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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.
- Jul 06, 2024 09:20 AM
- Jul 13, 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
- Aug 30, 2024 09:20 AM
- Sep 01, 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 01:50 PM
- 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 28, 2024 07:30 PM
- Jul 03, 2024 07:30 PM
- Jul 06, 2024 07:30 PM
- Jul 12, 2024 07:30 PM
- Jul 19, 2024 07:30 PM
- Jul 27, 2024 07:30 PM
- Aug 16, 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.
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Gundalow Company - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
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Sail with Us
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A great sail on the Piscataqua River and Portsmouth Harbor, without the fuss of engine noise–you can really hear and enjoy the surroundings. A must-do if you are visiting (or live here)!”
Enjoy a sail aboard a traditional reproduction of the flat-bottom gundalow barges that were once prevalent along local waterways. We offer a variety of day and evening trips on the Piscataqua 7-days a week (Memorial Day – Labor Day). Ticket prices range from $18–$45 depending on sail time and type ($8 for kids under 8yrs). Sail times vary throughout the season so please check our sail calendar for current information.
Choose the type of sail that you are interested in:.
Gundalow Company 60 Marcy Street, Portsmouth, NH 03801 (603) 433-9505 Directions | Email Us
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Sailing Charters in Portsmouth NH
This summer, get a different view of the city during your visit to Seacoast New Hampshire with a sailing charter in Portsmouth. Portsmouth, located on the Piscataqua River, is a historic seaport known for its quaint downtown and thriving beer scene. Our boutique hotels are located right on the Portsmouth waterfront, overlooking the Piscataqua River, Badger Island, and Memorial Bridge. Here are three ways to get out on the water on a sailing charter in Portsmouth:
Our Favorite Sailing Charters in Portsmouth
Gundalow company | 60 marcy street, portsmouth | (603) 433-9505.
Built by volunteers of the Strawbery Banke Museum in 2011, this replica of a seventeenth century cargo boat now takes passengers on tours of the river. The sailing charter offers a variety of trips from a mid-day history sail to a concert cruise with live music in the evenings. Bring a picnic and beverage of your choice along with you to enjoy this sailing charter in Portsmouth.
Isles of Shoals Steamship Co. | 315 Market St, Portsmouth | (800) 441-4620
Named for a group of small islands 6 miles off the coast of Portsmouth, Isle of Shoals Steamship Co . offers sailing charters to the islands. The islands have a long history as fishing grounds for indigenous people and landing spots for English settlers. The sailing cruise also includes a guided walking tour of Star Island, where you'll learn about the history of settlers, pirates, and the replica of Gosport Harbor, a village dating back to the early 1600s.
Portsmouth Harbor Cruises | 64 Ceres St. Portsmouth | (800) 776-0915
Take a harbor cruise on the Heritage , a historic wooden workboat now comfortably outfitted for sailing charters in Portsmouth. The 1-1/2 hour cruise has a narrated tour of the history of the harbor, with great views of several lighthouses, mansions, forts, and even a naval submarine. Just looking to relax and soak in the view? The evening and sunset cruises are for you with cocktails served on board. Wine cruises, offered monthly throughout the summer, add a little education to happy hour with a certified sommelier onboard to lead you through tastings.
Evening, Sunset & Lights Cruises
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As a relaxing end to a busy day or to begin a night on the town, come aboard the Heritage for a jaunt around the Harbor. Relax with your favorite cocktail or local beer from our full service bar and enjoy the nighttime sights of the Seacoast. Immerse yourself in the beauty of a sunset, or view the spectacular lights of the city. Bring a friend and get away from the crowds. Join us. Lightly narrated.
The Evening/Lights Cruise is approximately 1 hour.
The Sunset Cruise is approximately 1.5 hours.
Reservations strongly suggested. Children 2 and under ride free. Schedule and prices subject to change.
Enjoy the East Coast Sunset With Us!
About Sail Portsmouth
Sail portsmouth (formerly pmc).
More than 25 years ago, a group of local businessmen brought the first tall ship to Portsmouth Harbor, a modest beginning that evolved into the Piscataqua Maritime Commission.
You can support the Sail Portsmouth by donating, sponsoring, or volunteering. ln so doing, you continue Sail Portsmouth’s long tradition of service to the community. To volunteer at the Sail Portsmouth maritime festival, please select “Support Sail Portsmouth” heading at the top of the Home page, select “Become a Volunteer”, and follow the prompts. Our Volunteer Coordinator will contact you.
