. The 360-degree view from the top of the lighthouse is one you will not forget (so don’t forget your camera). It is highly recommended that tickets be purchased in advance from our website . This will help to ensure that you will depart the marina at the time slot you prefer. Tickets are $20 each. Be sure to visit the lighthouse gift shop for stamps for your Passport Book.
Manitou Island Transit - Currently not operating
On seasonal trips, view the North Manitou Shoal Light and explore the South Manitou Island Lighthouse. See schedule on website. 207 West River Street, Leland, MI 49654. Call 231-256-9061 or email manitoutransit@gmail.com
MV Sandy Tours (Isle Royale National Park)
The MV Sandy, operated by the National Parks Service, has two separate tours to Rock Harbor and Passage Island Lighthouses. To obtain tickets and information, visit the Rock Harbor Lodge Office in Rock Harbor. Tours are operated from early June to early September. Fare rates vary; children under 12 are half price. The Passage Island boat tour traverses 8 miles, crossing one of Isle Royale’s shipping lanes. Once on the rugged and rocky island, a 2-mile round-trip hike leads to Passage Island Lighthouse. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring water. Note that the tour is self-guided. The Rock Harbor lighthouse tour gives visitors an opportunity to step inside this 1855 lighthouse and enjoy its maritime exhibits, as well as visit the historic commercial fishery with a resident fishery demonstrator (July through August) and the moose and wolf research station at Bangsund Cabin. (906) 482-0984
Port Austin Reef Light Association
Historical, educational visual tour of Port Austin Reef Light, the "Castle on the Lake". Please note that the tour requires stepping from a floating boat to our dock and also climbing 122 steps to the top of the light. Tour lasts 2 hours. See website to book and for additional info. For further information, please contact Lou Schillinger, PARLA President: (248) 758-8284
Riptide Rides
Visiting Grand Island East Channel and Grand Island North Lighthouses, this 1 and 1/2 hour jet-propelled boat ride circumnavigates Grand Island National Recreation Area. Tours leave from William’s Landing. Tickets cost $42 dollars for anyone 9+ and $32 for children 3-9. The ticket office is located at 1309 Commercial Street, Munising, Michigan. (906) 387-8888.
Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry
Provides 3.5 – 5 hours lighthouse tours east of Mackinaw Island into Lake Huron and west into Lake Michigan. Six different lighthouse tours are offered: Eastbound, Extended Eastbound, Westbound, Extended Westbound, Evening, and Les Cheneaux. Check website to see cruise times and what lighthouses are seen on each cruise. 556 E. Central Ave, Mackinaw City, MI 49701. For Online Ticket Questions, call 800-828-6157 (Mon-Fri 9 am – 5 pm Eastern Standard time), for (Mackinaw City (Main) call 231-436-5023, and for St. Ignace call 906-643-9440.
Soo Locks Boat Tours
On their St. Mary’s River Lighthouse Cruise, you will pass the light keeper’s residence at Cedar Point, the remains of the original lighthouse on Round Island, Point Iroquois Lighthouse, Gros Cap Reefs Lighthouse (Canada) and Pointe Aux Pins Range Lights. You will also ride through the Soo Locks and experience navigating the Upper St. Mary’s River channel. The cruise lasts approximately 4 ½ hours. Operates late June through September. Tour leaves from Dock #2, 515 E. Portage Ave., Sault Ste Marie, MI 49783. Reservations are recommended: 906-632-2512.
