isles of shoals steamship company tours

• How to Visit the Isles of Shoals

Last year began  a new era for Star Island and the Isles of Shoals. The regular daily summer ferry no longer runs from Portsmouth to Star Island. Visitors to the Oceanic Hotel will have their own ferry as will students at the Shoals Marine Lab on Appledore. This guide is for them and for everyone who wants to see or visit the rocky historic Isles of Shoals. Rye Harbor has become the new center of activity.

HOW TO SEE & VISIT THE SHOALS Half are in NH, half in Maine Note: SeacoastNH.com is not responsible for changes to schedules or to this information. Please check with your transportation source in advance of travel. If you have additional information on tours and travel to the Shoals, please email us. SEE: Our Shoals Maps VISIT: Isles of Shoals history section

ISLES OF SHOALS SIGHTSEEING (stay on boat, view all islands) Isles of Shoals Steamship Company Historic Isles of Shoals, Lighthouses and Portsmouth Harbor Tour departing twice daily aboard the steamship style M/V Thomas Laighton from Portsmouth. Tour features up close views and famous narration of the nine Isles of Shoals and sights of Portsmouth Harbor including three lighthouses, five forts and the Olde Port Waterfront. Beverages and snacks available. Onboard activities and portable touch tank provided by Blue Ocean Society.Special events, party ships, dinner cruises, weddings, receptions and educational fieldtrips are also offered.

Portsmouth Harbor Cruises Regular summer sightseeing tours 2.5 hours starting at noon Tues – Thurs from dock on Ceres Street in Portsmouth

Island Cruises Daily narrated tours around the Isles of Shoals aboard a real lobster boat leaving Rye Harbor

Granite State Whale Watch Wednesday evening Isles cruise with fireworks over Hampton Beach, July and August at 7pm from Rye Harbor

Island Cruises VISITNG STAR ISLAND & the Oceanic Hotel (click here)

VISTING APPLEDORE ISLAND & the Shoals Marine Lab (click here)

VISITING THE OTHER ISLANDS at the Shoals (click here) Includes Smuttynose, White, Malaga, Seavey, Cedar, Duck & Luncing.

Continue to VISIT INDIVIDUAL ISLAND

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• Know Before You Go
• Visitor's Guide

Isles of Shoals Steamship Company

Romance Wedding Package includes the following: - Scenic 4 hour private cruise aboard the M/V Thomas Laighton - Your choice of savory Romance Wedding Menu Option - Custom made three-tier wedding cake with your choice of exquisite flavors and fillings - Professional disc jockey service with an extensive music library - Tabletop bud vases containing the freshest seasonal flowers and greenery coordinated to your color scheme - Crisp white table linens and napkins - Celebratory Champagne Toast - Complimentary Nautical Life Ring “Guestbook” - Convenient dockside parking for you and your guests - Two full service pay as you go bars (open bar options available) - Professional Vessel and Catering staff - Personal Cruise Director to organize all details of your wedding including the wedding rehearsal

Property Information

Or maybe you'd like to get married on one of these ships? Sorry, I just can't help it. I just love the romanticism of getting married on a boat by a ship's captain!

Maybe that's because I was my sister's maid of honor when she got married aboard the M/V Thomas Laighton in Portsmouth...that could have something to do with it. :-)

From May through October, the Isles of Shoals Steamship Company , Tugboat Alley Too , and Portsmouth Harbor Cruises carry passengers up and down the wide, deep Piscataqua River out to the Isles of Shoals or to explore the harbor and inland waterways of coastal New Hampshire.

A Portsmouth NH boat tour is a fabulous way to see the sights and learn more about the region while enjoying the sheer relaxation and beauty of a day on the ocean. The Isles of Shoals Steamship Company This cruise line boasts the largest ship of all the Portsmouth NH boat tour companies - the Thomas Laighton.

The Thomas Laighton is a 90-foot vessel with three decks- two fully heated and enclosed cabins and an open sundeck with seating.

The boat holds between 120-150 guests for a seated dinner and 275 guests for a cocktail style cruise. Sightseeing cruises hold up to 300 passengers.

Cruises include nine miles out to the islands with opportunities to disembark, Portsmouth Harbor, and a wide variety of concert cruises, weddings and other charters. Tug Alley Too Up to six people can hop aboard the Tug Alley Too , originally built for a lobster pound in Friendship, Maine.

Four historic forts, the Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse at the US Coast Guard station and Whaleback Lighthouse are just some of the sights to see along this Portsmouth NH boat tour route.

