Back to All Events

A Rare Isles of Shoals Tour!

A Trip to Isles of Shoals: History experienced - Appledore and Star Island - Rain or Shine!

Tickets are currently available for members of the Rye Historical Society and will go on sale to the public on Monday, June 22nd at noon.

Day Trip to the Isles of Shoals. Ticket includes boat ride, narration and tour of each island, and an opportunity to deboard at both Appledore and Star Islands.

When signing up, please list all members of your party with their emails. We need this information to send waivers required by the Isles of Shoals Marine Lab.

In 1614, when the venerable Captain John Smith dropped anchor among the Isles of Shoals, he was so captivated by them that he named them “Smith’s Isles” for himself. “Of all four parts of the world that I have seen not inhabited,” he wrote, “could I have but the means to transport a Colony, I would rather live here than anywhere.”

Lying just six miles southeast of the entrance to Portsmouth Harbor, five of the nine islands are in Maine, Town of Kittery (Duck, Appledore, Smuttynose, Malaga, and Cedar) and four are in New Hampshire, Town of Rye (Star, Lunging, White, and Seaveys). The islands are spectacularly scenic, and their long history is crammed with many tales.

Join us to tour the islands with historical narration by ISHRA board member Mark Lechner. We will leave and return to Rye Harbor on the Shining Star.

For lunch on Star Island, there is also a food truck with burgers, dogs and lobster rolls all very reasonably priced. Feel free to pack a picnic!

Meet on the dock at Rye Harbor at 8:45 a.m. The boat leaves at 9 a.m.- parking is available there for the day for $5

Dress appropriately for the weather. You may want to bring a jacket or windbreaker for the boatride.

Important Mobility Information: During this tour, guests will disembark and walk over rocky, uneven terrain. The path may include loose stones, natural obstacles, and areas without paved walkways. Participants should be able to maintain their balance and walk independently. This excursion is not recommended for individuals who require a walker, cane, or other mobility assistance devices.

THIS TRIP IS UNIQUE AND COMMERCIALLY NOT AVAILABLE FROM STANDARD TOUR OPERATORS

Earlier Event: July 5
July 5th Historic Trolley Tour
Later Event: July 21
Rye Roots