Wisconsin
Apostle Island Cruises
There are 5 different boat trips that are offered. The Grand Tour features Raspberry and Devils Island Lighthouses, the Sea Caves & Lighthouse tour includes Raspberry and Sand Island Lighthouses, and the Wrecks, Rocks, & Lighthouses highlights the Michigan Island Lighthouses. Additionally, there are 2 recreation shuttles that allow you to actually get off and visit lighthouses, that the normal tours do not. There is one shuttle to Raspberry Island, and another to Michigan Island. You may also be able to charter them to create other itineraries. During the Annual Apostle Islands Lighthouse Celebration, tours to several of the other lighthouses in the Apostle Islands may be offered. Check website for details. Tours leave from the City dock, 2 Front St, Bayfield, Wisconsin 54814. 800-323-7619
New England
Connecticut
Cross Sound Ferry
Lighthouse Cruises depart from New London at 12:30 p.m. and offer two different tours: Classic Lighthouse Cruise and Lights & Sights Cruise. There is also a Long Island Lights Cruise Departing from Orient Point, NY. Enjoy views of 11 lighthouses between the 3 cruises from CT, NY and RI on board a comfortable high-speed vessel, The Sea Jet or Cecelia Ann. The Sea Jet gets up close and personal to the lighthouses and rotates in a 360 degree rotation so everyone gets a good look no matter where you are sitting! For more information and reservations call 860-444-4620. New London Location (Ferry Dock): 2 Ferry Street, New London. CT 06320. Orient Point Location (Ferry Dock): 41270 Main Rd, Orient, NY 11957.
Ledge Light Foundation
Tours leave from UConn/Project Oceanology dock at Avery Point or New London City Pier and are hosted by Ledge Light Foundation docents. They include an orientation film, a gift shop, and a tour of the entire lighthouse, where there are exhibits in most rooms. See the Custom House Maritime Museum website for times, dates and fares. If you would like to schedule a charter to the Ledge Lighthouse, please email ledgelightfoundation@gmail.com or call Bruce Buckley at (860) 391-3364.
New London Maritime Society (Custom House Maritime Museum) - See details under Featured Cruises
Norwalk Seaport Association
Provides boat trips and tours of Sheffield Island Lighthouse. Also provides views of Green Ledge and Peck’s Ledge lighthouses in route to or on the island. See website for detailed information on times and dates. Tours leave from the Sheffield Island dock at 4 N Water St, Norwalk, CT 06854. Call office (203-838-9444), dock (203-838-2898), or purchase tickets (800-838-3006).
MAINE
Acadian Boat Tours
Mark Island, Petit Manan, Egg Rock, and possibly even more lighthouses are visible from the 3.5 hour Puffins, Lighthouses, & Seabirds Cruise abroad the M/V Eden Star. A professional naturalist points out seabirds and mammals only seen offshore. Cruise carries 65 passengers. See website for further details and times. Tours leave from The Atlantic Oceanside Hotel: 119 Eden St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609. Call 207-801-2300 or email seadawg@gmail.com
Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co.
Six different lighthouse cruises are offered. Three of them last around 3 hours (Puffin and Lighthouse Tour, Somes Sound and Lighthouse Tour, and Lighthouse, Mansions & Park Tour), while the other three (Mid-Coast Maine 16-Lighthouse Photography Tour, “Grand Slam” US/Canada 18 Lighthouse Tour, and Penobscot Bay 15 Lighthouse & Fall Foliage Photography Tour) last between 8.5 to 9 hours! In addition to these cruises, they offer a Baker Island tour allowing you to hike to Baker Island Lighthouse. Also keep in mind that you will view lighthouses on any of their other offered cruises as well. Please visit the website to book tours, view tour times, and see what lighthouses are visited on each tour. Passport stamps are available for all the lights they visit. Reservations are recommended for all tours, and charters can be arranged. Tours depart from: 1 West Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609. Email info@barharborwhales.com or call 207-288-2386 or 1-888-WHALES-4.
Casco Bay Sights-n-Lights - See details under Featured Cruises
Isle au Haut Boat Services, Penobscot Bay Lighthouses - See details under Featured Cruises
Maine Maritime Museum Lighthouse & Nature Cruises
Board Merrymeeting for an up-close look at some of Maine’s most iconic lighthouses and abundant wildlife. You’ll cruise comfortably on board a 50-passenger vessel, which offers an open upper deck and enclosed lower deck. All cruise fees include two-day admission. 3 different lighthouse cruises are offered; Shipyards & Lighthouse Cruise, Midcoast Lights & Rivers Cruise, and Lighthouse Lovers Cruise. See website for dates and times; tours operate May 16 through October 4. Address: 243 Washington Street, Bath, ME 04530. Book online. (207) 443-1316.