If you are interested in how and what tugboats do, your Captain and deck hand/tour guide will provide you with as much or as little historical and anecdotal information as you desire.

The Tug Alley Too is docked right next to the larger Moran tugboats , which routinely ply the waters of Portsmouth Harbor, escorting large oceangoing vessels in and out of the fast-flowing Piscataqua river.

If you have children (or adults) who love tugboats, this is the tour for you! Portsmouth Harbor Cruises This cruise line offers tours out to the Isles of Shoals, lighthouse tours, fall foliage cruises along the inland rivers, sunset and wine tasting cruises, and private charters.

All cruises are aboard the 49 passenger ship, the Heritage .

Portsmouth Harbor Cruises narrated boat tours are casual, sometimes amusing, and always informative.

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Boat Schedule

• Conferees can travel for free aboard the Thomas Laighton and Challenger (space permitting).
• The Thomas Laighton and Challenger are boats operated by the Isles of Shoals Steamship Company out of Portsmouth. The Uncle Oscar is operated by Granite State Whale Watch out of Rye Harbor. The Shining Star is operated by Star Island out of Portsmouth.
• Conferees may alternatively purchase tickets for the Uncle Oscar out of Rye, NH.
• Conferees may be able to travel aboard the Shining Star with approval from the Conference Registrar.
• The boat schedule is live and subject to change with limited notice. Please e-mail Star Island Logistics  or give us a call with any questions or concerns about boats
• All checked bags must weigh 40 lbs. or less each. Multiple small bags and soft bags without wheels are preferable.
• Luggage brought on the conference ferry is self-service, therefore guests should follow the same protocol as with checked bags. Carry-on bags should not exceed 40 lbs. and smaller bags are preferable.
• Guests who need assistance with luggage should always have it checked on the luggage boat. Guests arriving mid-week who need assistance with luggage should let attendants know upon arrival.
• OUT denotes boats that are headed OUT to the island. IN denotes boats that are headed IN to town.

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Isles of Shoals Steamship Company

Review Highlights

“ We were sailing back to shore after spending a week on Star Island for a great retreat. ” in 12 reviews

“ I really love going out onboard the Thomas Leighton to the Isles of Shoals. ” in 3 reviews

“ While on board the narrated tour of the harbor was very informative, and filled with local lore, stories and facts. ” in 6 reviews

Location & Hours

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315 Market St

Portsmouth, NH 03801

Serving Portsmouth Area

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Sightseeing Tours, Party Ships, Island Walking Tours, Private Charters & Special Events, Weddings, Bus Tours, Educational Field Trips & much more! …

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Recommended Reviews

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• 2 star rating Could’ve been better
• 3 star rating OK
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Overall rating

The boat trip to, and walking tour of, the Isles of Shoals were interesting.

My grandparents, sister and I tool the 3.5 (I think) hour Isles tour. It was great. Everyone in our group remarked that it was our favorite part of our 5-day trip to Boston, Portsmouth, and Maine. The boat was charming, crew friendly, and "narrator" very knowledgeable (I tested her with lots of questions and she seems to really know what she was talking about). Get in line early for a good seat and make sure to check out the views from all parts of the boat. If you're with anyone who has mobility issues (I was), the stairs are steep and you'll need lots of extra time (as to get on early). Great beer on board and some wicked good adult punch for only $5! I consider this a must do when in the area.

http://www.islesofshoals.com/ This was a great time spent with the company. We enjoyed a dinner cruises along the harbor. We got to run up and down between the decks, enjoy champagne, and watch the sunset after a 5-course dinner. Positive Memories: The service was so good. The staff took pictures for us. We had over 40 people in our group. There were lawn or patio chairs on the outside top deck where a few smaller groups enjoyed the breeze and good conversation. The dining area had long tables that seated maybe 15 people each or less. As we ate a well prepared meal, we watched a tv screen that flipped between two channels. The two channels showed our located on a map as we sailed along and the second showed the weather, water level, fun facts. The sunset was beautiful and we got to sea other harbor cruise ships, boats, and ferries pass us. The bridges and canals were definitely one of the unique parts of the tour. Our tour was not guided. A staff member gave us a short brief description of our journey, but our trip was designated as a Leadership training workshop, so our focus was on building relationships among our company team. I am sure that a fully guided tour could be requested. I did not sea any whales, but that is the big attraction usually. The season was late fall. That was probably too cold for us to see any whales. :( Negative Memories: Aesthetically, the ship is outdated and a little rough. The ropes laid on the deck were messy and disorganized. The outdoor patio chairs were dusty. The TV Screen was a bubble screen from way back in the day and there was only one. The interior design was out-dated oak, brass fixtures, and motel-fashion curtains from 1950 or 1960. That results in an out-dated non luxurious ambiance overall. If the company is going for a home-made feel and great hospitality, then they have met their goal. It is hard to bash this harbor cruise ship because of its immaculate size and friendly feel.