When you join the Sail Portsmouth, you receive our electronic newsletter, insider information about coming events, an invitation to the Captain’s Reception, and discounts on tickets and special merchandise.
Sail Portsmouth Members
Kids Sent to Sail
Event Attendance
Activities Offered
Through a variety of activities, the sail portsmouth offers family fun for visitors and locals alike:, sail portsmouth.
SAIL PORTSMOUTH brings tall ships to Portsmouth, starting with a Parade of Sail and continuing for several days with tours of the ships and related...
TALL SHIP SAILS
TALL SHIP SAILS offer exciting and fun opportunities to sail for a day aboard a tall ship on the waters of the beautiful Atlantic Ocean.
TALL SIPS BREWFEST
TALL SIPS BREWFEST showcases local beers and spirits as well as family entertainment, all while raising money for the..
SEA CHALLENGE
SEA CHALLENGE is the heart and soul of the Sail Portsmouth mission, providing opportunities for teenagers to participate in experiential/adventure training aboard tall ships.
MARITIME TALKS
MARITIME TALKS are a series of presentations by the Sail Portsmouth to celebrate and showcase the Seacoast’s 400-year-old seafaring heritage.
Activities & Other Events
Plan activities for the whole family. Check out the entire event calendar.
Join our e-newsletter list to follow closely all news.
Sail portsmouth in the news, learn about what’s happening at the piscataquamaritime commission., our sponsors.
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Gundalow Company
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- Office: 60 Marcy Street Dock: End of Water Street Portsmouth NH 03801
- (603) 433-9505
- www.gundalow.org
The Gundalow sails May through October, 7 days/week, 3 times/day. Gift shop and office open all year
Programs held throughout the tidal towns of the Piscataqua connect our maritime history with contemporary coastal issues such as water quality, habitat restoration, conservation, and stewardship. Sail on the Piscataqua, a traditional reproduction of the flat-bottom gundalow barges that were once prevalent along local waterways. Fun and informative, a sail is a great way to explore sights and sounds of Portsmouth, NH and Kittery, Maine while sailing on the Piscataqua River. The Gundalow Company is nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to protecting our region's maritime heritage and environment through education and action.
Video Media
Gundalow with Portsmouth Light and Fort Constitution by Ralph Morang
Gundalow by Portsmouth Naval Ship Yard by Ralph Morang
Gundalow on Great by by Ralph Morang
Thursday Night Music Cruise on the Gundalow by Ralph Morang
ENjoying the View on a Public Sail
Kids Sail Free on Saturday Mornings
Education Programs aboard the Gundalow
Anyone can participate
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Come aboard for a tour of the NH Seacoast's waterways on a 1963 60′ Deltaville Deadrise. Our narrated cruises are casual, sometimes amusing and always informative. Whether discussing the birdlife of the inland waterways, the folklore of the Isles of Shoals, the ship building history of Portsmouth Harbor, or just musing on the ever changing ...
2023. 1. Gundalow Company. 224. Boat Tours. By TJ-go. Captain Matt and the Gundalow crew were awesome as they took my son and I (and many others) for a sail on a gorgeous... 2. Portsmouth Harbor Cruises.
This cruise allows approximately 1.5 hours on Star Island. Cruise Schedule. Aug 31, 2024 08:50 AM ... *Bars are cash only on the boat. ... Isles of Shoals Steamship Company 315 Market Street Portsmouth, NH 03801 Get Directions. Telephone (800) 441-4620 / (603) 431-5500.
Passing of Board Member - Joan Rice. Joan Slavin Rice of Portsmouth, N.H., passed away on March 4, 2024, after a four-year struggle with ovarian cancer. Born December 29, 1948, in Boston, Joan's mother, Leona Bruck Slavin, was intelligent, fashionable, and beautiful. She was an active volunteer and president of the Watertown (Ma.)
Sunset Cruise. $28.00. $21.00. $25.00. A fuel surcharge of up to $1 may be added to each ticket purchased. Schedule and prices subject to change. Reservations strongly suggested. Children 2 years and under are free, but must have a ticket! Please include them in your reservation.
From the settlement of the region in 1623, to Portsmouth Harbor's modern day role in the economy and defense of our country. This trip offers some wonderful photo opportunities of lighthouses, mansions, submarines and forts, so bring a camera! Evening, Sunset and Lights cruises are the same route. The Harbor Cruise is approximately 1.25 hours.