Monhegan Boat Company, Port Clyde
Ferries to Monhegan allow visitors to see the Monhegan Lighthouse. Lighthouse Cruises are also offered that include Marshall Point, Whitehead Island, Two Bush Light and Southern Island (Tenants Harbor) lighthouses. See website to buy tickets and to see dates and times. All excursions depart from Port Clyde (880 Port Clyde Rd, Port Clyde, ME 04855). 207-372-8848.
New England Eco Adventures
Tours offered to lighthouses in New Hampshire and southern Maine include: Wood & Goat Island, Goat Island, Isle of Shoals & Portsmouth Harbor, Nubble & Boon Island, Goat and Boon Island, and Thrill Ride to Boon Island. Book online and see times and dates for each tour on the website. Note that the Isle of Shoals & Portsmouth Harbor tour leaves from Hampton Beach (1 Ocean Boulevard, Hampton Beach, NH 03842), while all of the other lighthouse tours leave from Kennebunkport (8 Western Ave, Kennebunkport, ME 04043). Call 207-502-8040 or email matt@newenglandecoadventures.com.
Portland Discovery: Land & Sea Tours
You can see these lighthouses on their lighthouse lovers cruise: Portland Harbor Breakwater (Bug), Spring Point Ledge, Ram Island Ledge, and Portland Head. Note that many of their other tours will also include lighthouses, but not as the main focus. See website for pricing, times, and dates. Tours leave from 170 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101. Call 207-774-0808 or email info@portlanddiscovery.com
River Run Tours - See details under Featured Cruises
Schooner Mary Day
Conducts a four day Windjammer cruise featuring up to 23 Maine Lighthouses. Please see website for additional details and to buy tickets online. Ship docks in the town of Camden at: Atlantic Ave, Camden, ME 04843. captains@schoonermaryday.com 800-992-2218.
Massachusetts
Bakers Island Lighthouse Boat Tours - See details under Featured Cruises
Boston Harbor Islands National & State Park
A 2 hour lighthouse cruise is offered that travels around Boston Harbor and passes by Long Island, Graves, and Boston lights. Tours depart from the Boston Harbor Islands Welcome Center on the Rose Kennedy Greenway (across from the Marriott Long Wharf Hotel and next to the Greenway Carousel). Book online. 617-223-8666.
Captain John Boats
4 hour whale watching trips provide a view of Duxbury Pier and Plymouth (Gurnet) Lighthouses. A harbor cruise on the Pilgrim Belle (only 1.25 hours) will likely provide a similar view. All excursions depart from: 10 Town Wharf Plymouth, MA 02360. Call 508-746-2643 or email info@captjohn.com
Harbor Tours, Gloucester - See details under Featured Cruises
Monomoy Island Ferry
Day trips are offered to Monomoy Island Lighthouse. These trips are Private Charters (there are no scheduled trips) Walking tours are led by a naturalist and give visitors the opportunity to see the lighthouse and local wildlife, including white-tail deer, owls, gray seals hauled out on the beach, and many more of the island's residents. The refuge is a birder’s paradise and depending on the season, there are sometimes thousands of nesting and migrating birds stopping off here. Fees are flat rate for the boat: 1-6 passengers $420. Please contact for more information. Tours leave from: Stage Harbor Marine, 80 Bridge Street Chatham MA 02633. Call Captain Leith Lincoln at 508-237-0420 or 774-722-1336.
Sandy Neck Lighthouse
There are two primary companies offering boat trips out of Barnstable Harbor; Barnstable Harbor Ecotours (508-221-6126; Weekday Parking at 3330 Main St Barnstable, MA 02630 and Weekend Parking at 3195 Main St Barnstable, MA 02630) and Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises (800-287-0374; 269 Millway, Barnstable, MA 02630).
Thacher Island Association
The association offers two launches, one to Thacher Island Lights and another to Straitsmouth Island Lighthouse. Reservations for both launches will open up on the Eventbrite web ticketing service on May 13, 2020. Note that on the way to Thatcher Island, you will also pass Straitsmouth Island Lighthouse. Trips are limited to 6 passengers and for Thacher Island, 4 trips are offered for each date. However, only 3 trips are available on the Straitsmouth Island launch dates. Passport stamps for the lighthouses are provided on Thacher Island. Trips leave from: T-wharf, Rockport, MA 01966. Also note that a sunset cruise is offered on July 15th visiting 6 lighthouses in the area. Please see the website for specific dates and times of all excursions. 617-599-2590.