We have not gone yet, but this review is based on the customer service rep I spoke with when I called for more information. I'll update in about a week... FUN! and there's a bar so...yeah :)

Beautiful night. Sat up front on the way out. Very good narrator. Web site noted that hotdogs available. So our party did not bring any dinner. To make it even worse both venues for food on star island were closed. Good Take but bring a picnic.

We took the Isles of Shoals Tour - the one that you do not get off the boat. The best part of the narated tour is the harbor. There is not really anything to see between the harbor and the islands, but the fresh sea air and sun are great.

Horrible. Booked a trip was not told of all construction etc in the city. Missed the boat because of it and they say sorry no refunds or transferrs. Bad business. They are out for money screw the customer !!!!

We've taken several different boat trips with the Isles of Shoals Steamship Company, based on the various ages (and tolerance levels) of our kids. I find the tours to be well-narrated and very informative. I would definitely recommend taking the Portsmouth Harbor tour and the Isles of Shoals tour.

I guess I took a different boat trip than Ian W because the Isles of Shoals I took was a full-fledged PARTY BOAT. Left the dock around 8 or 830pm and got back at midnight. It was pretty sweet, but seemed short.. we basically sailed out a certain distance then turned around and went back. Still decent though. There was a live band on the inner lower deck playing oldschool music with dance floor. Bars on every level. $5/cup of their Captains Punch. Beers were about $6. Boat holds lots of people and has plenty of sitting areas.

Great day! We had perfect weather and just enough time to explore the island and get a small tour. Very interesting and boat was good as well as the tour guide!

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Upcoming Cruises

River, harbor and island tours.

Expertly narrated history tours of Portsmouth harbor, the Isles of Shoals and the New Hampshire Seacoast.

Isles of Shoals & Portsmouth Harbor Tour (aboard M/V Challenger)

  Please note this cruise is aboard our smaller vessel the M/V Challenger pictured above. 

No need to print your tickets.  We will have your name and number in your party and check off as you board.

Join us aboard the M/V Challenger for one of our expertly narrated Isles of Shoals and Portsmouth Harbor tours.   Experience the history and beauty of the seacoast and Isles of Shoals with a more intimate view from the Challenger.   

To maximize our time cruising the islands this tour does not stop at the Isles of Shoals.  No disembarking at Star Island. 

Cruise Schedule

• Jul 19, 2024 01:50 PM
• Jul 20, 2024 01:50 PM
• Jul 23, 2024 12:20 PM
• Jul 25, 2024 12:20 PM
• Jul 26, 2024 01:50 PM
• Jul 27, 2024 01:50 PM
• Aug 01, 2024 01:50 PM
• Aug 02, 2024 01:50 PM
• Aug 03, 2024 01:50 PM
• Aug 06, 2024 12:20 PM

Star Island Day Visit & Portsmouth Harbor Tour

This cruise utilizes both our vessels.  Outbound portion is on our smaller vessel the Challenger.  Inbound is aboard our larger vessel the Thomas Laighton.  Star Island visitor fee is included in ticket price.

Spend the day on Star Island. This cruise lets you experience our Isles of Shoals and Portsmouth harbor tour, the Star Island Walking tour and stay for the day on Star Island! You’ll spend approximately 3.75 hours exploring Star Island. Participation in the Walking Tour is optional. 

• Jun 29, 2024 08:50 AM
• Jul 06, 2024 09:20 AM
• Jul 13, 2024 09:20 AM
• Jul 15, 2024 09:20 AM
• Jul 20, 2024 09:20 AM
• Jul 27, 2024 09:20 AM
• Aug 03, 2024 09:20 AM
• Aug 10, 2024 09:20 AM
• Aug 17, 2024 09:20 AM
• Aug 24, 2024 09:20 AM

Star Island Walking Tour & Portsmouth Harbor Tour

Star Island visitor fee is included in ticket price.  This cruise allows approximately 1 hour on Star Island.

Enjoy our expertly narrated Isles of Shoals and Portsmouth Harbor Tour with the added 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. 

