Charters & Cruises

Discover islands, lighthouses and the beauty of sailing as you bask in the sun and salt air aboard the traditional schooner, Argia. This unique trip aboard one of the last sailing ships in New England offers you an ideal way to see the quaint maritime village of Mystic CT and its beautiful shoreline. Step aboard for a journey into the past. Depart from Mystic's historic Bascule Bridge, a national historic landmark, and sail down the Mystic River. Morgan Point Lighthouse and the quaint fishing village of Noank greet you at the river’s mouth, followed by islands and peaceful sailing. Pack a picnic and a bottle of wine (or order snacks from us when you book) to make this excursion truly memorable.

Departures Daily (May thru mid-October) at ARGIA!

Daily sailing cruises and private charters aboard the 55-foot ketch Morning in Maine are a great way to see the natural and historic features that make Penobscot Bay so special. Take a two-hour cruise, a sunset cruise, a science cruise with a science educator or a six-hour trip out to Monroe Island, ME to go beachcombing or hiking and then back to the boat for a lobster picnic lunch. The boat accommodates 21 passengers, who’ll see everything from seabirds and porpoises to historic schooners and lighthouses. Monday morning day sails out of Rockland, ME are especially picturesque, as the schooners sail out of the harbor for their weeklong cruises. Looking for a fun idea for your party or family gathering? Reserve the boat for a two-hour, sunset, half-day, six-hour or full-day charter.

Catch the spirit of the seas, or perhaps a fish or two, when you book a cruise or fishing excursion with Black Hawk Sport Fishing. This local, trusted sport-fishing charter service finds something for everyone out on the water, whether it’s reeling in porgies and bluefish, spotting a bald eagle or a seal on a nature or wildlife cruise, marveling at the lit-up sky on a fireworks cruise or relaxing on deck on a sunset cruise. Private charters are available for groups of at least 15 people. There’s a galley serving hot dogs, burgers, snacks and beverages, and canned beer is OK to bring on board. Check the website for last-minute specialty trips, including night trips, seal watches and sunset cruises.

Is there anything more photogenic than a New England lighthouse, seen from the deck of a boat? Perhaps a group of harbor seals resting off Rose Island, you say? Luckily, the environmental nonprofit Save The Bay offers both lighthouse and seal tours. From June through October, you can climb on board a full-day Lighthouse Tour out of Providence, RI to spot up to 20 historic Rhode Island lighthouses. During the cooler months, Seal Tours and Nature Cruises are offered out of Westerly, RI October through November (extra points for the fall foliage) and out of Newport, RI from November through April.
Boat tours depart from Newport, Westerly, and Providence RI.

When it comes to cruises, it’s all about variety with the nine members of the Maine Windjammer Association fleet. With accommodations for 16 to 31 guests, the vessels are ideal for private charters. And scheduled cruises include everything from grandparents/grandkids cruises to those for painters, photographers, lighthouse-lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Join a cruise with an eye toward watching the Perseid meteor showers, or fall foliage; sign on to a yoga cruise or one celebrating craft beers or one where you’ll be part of the Great Schooner Race. Or, prepare to sit back and relax on a cruise with no itinerary except that dictated by the wind. Cruises feature fabulous home-cooked meals (including an on-shore lobster bake), and evening entertainment from music to games to storytelling.

Take in the breathtaking scenery of the Lakes Region of New Hampshire, and have a great time doing it, on board one of many cruise and charter boats that ply the area’s pristine lakes. Tour Lake Sunapee on a dinner cruise, or explore Squam Lake from a pontoon boat on a guided nature center cruise. You can glide through Lake Winnipesaukee in a number of fun ways: daytime scenic cruises with historical highlights, buffet dinner cruises with cocktails and live entertainment, and cruises that feature local brews. Take a 90-minute cruise on a tiki hut boat, a “Thirsty Thursday” cruise on a 65-foot replica paddle boat, or enjoy a lobster fest or Sunday brunch on a ship that his plied the lake for over a century.

With its beautiful beaches, scenic lighthouses, al fresco dining and picturesque hikes, Block Island, RI is the perfect getaway, and the Block Island Express is the perfect way to get you there. Trips from New London, CT or Orient Point, NY, take about an hour and a half and feature ferries with comfortable seating, a great deli and bar and decks for you to soak up the sun and sea. On the island, take a self-guided bike tour, hike its many trails or launch your kayak from the shore. The island boasts some of New England’s finest beaches, fun dining and night life. Speaking of dining, check out the half-price Block Island Express Thursday Night Dinner Run from New London to the island.