Wade Charters
Private charter accommodating up to 6 people at a time. Their standard lighthouse tour goes to Bird Island, Cleveland Light, Wing's Neck and Ned's Point. USLHS Passport Stamps are provided for each of these locations. They are also available for a custom charter to additional or different lighthouses. 3 Green Street, Buzzards Bay, MA. 508-317-0069.
New Hampshire
Isles of Shoals Steamship Company
A variety of cruises are offered to view Isle of Shoals lighthouse, along with Portsmouth Harbor and Whaleback lights. See website for additional details on dates and times. Address: Isles of Shoals Steamship Company, 315 Market Street, Portsmouth, NH 03801. Call 800-441-4620/ 603-431-5500 or email customerservice@isleofshoals.com.
New England Eco Adventures
The following tours are offered to lighthouses in New Hampshire and southern Maine; Wood & Goat Island, Goat Island, Isle of Shoals & Portsmouth Harbor, Nubble & Boon Island, Goat and Boon Island, and Thrill Ride to Boon Island. Book online and see times and dates for each tour on the website. Note that the Isle of Shoals & Portsmouth Harbor tour leaves from Hampton Beach (1 Ocean Boulevard, Hampton Beach, NH 03842), while all of the other lighthouse tours leave from Kennebunkport (8 Western Ave, Kennebunkport, ME 04043). Call 207-502-8040 or email matt@newenglandecoadventures.com.
Portsmouth Harbor Cruises
Cruises showcase Portsmouth Harbor, Whaleback, and Isle of Shoals lights. See website for specific cruises, times, and dates offered. Tours leave from: 64 Ceres Street, Portsmouth, NH 030801. Call 800-776-0915 or email phc@portsmouthharbor.com.
Sunapee Cruises
View all 3 Lake Sunapee lights (Herrick Cove, Loon Island, and Burkehaven). Departing from Sunapee Harbor, this tour includes narration of the history, landmarks and lore of this crystal clear mountain lake. Lake Sunapee is known as the “waters of the flying goose,” and MV Mt. Sunapee II has been cruising her waters for decades. The MV Mount Sunapee II features an open-air top deck and a fully enclosed lower deck – no matter the weather, you can cruise this picturesque lake in comfort. You’ll see the magnificent homes that have sprung up around the lake as well as the historic sights of yesteryear. Note that there is a normal “narrated” cruise as well as a dinner cruise operated on the MV Kearsarge Restaurant Ship. See schedule on website. Address: 1 Lake Ave, Sunapee, NH 03782. Call 603-938-6465 or email info@sunapeecruises.com
The Friends of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouses
Offers several different boat tours covering some or all of the lighthouses of the Piscataqua Region. All boat tours are offered in cooperation with Granite State Whale Watch and depart from Rye Harbor on Route 1A in Rye, NH. Each tour includes narration by one of the knowledgeable members of the Friends of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouses. P.O. Box 8232, Portsmouth, NH 03802-8232; (603) 534-0537; info@portsmouthharborlighthouse.org
New York
Buffalo Harbor Cruises
Buffalo Harbor, Buffalo Intake Crib, Horseshoe Reef, and Buffalo Main are all visible from the 2 hour Harbor Cruise. See schedule and additional information on website. Address: 79 Marine Drive, Buffalo NY 14202-4225. Dock location: Entrance of Erie Basin Marina. Call 716-856-6696 or email ahoy@buffaloharborcruises.com
Clayton Island Tours
Multiple tours are available that either pass by or take a tour of Rock Island Lighthouse. Tours include: Boldt and Two-Nation Tour, (Rock Island viewed only), Ultimate Sightseeing Tour, and Rock Island Lighthouse Glass-Bottom Boat Tour. Tours to Rock Island last an hour on the island and allow visitors to climb the tower and walk inside the keeper’s house (now a museum and gift shop). See website for specific details. Tours meet at: 39611 Chateau Lane, Clayton, NY 13624. Call 315-686-4820 or email islandtours@verizon.net.
