isles of shoals

This cluster of islands can only be reached by boat. You can land on Star Island with a hotel & conference center, a chapel, several houses, tennis courts, hiking, seminars on a variety of subjects. There is a monument to John Smith who mapped the area in 1614.

Truly magical setting 7 miles from Portsmouth Harbor. Islands are loaded with history and unrivaled beauty. A must see for the soul!

I have been on this cruise about 3 times. Whenever a friend visits me, we go on this cruise. The history of the Isles of Shoals is amazing. The tour guides are amazing. Walking around on the island and getting some of the history is wonderful. I will surely do this cruise again. Every trip is a new experience.

the captain and crew were top notch. we had a historian narrate the history and background of each location as we sailed past. Very interesting and relaxing...non-boat people would even enjoy it!

Star Island is a wonderful place to sail by (or stop and visit) when around Portsmouth or Rye. You rarely get the historical flavor in a place the way you can here! Even if you don't get off the boat, the tour on the Laighton is a sheer delight and has a good narrator of the very interesting local history (shipyard, Navy prison, lighthouses, etc.)

We took the Isle of Shoals all day trip and loved it! The fog the boat had to make it through was a little "scarey" in the early morning, but it burned off by lunchtime. We took a picnic lunch with us, and explored the island and its buildings. It was gull nesting season, but the island guide who gave a one hour introduction tour told you where to not go, etc. It was a wonderful way to spend a day.

This is an amazing three hour boat ride all around Portsmouth to the Isle Of Shoals. We have gone many times. We go when they have a country band on. We usually know the bands and have a great time. You can purchase small things such as Pizza or pretzels. They serve beer and wine to buy. Down below the band sets up. A must do.

We boarded the Isle of Shoals Steamship Company's Thomas Laighton for the one hour Star Island walking tour. The voyage was beautiful and refreshing. It was hard to tune out the commentary which, although interesting, interfered with the sound of the wind and water. (Perhaps a fact sheet or headphones for those who want to listen?) one hour in Star island is barely enough if you want to hang out, relax, and transport yourself into the past. Summer camp for adults -- suggested by the huge cafeteria and programs that were running for those staying for a week or more. It is recommended that you wander around yourself to discover the nooks and crannies, buildings, gardens, sparkling granite rocks, and relaxing air. The tour on the island, according to a friend, was way too packed with information, and kept you from discovering the islands charm on your own. Go, wander, picnic, enjoy. The all day tour if you don't want to feel rushed.

Beautiful sunsets,quiet harbor (most days). History on the islands. Visit Star Island,Appeldore and Smuttynose. If you aren't a boater consider the Thomas Laighton ship out of Portsmouth for a afternoon ride.

We took the four hour "Star Island Walking Tour" trip. We enjoyed the time on the boat and the commentary although the commentary was often difficult to hear when outside on a deck. We had to move near a speaker to understand there but could hear fine inside. The one hour walking tour on Star Island was enjoyable and interesting but we discovered that we would have enjoyed more time there. I would therefore recommend the longer trip if you can fit it in your schedule.

Took my niece and nephew on the boat ride to the Isle of Shoales and the first part through Portsmouth harbor was great with a superior narrative. Saw a couple of boomers at the Portsmouth Navy Yard. The Isles of Shoales were nothing great but the trip was interesting - would have been better off taking the harbor cruise. Note parking at pier side can be chaotic- be patient but it may take a half hour to exit.

This was my second time at the Isles of Shoal. The islands are beautiful and the hotel at Star Island is the perfect setting for a family holiday. We did a trip where you were able to get off the boat at Star Island and walk around, which I highly advise.

Enjoyed a beautiful 2 hours on the island. Next time I am going for a full day. We enjoyed sitting in rocking chairs on the porch of the hotel. The butterfly bushes were full of beautiful butterflies. We enjoyed the science aquatic center picking up starfish crabs and scallops. Loved walking around the island enjoyed the beautiful stone buildings and beautiful scenery. Can't wait to come back again!

It helped that the day was perfect for being on the water, flat calm seas and plenty of sunshine. The narration of points of interest was good without being annoying, they talked for about half an hour on the way out and about the same on the way back. Star Island, with the Oceanic hotel, it quite charming and it is worth taking the walking tour in order to understand what you are seeing. The boat was very crowded on the way out, as they combine those taking the half day and whole day tours and we stood the whole way. This was fine with us, but some might object to not being able to sit. The way back was less crowded and it was easy to find a seat. A great way to see the area from a different perspective.

We took the boat out of Rye Harbor on the fishing boat Uncle Oscar.. Nice boat ride out and the Captain was very knowledgeable. We had the option to dine with the guests that were staying on the island for a small fee. I recommend taking the trip from Rye Harbor because you are able to get off the boat to explore the island and it's history.