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Isles of Shoals & Portsmouth Harbor Tour (aboard M/V Challenger)
Relax and enjoy a fully narrated sightseeing cruise through Portsmouth Harbor and around the historic Isles of Shoals. This tour offers a mix of natural beauty and facinating stories as you travel along the Piscataqua River past lighthouses, forts and the city's working waterfront.
Out at sea, you'll circle the rugged Isles of Shoals while learning about their role in fishing, trade, and early colonial exploration. Hear tales of pirates, poets, and shipwrecks as you take in sweeping views of the coastliine.
Thie cruise does not disembark at the islands, making it perfect for visitors who want a shorter, scenic experienceon the water filled with history, views, and coastal charm.
Please note this cruise is aboard our smaller, more intimate vessel the M/V Challenger pictured here.
No need to print your tickets. We will have your name and number in your party and check you off as you board.
Learn more about the Isles of Shoals Portsmouth Harbor Tour aboard M/V Challenger here. >
Cruise Schedule
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Star Island Day Visit & Portsmouth Harbor Tour
Spend the day exploring one of New England's most unique island destinations with our Star Island Day Vist and Portsmouth Harbor Tour. Your cruise begins in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, with a narrated ride through the Piscataqua River and out to the Isles of Shoals. Along the way, you'll hear stories of early explorers, shipwrecks, pirates, and the rich maritime history of the Seacoast.
Once on Star Island, you'll have about 3.75 hours to explore at your own pace. Join an optional guided walking tour or enjoy free time to relax, take photos, or visit landmarks like the Ocenanic Hotel, Gosport Village, the Stone Chapel, and the John Smith Monument. This cruise is ideal for families, groups, and day-trippers looking to experience coastal history, scenic views, and the peaceful beauty of the Isles of Shoals.
Star Island visitor fee is included in the price ticket. No need to print your tickets. We will have the name and the number in your party and will check you off as you board.
This cruise utilizes both our vessels. Outbound portion is on our smaller vessel the Challenger. Inbound is aboard our larger vessel the Thomas Laighton.
Learn more about the Star Island Day Visit & Portsmouth Harbor Tour here. >
Cruise Schedule
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Star Island Walking Tour & Portsmouth Harbor Tour
Enjoy a narrated Isles of Shoals and Portsmouth Harbor curise with an one-hour stop on historic Star Island. Cruise 10 miles through scenic harbor and open ocean as your guide shares stores of early explorers, local legends, and the working waterfront.
Once ashore, take an option walking tour of Star Island anad explore over 400 years of Seacoast history. Learn about Captain John Smith's 1614 map of the Isles, hear tales of pirates like Blackbeard and Captain Kidd, and visit landmarks like the Oceanic Hotel, Gosport Village, the Stone Chapel, and the John Smith monument. This cruise is perfect for anyone looking to explore New Hampshire's maritime past while enjoying breathtaking views of the Seacoast.
Star Island visitor fee is included in the ticket price. No need to print your tickets. We will have your name and number in your party and will check you off as you board.
Learn more about the Star Island Walking & Portsmouth Harbor Tour here. >
Cruise Schedule
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Star Island Walking Tour & Portsmouth Harbor Tour (aboard M/V Challenger)
Enjoy a narrated Isles of Shoals and Portsmouth Harbor curise with an one-hour stop on historic Star Island. Cruise 10 miles through scenic harbor and open ocean as your guide shares stores of early explorers, local legends, and the working waterfront.
Once ashore, take an option walking tour of Star Island anad explore over 400 years of Seacoast history. Learn about Captain John Smith's 1614 map of the Isles, hear tales of pirates like Blackbeard and Captain Kidd, and visit landmarks like the Oceanic Hotel, Gosport Village, the Stone Chapel, and the John Smith monument. This cruise is perfect for anyone looking to explore New Hampshire's maritime past while enjoying breathtaking views of the Seacoast.
Please note this cruise aboard our smaller, more intimate vessel the M/V Challenger.