• Jun 19, 2024 11:50 AM
• Jun 21, 2024 12:20 PM
• Jun 22, 2024 11:50 PM
• Jun 26, 2024 10:50 AM
• Jun 28, 2024 12:20 PM
• Jul 01, 2024 11:50 AM
• Jul 03, 2024 11:50 AM
• Jul 04, 2024 11:50 AM
• Jul 05, 2024 11:50 AM
• Jul 06, 2024 11:50 AM

Star Island Walking Tour & Portsmouth Harbor Tour (aboard the Challenger)

This cruise is aboard the M/V Challenger pictured above.  Star Island visitor fee is included in ticket price.  This cruise allows approximately 1 hour on Star Island.

     Enjoy our narrated Isles of Shoals and Portsmouth Harbor Tour with the added bonus of a self 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.  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. You may walk 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.

• Jun 23, 2024 09:20 AM
• Jun 23, 2024 01:20 PM
• Jun 30, 2024 09:20 AM
• Jun 30, 2024 01:20 PM
• Jul 02, 2024 12:20 PM
• Jul 07, 2024 09:20 AM
• Jul 07, 2024 01:20 PM
• Jul 14, 2024 09:20 AM

Sunset Acoustic Harbor Cruise

Catch the sunset from the best deck in town; aboard the Thomas Laighton.  Have a drink and unwind while listening to live acoustic entertainment.  A perfect end to your week.

BAGS (including large purses) and BACKPACKS ARE NOT ALLOWED ONBOARD. 

CASH ONLY BAR!

• Jun 30, 2024 07:00 PM
• Jul 07, 2024 07:00 PM
• Jul 14, 2024 07:00 PM
• Jul 28, 2024 07:00 PM
• Aug 04, 2024 07:00 PM
• Aug 11, 2024 06:20 PM
• Aug 18, 2024 06:20 PM
• Aug 25, 2024 06:20 PM
• Sep 01, 2024 05:50 PM

Extended Star Island Walking Tour

Enjoy our expertly narrated Isles of Shoals and Portsmouth Harbor Tour with the added 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. After your walking tour you'll have time to visit the giftshop, bookstore, and snack bar in the hotel if you'd like. 

The guided walking portion of the tour is optional and you are welcome to explore the island on your own. This cruise allows approximately 1.5 hours on Star Island. 

• Aug 31, 2024 08:50 AM

Isles of Shoals & Portsmouth Harbor Tour

Join us aboard the M/V Thomas Laighton for one of our expertly narrated Isles of Shoals and Portsmouth Harbor tours. Experience the history and beauty of the seacoast, Portsmouth harbor and the little known, but historically crucial, Isles of Shoals.

This cruise does not disembark passengers at Star Island. 

• May 23, 2024 01:50 PM
• May 25, 2024 01:50 PM
• Jun 01, 2024 11:50 AM
• Jun 05, 2024 01:50 PM
• Jun 08, 2024 09:50 AM
• Jun 13, 2024 01:50 PM
• Jun 15, 2024 01:50 PM
• Jun 20, 2024 01:50 PM
• Jun 24, 2024 01:50 PM
• Jun 27, 2024 01:50 PM

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. 

• May 12, 2024 01:20 PM
• May 18, 2024 11:50 AM
• May 26, 2024 11:50 AM
• May 27, 2024 01:20 PM
• Jun 02, 2024 01:20 PM
• Jun 09, 2024 01:20 PM
• Jun 16, 2024 09:20 AM

Star Island Extended Day Visit

Spend the day on Star Island. This cruise lets you experience our Isles of Shoals and Portsmouth harbor tour, the Star Island Walking tour and stay for the day on Star Island! You’ll spend approximately 5 hours exploring Star Island. Participation in the Walking Tour is optional. 

• Jul 21, 2024 09:20 AM
• Jul 28, 2024 09:20 AM
• Aug 04, 2024 09:20 AM
• Aug 11, 2024 09:20 AM
• Aug 18, 2024 09:20 AM
• Aug 25, 2024 09:20 AM

Special Events

Special events are even more magical on the M/V Thomas Laighton!

Sunset Harbor Cruise aboard the Challenger

This cruise is aboard our smaller vessel the Challenger.

Catch a gorgeous sunset aboard the M/V Challenger.  Have a drink and unwind.  In lieu of a narrated tour, background music is provided. 

BAGS (including large purses) and BACKPACKS ARE NOT ALLOWED ONBOARD.

• Jul 03, 2024 07:45 PM

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. 

