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Star Island Walking Tour & Portsmouth Harbor Tour
Star Island visitor fee is included in ticket price. This cruise allows approximately 1 hour on Star Island.
No need to print your tickets. We will have your name and number in your party and check off as you board.
Enjoy our expertly narrated Isles of Shoals and Portsmouth Harbor Tour with the added bonus of a 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. Disembark with our tour guide and explore Star Island. Your guide will walk you through over 400 years of rich history including the charting of the Isles in 1614 by Captain John Smith of Jamestown and Pocohontas fame who was given the isles as a reward for his efforts on behalf of the Crown of England. Hear the legend of the pirates Blackbeard and Captain Kidd, and the lady ghost of White Island. 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. Your tour will take you 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.
The guided walking portion of the tour is optional and you are welcome to explore the island on your own.
Cruise Schedule
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Star Island Walking Tour & Portsmouth Harbor Tour (aboard the Challenger)
This cruise is aboard the M/V Challenger pictured above. Star Island visitor fee is included in ticket price. This cruise allows approximately 1 hour on Star Island.
No need to print your tickets. We will have your name and number in your party and check off as you board.
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.
Cruise Schedule
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Isles of Shoals & Portsmouth Harbor Tour
No need to print your tickets. We will have your name and number in your party and check off as you board.
Join us aboard the M/V Thomas Laighton for one of our expertly narrated Isles of Shoals and Portsmouth Harbor tours. Experience the history and beauty of the seacoast, Portsmouth harbor and the little known, but historically crucial, Isles of Shoals.
This cruise does not disembark passengers at Star Island.
Cruise Schedule
Cruises
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![Michael Buble Oneil Michael Buble Oneil](/static/uploads/michael_buble_oneil.jpg)
![Wick sunset Wick sunset](/static/uploads/wick_sunset.jpg)
![Sunrise Sunrise](/static/uploads/sunrise_lobster_boat.jpg)
![Challenger Challenger](/static/uploads/challenger.png)
![Special Events Special Events](/static/uploads/special_events_1.jpg)
![TL Star Pier TL Star Pier](/static/uploads/tl_star_pier.jpeg)
![TL Sunset TL Sunset](/static/uploads/tl_sunset.jpg)
![Aerial Star Pier Aerial Star Pier](/static/uploads/airealstarisland.jpg)
![TL Naval Prison TL Naval Prison](/static/uploads/laightonprisonaireal1.jpg)
![TL Portsmouth TL Portsmouth](/static/uploads/laighton_portsmouth_8x12_for_print.jpg)
River, Harbor and Island Tours
Expertly narrated history tours of Portsmouth harbor, the Isles of Shoals and the New Hampshire Seacoast.
Special Events
Special events are even more magical on the M/V Thomas Laighton!
Party Ships
Come join us on the best Party Ship on the Seacoast! The M/V Thomas Laighton steams through the Piscataqua River and Portsmouth Harbor on this 21 and over party ship.
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Party Ship
The best party on the Seacoast is aboard the M/V Thomas Laighton! This cruise is 21+ and a valid state issued photo ID is required. Bags are subject to search.
BAGS (including large purses) and BACKPACKS ARE NOT ALLOWED ONBOARD.
BARS ARE CASH ONLY!! ATM available prior to boarding the vessel.
No need to print your tickets. We will have your name and number in your party and check off as you board.
Cruise Schedule
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Industry Night!! featuring Truly Seltzer and Codigo 1530 Tequila
Do you work on the weekends? Monday is the new Friday on Thomas Laighton! Come join us for Industry Night sponsored by Truly Spiked Seltzer and Altos Tequila.
The best party on the Seacoast is aboard the M/V Thomas Laighton! Dance to great music by local bands and DJ's while you enjoy drink specials, theme nights, good company, and amazing scenery. CHEERS! This cruise is 21+ and a valid state issued photo ID is required.
BAGS (including large purses) and BACKPACKS ARE NOT ALLOWED ONBOARD.
BARS ARE CASH ONLY! ATM available prior to boarding the vessel.
Cruise Schedule
Charters
The M/V Thomas Laighton is one of the most unique venues available for your special event. Our 300 capacity passenger vessel truly is a "floating function facility" that can adapt to any type of special event from weddings and rehearsal dinners to company outings and celebratory parties. The best part about chartering our vessel (besides the breathtaking views and tremendous service) is that the boat and all of its amenities are yours alone.