Cruise Details

     This cruise utilizes both vessels.  Departure from Portsmouth is aboard our smaller vessel Challenger pictured above.  Return to Portsmouth aboard our larger vessel the Thomas Laighton.   Narration of the islands is provided while aboard the vessel. The walking tour of Star Island is self guided with the use of a map containing points of interest and historical information.

     Enjoy our narrated Isles of Shoals and Portsmouth Harbor Tour with the added bonus of a self guided walking tour on Star Island! You'll hear the fascinating history and lore of Portsmouth Harbor as we navigate 10 miles of river and ocean out to Star Island, one of the first footholds for settlement in the new world.  In the 1800's Resort hotels were built on Star and Appledore Islands and the Shoals became one of the most popular vacation spots on the New England Coast. You'll see the Oceanic hotel, which rivaled the grandest hotels of the time and is still in operation today. You may walk through the replica of Gosport Village, a fishing outpost dating back to the early 1600s which includes the picturesque Stone Chapel and several cottages. You'll also see the tallest gravestone in the state of New Hampshire, the John Smith Monument, and the Caswell Cemetary. After your walk you'll have time to visit the giftshop, bookstore, and snack bar in the hotel if you'd like. 

This cruise allows approximately 1.75 hours on Star Island.