The best party on the Seacoast is aboard the M/V Thomas Laighton!   This cruise is 21+ and a valid state issued photo ID is required. Bags are subject to search. 

BARS ARE CASH ONLY!! ATM available prior to boarding the vessel. 

• May 24, 2024 07:30 PM
• Jun 08, 2024 07:30 PM
• Jun 14, 2024 07:30 PM
• Jun 28, 2024 07:30 PM
• Jul 03, 2024 07:30 PM
• Jul 06, 2024 07:30 PM
• Jul 12, 2024 07:30 PM
• Jul 20, 2024 07:30 PM
• Jul 27, 2024 07:30 PM

UNH Graduation Party Cruise!!

*Bars are cash only on the boat

Come celebrate UNH graduation in style aboard the M/V Thomas Laighton. Our DJs will be playing the best dance music and our bartenders will be slinging great drink specials all night long. Round trip transportation is included with your ticket. Our buses will pick you up in A lot at 6:00pm (check in starts at 5:30) and bring you to our dock. At the end of the evening you'll be bused home and dropped off downtown so you can continue the celebration. This event is 21+ and for UNH students only. You must have a valid state issued photo ID to board the vessel. No backpacks, alcohol or other illegal substances permitted.  

• May 13, 2024 07:00 PM
• May 14, 2024 07:00 PM
• May 15, 2024 07:00 PM
• May 16, 2024 07:00 PM

The M/V Thomas Laighton is one of the most unique venues available for your special event. Our 300 capacity passenger vessel truly is a "floating function facility" that can adapt to any type of special event from weddings and rehearsal dinners to company outings and celebratory parties. The best part about chartering our vessel (besides the breathtaking views and tremendous service) is that the boat and all of its amenities are yours alone.

Why You Need to Take an Isles of Shoals Tour

Tour the Isles of Shoals

The Isles comprise nine islands, the most well known being Appledore, Smuttynose, and Star islands (craft beer drinkers are more than likely familiar with Smuttynose Brewing Company). The Isles of Shoals history is steeped in fishing culture, as many of the islands’ inhabitants have been fishermen. American history icon John Smith first named the islands in 1614, before the area was settled.

Today, a number of tours are offered from nearby Portsmouth Harbor, exploring the history and wildlife of these beautiful islands. The islands are still dotted with historic structures, docks, lighthouses, and Star Island’s Oceanic Hotel. 

Isles of Shoals Steamship Company

Offering both Portsmouth Harbor cruises and trips to the Isles of Shoals, Isles of Shoals Steamship Company is a great choice for exploring the islands.

For a full experience of Star Island, try the Extended Star Island Walking Tour . Walk Star Island with a knowledgeable guide and learn all about its fascinating history that includes John Smith, Captain Edward “Blackbeard” Teach, the Oceanic Hotel, and more.

If you’d rather stay on the boat and learn about both the Isles and Portsmouth Harbour, sign up for the Isles of Shoals & Portsmouth Harbor Tour. For more information on all the great cruises offered by Isles of Shoals Steamship Company, visit their website .

Portsmouth Harbor Cruises

Portsmouth Harbor Cruises offers several different trips, including one to the islands. Their Isles of Shoals tour takes passengers by Appledore, Smuttynose, Star, Lunging, and White islands. According to the company’s website, the tour lasts about 2.5 hours, and passengers are encouraged to bring their binoculars for birdwatching!

If you want to enjoy a romantic evening on the harbor, try Portsmouth Harbour Cruises’ Wine Cruise ! The cruise takes place at sunset and features a variety of wine, snacks but a beautiful tour of the harbor.

Cruise maps, times, and tickets can be on the Portsmouth Harbor Cruises website .

Enjoy Picturesque New England Coastline from the Comfort of Your Room

Located just north of Portsmouth in York, ME, Dockside Guests Quarters & Restaurant offers their guests an unforgettable stay in one Maine’s most scenic towns. Surrounded by the beauty of York Harbour and New England coast, you would be hard-pressed to find accommodations as scenic and inviting as those at Dockside Guest Quarters. Our rooms feature great amenities, like private baths and decks, views of the water, fireplaces, and more. Plus, you’ll be only minutes from area’s best attractions and towns, like York Beach, Portsmouth Square , the Town of Ogunquit, and more. S tart planning your Maine vacation today.

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2024 Season Starts Friday, May 3rd

Dockside Guest Quarters & Restaurant is officially opening for the 2024 season on Friday, May 3rd. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back this year!