Cross Sound Ferry
Lighthouse Cruises depart from New London at 12:30 p.m. and offer two different tours: Classic Lighthouse Cruise and Lights & Sights Cruise. There is also a Long Island Lights Cruise Departing from Orient Point, NY. Enjoy views of 11 lighthouses between the 3 cruises from CT, NY and RI on board a comfortable high-speed vessel, The Sea Jet or Cecelia Ann. The Sea Jet gets up close and personal to the lighthouses and rotates in a 360 degree rotation so everyone gets a good look no matter where you are sitting! For more information and reservations call 860-444-4620. New London Location (Ferry Dock): 2 Ferry Street, New London. CT 06320. Orient Point Location (Ferry Dock): 41270 Main Rd, Orient, NY 11957.
East End Seaport Museum
2 hour cruises (4:30pm-6:30pm) to Bug Light are offered frequently throughout the summer. During October, there are Halloween themed tours! A 3.5 hour narrated cruise to 4 lighthouses (4:30pm-8:00pm) is also offered and includes 4 lighthouses. Occasionally, a super cruise is offered, viewing 5-6 lighthouses! Check website for details and updates. Most tours leave from the museum. Address: East End Seaport Museum, 103 3rd Street, Greenport, NY 11944. Call 631-477-2100 or email director@eastendseaport.org
Hudson-Athens Lighthouse Preservation Society
Provides tours to the eight room lighthouse listed on the National Historic Register. Reservations are suggested and can be made by calling Hudson Cruises at 518-348-8993 or 888-764-1844. In the fall they offer a tour that includes the Hudson-Athens Light, Saugerties, Roundout and Esopus Meadows Lighthouses.
National Lighthouse Museum
The National Lighthouse Museum has eight lighthouse boat tours scheduled for 2020. These include: Hudson River/Harbor Lights Dinner Cruise, Circumnavigation of Staten Island, Lighthouse Weekend Ambrose Channel Tour, East River Journey Through Hell Gate to Long Island Sound, and even a Haunted Lighthouse Boat Tour and Party! See website for additional information. All tours leave from: Pier 1, Staten Island, NY Adjacent to the National Lighthouse Museum. 200 The Promenade at Lighthouse Point, Staten Island, NY 10301. 718-390-0040
Statue Cruises
Official cruise to the Statue of Liberty. There are 3 different kinds of tickets: crown reserve (lets you into the crown), pedestal reserve (lets you into the pedestal), and reserve (lets you onto the grounds). Tours depart from: Castle Clinton National Monument, Battery Park - Liberty Island, New York, NY 10004 or Liberty State Park, 1 Audrey Zapp Dr, Jersey City, NJ 07305. Call 877-523-9849.
Uncle Sam Boat Tours
Sister Island Lighthouse is visible on their Singer Castle Tour, as well as Sunken Rock Lighthouse. These and additional lights may be seen on some of their other cruises. See website for details. Call 315-482-2611 or email info@usboattours.com.
RHODE ISLAND
East Bay Charter
Private boat tours for up to four guests. Three different tours available – Upper Narragansett Bay (9 lighthouses), Lower Narragansett Bay (9 lighthouses) or All of Narragansett Bay (16 lighthouses). Visit website for a complete list of lighthouses viewed. Boats leave from: 279 Water Street, Warren, Rhode Island 02885. 401-996-4706
Classic Cruises of Newport
Rum Runner II’s Lighthouses & Mimosas Cruise is a 75 minute cruise highlighting a number of lighthouses in the southern end of Narragansett Bay. Cruise leaves from: 24 Bannister's Wharf, Newport, RI 02840. Email info@cruisenewport.com or call 401-847-0298.
Save the Bay Lighthouse Tours - See details under Featured Tours
Vermont
Spirit of Ethan Allen
Allows for a closer look at the Burlington Breakwater Lighthouses and possibly Juniper Island Lighthouse. 1.5 hour scenic narrated cruises depart daily from May 9 - October 18th. Departs from the Burlington waterfront (1 College Street Burlington, VT 05401). Call 802-862-8300.