If lighthouses beckon to you, book a lighthouse cruise from Cross Sound Cruises. The two-hour cruises out of New London, CT and Orient Point, NY feature experienced guides ready to regale you with the history of each lighthouse, as well as tales of seafaring legends. Cruise in comfort on the sun-soaked decks of a catamaran or while enjoying an ice-cold cocktail in an air-conditioned lounge. The Classic Lighthouse Tour out of New London passes two Revolutionary-Era forts, North Dumpling Light, haunted Race Rock Light and New London Harbor Light, among others. The Lights & Sights Cruise heads east to Rhode Island, passing Latimer Reef Light and Watch Hill Light, authorized by Thomas Jefferson. The Long Island Lights Tour out of Orient Point goes by Little Gull, Race Rock and many others.

The Connecticut River Museum floats a full slate of exciting cruises on two unique vessels so guests can explore and enjoy the river. Take an afternoon or evening cruise aboard the Onrust, a re-creation of the vessel Adriaen Block built in 1614. The vessel was built using traditional plans and methods. River cruises — sunset sails, sunset tree swallow sails and other themed trips — are offered most Wednesdays through Sundays. For a different type of voyage, board the RiverQuest, a 64-foot eco-tour boat that glides along the lower Connecticut River. Special cruises for kids and their families are offered throughout the season. See osprey, lighthouses and serene sunsets. Winter wildlife eagle cruises, spring and fall foliage cruises, full moon cruises, and others are also offered. Private charters on both vessels are available for weddings, reunions, company outings and other special occasions.

Make unforgettable memories with a whitewater rafting adventure from Crab Apple Whitewater, a third-generation, family-owned and operated business. Expert guides will take you down the thrilling Kennebec or Dead Rivers, where you’ll ride towering waves, experience heart-pounding drops, and even hop out for a relaxing float alongside your raft on gentler stretches. Base camp in Maine includes standard and premium lodging options, a pub and restaurant, a heated outdoor pool, paintball fields and other activities. All rafting and lodging packages include breakfast to fuel your day’s adventures.

Crab Apple has been operating since 1983, and also has locations in Massachusetts and Vermont.

At Crab Apple Whitewater, the dedicated, experienced staff provides each individual, family and group the most unforgettable New England whitewater rafting adventure. In Massachusetts, those experienced guides will be right there with you as you conquer the rapids in the Deerfield and Millers Rivers. On the Deerfield River, they’ll talk about local history and let you marvel at the scenery in the calm sections between rapids. Crab Apple’s equipment is as reliable as its experienced guides: top-of-the-line self-bailing rafts and inflatable kayaks (for Funyak fun on a quieter section of the river), helmets and lifejackets. The base camp, between the river and the Mohawk Trail, has a patio overlooking the river, changing rooms and a snack bar.

Crab Apple has been operating since 1983, and also has locations in Maine and Vermont.

Crab Apple Whitewater in Vermont offers unforgettable rafting adventures on the scenic West River, a true Green Mountain State gem. The 8-mile run features a thrilling mix of Class II to IV rapids, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced rafters. Trips run in spring and fall, with a minimum age of 11, and each raft—self-bailing and built for six to seven paddlers—is led by expert guides. With all gear provided and jaw-dropping Vermont scenery as your backdrop, it’s easy to see why rafters return year after year for this exhilarating and memorable experience.

Crab Apple has been operating since 1983, and also has locations in Maine and Massachusetts.

Your island adventure starts the moment you step aboard the Block Island Ferry! Departing from two ports (Narragansett and Newport), the ferry sails to Old Harbor on Block Island. Comfortable passenger lounges offer food, beverages, and satellite TV. Plus, bring your bike or surfboard with a reservation, and take advantage of senior and children's discounts. Leashed pets are welcome on outside decks on ferries from Pt. Judith. Once on the island, the possibilities are endless: marvel at Mohegan Bluffs, clam for quahogs, surf, kayak, hike the National Wildlife Refuge, visit an exotic animal farm, or simply relax on a beautiful beach.