Isles of Shoals Steamship Company

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Isles of Shoals Steamship Company - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Moscow Metro Tour

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Description

Moscow metro private tours.

• 2-hour tour $87:  10 Must-See Moscow Metro stations with hotel pick-up and drop-off
• 3-hour tour $137:  20 Must-See Moscow Metro stations with Russian lunch in beautifully-decorated Metro Diner + hotel pick-up and drop off. 
• Metro pass is included in the price of both tours.

Highlight of Metro Tour

• Visit 10 must-see stations of Moscow metro on 2-hr tour and 20 Metro stations on 3-hr tour, including grand Komsomolskaya station with its distinctive Baroque décor, aristocratic Mayakovskaya station with Soviet mosaics, legendary Revolution Square station with 72 bronze sculptures and more!
• Explore Museum of Moscow Metro and learn a ton of technical and historical facts;
• Listen to the secrets about the Metro-2, a secret line supposedly used by the government and KGB;
• Experience a selection of most striking features of Moscow Metro hidden from most tourists and even locals;
• Discover the underground treasure of Russian Soviet past – from mosaics to bronzes, paintings, marble arches, stained glass and even paleontological elements;
• Learn fun stories and myths about Coffee Ring, Zodiac signs of Moscow Metro and more;
• Admire Soviet-era architecture of pre- and post- World War II perious;
• Enjoy panoramic views of Sparrow Hills from Luzhniki Metro Bridge – MetroMost, the only station of Moscow Metro located over water and the highest station above ground level;
• If lucky, catch a unique «Aquarelle Train» – a wheeled picture gallery, brightly painted with images of peony, chrysanthemums, daisies, sunflowers and each car unit is unique;
• Become an expert at navigating the legendary Moscow Metro system;
• Have fun time with a very friendly local;
• + Atmospheric Metro lunch in Moscow’s the only Metro Diner (included in a 3-hr tour)

Hotel Pick-up

Metro stations:.

Komsomolskaya

Novoslobodskaya

Prospekt Mira

Belorusskaya

Mayakovskaya

Novokuznetskaya

Revolution Square

Sparrow Hills

+ for 3-hour tour

Victory Park

Slavic Boulevard

Vystavochnaya

Dostoevskaya

Elektrozavodskaya

Partizanskaya

Museum of Moscow Metro

• Drop-off  at your hotel, Novodevichy Convent, Sparrow Hills or any place you wish
• + Russian lunch  in Metro Diner with artistic metro-style interior for 3-hour tour

Fun facts from our Moscow Metro Tours:

From the very first days of its existence, the Moscow Metro was the object of civil defense, used as a bomb shelter, and designed as a defense for a possible attack on the Soviet Union.

At a depth of 50 to 120 meters lies the second, the coded system of Metro-2 of Moscow subway, which is equipped with everything you need, from food storage to the nuclear button.

According to some sources, the total length of Metro-2 reaches over 150 kilometers.

The Museum was opened on Sportivnaya metro station on November 6, 1967. It features the most interesting models of trains and stations.

Coffee Ring

The first scheme of Moscow Metro looked like a bunch of separate lines. Listen to a myth about Joseph Stalin and the main brown line of Moscow Metro.

Zodiac Metro

According to some astrologers, each of the 12 stops of the Moscow Ring Line corresponds to a particular sign of the zodiac and divides the city into astrological sector.

Astrologers believe that being in a particular zadiac sector of Moscow for a long time, you attract certain energy and events into your life.

Paleontological finds 

Red marble walls of some of the Metro stations hide in themselves petrified inhabitants of ancient seas. Try and find some!

• Every day each car in  Moscow metro passes  more than 600 km, which is the distance from Moscow to St. Petersburg.
• Moscow subway system is the  5th in the intensity  of use (after the subways of Beijing, Tokyo, Seoul and Shanghai).
• The interval in the movement of trains in rush hour is  90 seconds .

What you get:

• + A friend in Moscow.
• + Private & customized Moscow tour.
• + An exciting pastime, not just boring history lessons.
• + An authentic experience of local life.
• + Flexibility during the walking tour: changes can be made at any time to suit individual preferences.
• + Amazing deals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the very best cafes & restaurants. Discounts on weekdays (Mon-Fri).
• + A photo session amongst spectacular Moscow scenery that can be treasured for a lifetime.
• + Good value for souvenirs, taxis, and hotels.
• + Expert advice on what to do, where to go, and how to make the most of your time in Moscow.

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