Mid-Atlantic
DELAWARE
Delaware River & Bay Lighthouse Foundation
Two types of tours are offered: Sunset cruises to both Harbor of Refuge and East End Lights and day tours that visit Harbor of Refuge only. Note that only day tours enter Harbor of Refuge and East End is not entered on either tour. Tour departs from the Lewes Ferry Terminal at: 43 Cape Henlopen Drive, Lewes, DE 19958. See website for additional details. Call (302) 226-3866.
Maryland
Calvert Maritime Museum Lighthouse Cruises - See details under Featured Cruises
St. Clement’s Island Water Taxi
Available most days starting March 25 through October. The water taxi leaves the pier at the St. Clement's Island Museum at 10AM and makes continuous trips to St. Clement's Island State Park and back until 2PM. (The Boat Captain will take a lunch break from 12:30PM to 1PM). The 2PM departure from the museum is the last trip over to the island and the last trip back to the mainland from the island is 3PM. The St. Clement's Hundred provides guided tours of the lighthouse, normally on weekends and during special events in the summer. Call St. Clement's Island Museum for an updated lighthouse tours schedule. The museum Water Taxi may be chartered outside or for regularly-scheduled operations. Museum address: 38370 Point Breeze Road, Colton’s Point, MD 20626. Call 301-769-2222.
Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse Cruise - See details under Featured Cruises
Watermark Cruises on the Bay
Provides a three hour ride to Thomas Point Shoal, Sandy Shoal and Baltimore Harbor Lighthouses. See website for additional details. Departs from the Annapolis City Docks, 1 Dock Street, Annapolis, MD 21401. 410-268-7601
New Jersey
Cape May Whale Watcher
Two lighthouse cruises are offered: a Grand Lighthouse cruise and a sunset lighthouse cruise. The Grand Lighthouse cruise includes seven lighthouses (Brandywine Shoal, Fourteen Foot Shoal, Miah Maul Shoal, Cross Ledge Shoal, Elbow of Cross Ledge, Ship John Shoal and Cape May). Lighthouse passport stamps are provided upon completion of the tour. See website for additional details. Tours leave from: 1218 Wilson Dr., Cape May, NJ 08204. Email: info@
South East
Florida
Anclote Key Lighthouse
The following providers offer Ferry service to Anclote Key and its lighthouse: Sponge-O-Rama: 727-943-2164, Odyssey Cruises: 727-934-0547, Private Island Charters: 727-534-8818, Windsong Charters: 727-859-0213, and Island Paradise Charters: 877-774-0589.
Cedar Keys Lighthouse - Tidewater Tours
Offers an Island tour and a Sunset Tour that includes views of the Cedar Keys lighthouse from the water. There are also occasional open houses via trips with the Seahorse Key Marine Laboratory. Make sure to check website for additional details. Tours leave from the town of Cedar Key: 302 Dock St, Cedar Key, FL 32625. Email captaintom@tidewatertours.com or call 352-543-9523.
Dry Tortugas National Park Ferry (Yankee Freedom III)
Transportation to the Dry Tortugas is provided by the Yankee Freedom III, a high speed catamaran, which leaves from 100 Grinnel Street, Key West, FL. It takes 2 hours and 15 minutes for the round trip and about 4 hours are spent on the island. You can walk to the Fort Jefferson Lighthouse and Loggerhead Key Lighthouse is visible from several locations at Fort Jefferson.
Egmont Key Ferry
Ferry service from Bay Pier in Fort De Soto Park to Egmont Key lighthouse. Trip lasts 25-30 minutes each way, and dolphins, sea turtles, and manatees are often spotted. See specific schedule on website and book online. Call 727-298-6577 or email info@tampabayferry.com
Florida Keys Reef Lights Foundation
Tours are provided periodically to six of the reef lights at Fowey Rocks, Carysfort, Alligator, Sombrero, American Shoal and Sand Keys. Visit their website to learn when and where the next trip is available. Stamps for the US Lighthouse Passport Program are available on board these trips. Contact Eric Martin, President, ericlighthouse@yahoo.com or phone 407-341-7374 (leave a message).