Star Island visitor fee is included in the ticket price. No need to print your tickets. We will have your name and number in your party and will check you off as you board.
Learn more about the Star Island Walking & Portsmouth Harbor Tour aboard the M/V Challenger here. >
Cruise Schedule
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Sunset Acoustic Harbor Cruise
Unwind every Sunday evening with live acoustic music, local drinks, and scenic habor view above the M/V Thomas Laighton. A relaxing 21+ sunset cruise with a laid-back vibel. Grab a cocktail, enjoy the sea breeze, and listen to local artists as the sun sets over the water. The perfect way to wrap up your weekend on the coast.
Must be 21+ with a valid state-issued ID. No bags, or large purses allowed. All bags and purses are subject to search. Bars are cash only. There is an ATM available before boarding.
No need to print your tickets! WE check you in by name!
Cruise Schedule
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Isles of Shoals & Portsmouth Harbor Tour
Relax and enjoy a fully narrated sightseeing cruise through Portsmouth Harbor and around the historic Isles of Shoals. This tour offers a mix of natural beauty and facinating stories as you travel along the Piscataqua River past lighthouses, forts and the city's working waterfront.
Out at sea, you'll circle the rugged Isles of Shoals while learning about their role in fishing, trade, and early colonial exploration. Hear tales of pirates, poets, and shipwrecks as you take in sweeping views of the coastliine.
Thie cruise does not disembark at the islands, making it perfect for visitors who want a shorter, scenic experienceon the water filled with history, views, and coastal charm.
No need to print your tickets. We will have your name and number in your party and check you off as you board.
Learn more about the Isles of Shoals Portsmouth Harbor Tour here. >
Cruise Schedule
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Star Island (pre-season) Walking Tour and Portsmouth Harbor Tour
This is pre-season for Star Island, so most of the facilities won't be open. The walking tour is not affected.
Enjoy our expertly narrated Isles of Shoals and Portsmouth Harbor Tour with the 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.
Star Island visitor fee is included in the 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 you off as you board.
Cruise Schedule
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Star Island Extended Day Visit & Portsmouth Harbor Tour
Enjoy a narrated Isles of Shoals and Portsmouth Harbor curise with approximately 5 hours on historic Star Island. Cruise 10 miles through scenic harbor and open ocean as your guide shares stores of early explorers, local legends, and the working waterfront.
Once ashore, take an option walking tour of Star Island anad explore over 400 years of Seacoast history. Learn about Captain John Smith's 1614 map of the Isles, hear tales of pirates like Blackbeard and Captain Kidd, and visit landmarks like the Oceanic Hotel, Gosport Village, the Stone Chapel, and the John Smith monument. This cruise is perfect for anyone looking to explore New Hampshire's maritime past while enjoying breathtaking views of the Seacoast.
Star Island visitor fee is included in the ticket price. No need to print your tickets. We will have your name and number in your party and will check you off as you board.
This cruise utilizes both our vessels. Outbound portion is on our smaller vessel the Challenger. Inbound is aboard our larger vessel the Thomas Laighton.
Learn more about the Star Island Extended Day Visit & Portsmouth Harbor Tour here. >
Cruise Schedule
Cruises













River, Harbor and Island Tours
Expertly narrated history tours of Portsmouth harbor, the Isles of Shoals and the New Hampshire Seacoast.
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
Get ready for a night to remember. This 21+ party cruise features DJs, themed nights, and dancing across three decks and full bars on the iconic M/V Thomas Laighton. Whether you celebrating a birthday, bachelor or bachelorette party, or just a fun night out, this is the Seacoast's top party on the water. Loud music, epic views, and high energy from start to finish.
Must be 21+ with a valid state-issued ID. No bags or large purses allowed. All bags and purses are subject to search. Bars are cash only. There is an ATM available before boarding. No need to print tickets! We check you in by name!
Cruise Schedule
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Industry Night featuring Sun Cruiser 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 Sun Cruiser and Codigo 1530 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
Special Events
Special events are even more magical on the M/V Thomas Laighton!