Discover the Piscataqua's Heritage on Portsmouth's Original Harbor Cruise. Join us aboard the Heritage for an intimate cruise through the Seacoast's most picturesque waterways. Operating May through October. Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Contact. Suggest edits to improve what we show. Improve this listing.
Educational, informative and fun, a sail is a great way to explore the sights and sounds of the Piscataqua River. Morning, afternoon, and sunset sails run Memorial Day through Columbus Day, and we offer weekly specialty sails featuring music, guest speakers, local tastings, and more. Private charters are also available. Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
Portsmouth Harbor Sail 1.5 Hours. ... You may wish to bring a picnic dinner or beverages on these entertaining cruises. Find the full Concert Cruise schedule here. Book Now! Tuesday Speaker Series (evenings) ... 60 Marcy Street, Portsmouth, NH 03801 (603) 433-9505 Directions | Email Us.
Portsmouth Harbor Cruises, Portsmouth, New Hampshire. 4,673 likes · 8,085 were here. Discover the Piscataqua River's Heritage. Tag us @portsmouthharborcruises / #portsmouthharborcruises Book your...
Best Boat Charters in Portsmouth, NH 03801 - Great Salt Charters, Gundalow Company, Portsmouth Harbor Cruises, G Cove Charters, The Tall Ship Lynx, Sea Fever Fishing Charters, Harvester Fishing Charters, Seafari Charters, Shoals Fly Fishing and Light Tackle, Sea Time Fishing Charters
Enjoy a sail aboard a traditional reproduction of the flat-bottom gundalow barges that were once prevalent along local waterways. We offer a variety of day and evening trips on the Piscataqua 7-days a week (Memorial Day - Labor Day). ... 60 Marcy Street, Portsmouth, NH 03801 (603) 433-9505 Directions | Email Us. Our Sponsors. Learn about our ...
Portsmouth Harbor Cruises. 64 Ceres St. (next to the tug boats), Portsmouth. (603) 436-8084. Featuring tours of the harbor, the Isle of Shoals, island river cruises and wine cruises plus sunset, evening and lights cruises.
Gundalow Company | 60 Marcy Street, Portsmouth | (603) 433-9505. Built by volunteers of the Strawbery Banke Museum in 2011, this replica of a seventeenth century cargo boat now takes passengers on tours of the river. The sailing charter offers a variety of trips from a mid-day history sail to a concert cruise with live music in the evenings.
Evening, Sunset & Lights Cruises. As a relaxing end to a busy day or to begin a night on the town, come aboard the Heritage for a jaunt around the Harbor. Relax with your favorite cocktail or local beer from our full service bar and enjoy the nighttime sights of the Seacoast.
Captain Rick Philbrick, offers sail lessons, sailing charters and trips to the isles of shoals, off Portsmouth and rye nh. New Hampshire Seacoast offers, history, whale watches on board the charter sailing vessel Persistence. we also sail from the site www.nhseacoastcharters for more information on Rye, Rye Harbor, Hampton, portsmouth, Newcastle, Newburyport ma..
Best Sailing in Portsmouth, NH 03801 - Frayed Knot Sailing Charters, Broad Reach Sailing, Schooner Thomas E Lannon, The Gift Sailing, The Tall Ship Lynx, Bimini Sailing Charters, Schooner Adventure, Lake Winnipesaukee Sailing Association, Sail Satori, Halcyon Days Sailing Charters
Seacoast Maritime Charters Boat New Hampshire Maine Sail Custom Excursion Cruise Portsmouth Kittery. New Page. SEACOAST MARITIME CHARTERS. Seacoast Maritime Charters. 88 Pepperrell Road, Kittery, ME, 03905, United States. [email protected]. Hours.
Sail Portsmouth (formerly PMC) More than 25 years ago, a group of local businessmen brought the first tall ship to Portsmouth Harbor, a modest beginning that evolved into the Piscataqua Maritime Commission. You can support the Sail Portsmouth by donating, sponsoring, or volunteering. ln so doing, you continue Sail Portsmouth's long tradition ...
Sail on the Piscataqua, a traditional reproduction of the flat-bottom gundalow barges that were once prevalent along local waterways. Fun and informative, a sail is a great way to explore sights and sounds of Portsmouth, NH and Kittery, Maine while sailing on the Piscataqua River.