Hillsboro Lighthouse
Tours are offered year-round. See website for detailed information on dates and times. Tours leave from Sands Harbor Resort Boat Dock: 125 N Riverside Dr, Pompano Beach, FL 33062. Note that there is a museum across the inlet from the lighthouse (2700 N Ocean Blvd, Pompano Beach, FL 33062). See website for hours and contacts for the museum. Email information@hillsborolighthouse.org or call 954-942-2102
Keys Seaplanes (Florida Keys Lighthouses)
Private charter flights can be arranged to see Sand Key, Key West, Sombrero Key, American Shoals, Alligator Reef, Loggerhead Key, Garden Key, Carysfort Reef, Fowey Rocks, Cape Florida, and more! Book online, email info@keysseaplanes.com or call 305-304-7907. This is undeniably one of the fastest ways to see lighthouses on the Florida Keys!
Georgia
Captain Mike's Dolphin Adventure Tours
Tybee Island & Cockspur Island Lighthouses are visible from the Dolphin Tour, along with Fort Pulaski and a variety of wildlife. Tours leave from the Lazaretto Creek Marinia: 1 Old US Hwy 80, Tybee Island, GA 31328. Call 800-242-0166 or 912-786-5848.
Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve
Public tours of the Sapelo Island and it’s lighthouses are offered from the Sapelo Island Visitors Center. See website for detailed schedule of times and days of tours as well as other information. Visitor center located at: 1766 Landing Road Southeast, Darien, GA 31305. Call 912-437-3224 or email sapelovc@darientel.net.
NORTH CAROLINA
Island Express Ferry Service
There are five ferry rides offered to see Cape Lookout Lighthouse: Harkers Island to Cape Lookout, Beaufort to Cape Lookout, Harkers Island Sunset Wild Horse & Dolphin Watch Cruise, Harkers Island Combo Trip to Shackleford Banks & Cape Lookout, Mega Truck Shuttle & Lighthouse. For detailed information on pricing and tour times, see website. Tours from Harkers Island leave from the Harkers Island Visitor Center (1800 Island Rd, Harkers Island, NC 28531). Call 252-728-7433 or email islandexpressferry@gmail.com.
South Carolina
Cape Romain Lighthouse Tour (Coastal Expeditions)
Four times each year, (March 15, April 12, July 12, October 11 in 2020) Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge offers a tour to Lighthouse Island with Coastal Expeditions where you can view two historic lights (New and Old Cape Romain). Tour starts at the Sewee Visitor and Environmental Education Center: 5821 Highway 17N, Awendaw, SC) and moves to the McClellanville boat landing (405 Pinckney St, McClellanville, SC 29458) to board the Coastal Expeditions Ferry to travel to the Island. See website for additional info; email info@coastalexpeditions.com or call 843-884-7684.
Daufuskie Island Lighthouses (Haig Point & Bloody Point)
The following operators provide ferry service to the island: Daufuskie Island Ferry (Departs from: 35 Fording Island Rd, Bluffton, SC 29910; 843-940-7704), The Daufuskie Difference (18 Simmons Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926; 843-342-8687, H20 Sports (149 Lighthouse Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928; 843-671-4386), Island Time Charters (816-261-2410), Vagabond Cruise (149 Lighthouse Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928; 843-363-9026), and Tour Daufuskie (843-842-9449). Note that Haig Point Lighthouse is closed to the public (you may be able to contact the gated community), but is visible from the water, while Bloody Point is open to the public, but not visible from the water.
Georgetown Lighthouse
Two companies provide tours out to the Georgetown Lighthouse: Cap’n Rod’s Lowcountry Plantation Tours (Departs from 701 Front St, Georgetown, SC 29440; 843-477-0287) 843-477-0287 and Rover Tours (Departs from 735 Front Street, Georgetown, SC 29440; 843-546-8822).
Morris Island Lighthouse - Boat tours to Morris Island Lighthouse are provided by Charleston Outdoor Adventures (Departs from 1871 Bowens Island Rd, Charleston, SC 29412; 843-795-0330) and Absolute Reel Screamer Charters (Departs from 97 Center Street Folly Beach, SC 29439; 843-270-4464)
