Whale Watching & Coastal Cruising

One hour of steaming time and you can observe Humpback, Finback and Minke whales. White-sided dolphins can sometimes be observed on these outings.   For your general knowledge, there is a mammal library and Videotapes on board.

Bring a group of family, friends, or colleagues and just relax and enjoy the salt air. We can plan a day cruise for you introducing you to the Isles of Shoals, up the coast past Nubble Lighthouse and into picturesque Perkins Cove in Ogunquit where you can disembark for a walk about and have an ice cream if dock space is available.

 

Piscataqua River/Great Bay, Isles of Shoals, or 5-Lighthouse Cruises (weekdays and evenings only)

The Piscataqua River offers some of the most amazing views and scenery in New England. Narrow at points, and monstrous at others, the ride is diverse and entertaining.

Not sure of your 'sea legs'? You may wish to consider a river cruise of the Piscataqua, under three bridges into Great Bay Estuary, a sunset cruise to the Isles of Shoals with wine and appetizers or the 5-Lighthouse tour.

These cruises are usually offered in the late afternoon and go into the early evening leaving you ample opportunity for a late dinner in any of the Seacoast's fine restaurants, several within walking distance.

A unique way to impress important clients or a certain special person!

A brief History of the Isles of Shoals

The ISLES Of SHOALS, an archipelago of eight islands, are located 6 miles offshore on the New Hampshire and Maine borders. Originally known as the Smith Islands as they were founded by Captain John Smith were first settled in the 1600's by fishermen from Scandinavia as summer fishing grounds, as they were so abundant with codfish. The Isles were named shoals for the abundance of codfish 'shoaling' around the islands.

Star Island is the home of the Star Island Corporations Conference Center of the Unitarian Church which hold retreats for up to 250 people plus 100 staff members during the summer months.

Appledore Island, the biggest island, operates Shoals Marine Laboratory, a joint research venture between Cornell University of NY and the University of NH, offering short credit and non-credit courses to about 100 staff and students throughout the United States during the summer season including underwater archeology and research and is considered to be the best undergraduate marine laboratory.

White Island is the home of the automated lighthouse and is otherwise unoccupied.

Cedar Island is the summer home for some local fishermen and their families during the summer.

The other four islands, Smuttynose, Lunging, Malagar and Duck are private and unoccupied.

All of the islands are protected nesting areas for migratory and native birds, including bald eagles spotted on various occasions. Gossport harbor is one of the most picturesque harbors along the New England coast and bisects the islands into NH and Maine, the majority lying in Maine, whereas the majority of the population lies on the NH islands.