Historic ships, sunset cruises, charters, sailing or canoeing – Mystic Country offers almost as many boating adventures as it has waterways.
Cruise aboard a century-old steamboat (shown above.) Travel downriver to Fisher's Island sound aboard Mystic Seaport’s national landmark steamboat Sabino. Pass sea captains' homes as you slip under the famous bascule drawbridge and capture views of the historic fishing village of Noank. More>
2. Essex Steam Train & RiverboatTake a steam engine to the riverboat. Essex Steam Train offers the only steam train to riverboat connection in the country. Steam train passengers disembark at Deep River Landing and board the riverboat Becky Thatcher for a relaxing and informative ride up the beautiful Connecticut River. More>
3. New London's Ledge LighthouseVisit a haunted lighthouse. New London’s Ledge Lighthouse has stood guard at the mouth of Thames River since it was built in 1909. The lighthouse is only accessible by boat. Project Oceanography has a 2 hour program that will take you there and allow 1 hour inside. More>
Take a sunset cruise. Schooner Argia offers 2 1/2-hour half-day sailing trips with snacks and soft drinks, and 2-hour Sunset Cruises with cheese crackers, fruit and soft drinks. You can bring your own food or beverages. More>
Enjoy a lobster dinner cruise. Enjoy a lobster dinner cruise, day sail or sailing vacation with an all-inclusive Mystic Whaler windjammer trip. Trips occur periodically throughout summer. More>
Sail aboard Breck Marshall. The flagship of Mystic Seaport's boathouse, this 20-foot Crosby catboat reproduction provides a unique adventure. Passengers relax in her roomy cockpit as the skipper identifies points of interest. 30-minute rides from mid-May to mid-October. More>
7. Wooden Rowboats at Mystic SeaportTake a row at Mystic Seaport. Captain your own historic wooden rowboat or other small craft and take your own personal tour of the Mystic River. Rentals at Mystic Seaport offer excellent water views of the 19-acre museum area. More>
8. Schooner BrilliantOvernight on Schooner Brilliant. Invite family and friends along on a Brilliant adventure. Overnight on a schooner WoodenBoat magazine hails as "one of the best maintained and sailed classic yachts in the country - if not the world." 2-day and 4-day charters available. More>
Book a Charter or Party Boat. Whether you enjoy fishing or just relaxing on the water, charter boats are a great way to spend a special day off the shores of Southern New England, on Long Island Sound or the Atlantic Ocean. Over 2 dozen boats are available. More>
Paddle the Quinebaug River Water Trail. 30 miles of paddling in four segments through the beauty of The Last Green Valley is a terrific adventure for those with their own canoes and kayaks. More>
Six Amsbury Dories are gassed and waiting for a 1/2 day or a whole day of fishing or cruising. 10 single kayaks and two tandems are all ready to paddle. And if you bring your own boat, Boating on Thames proprietors will be happy to put it in the water for you. More>
12. Historic Ship NautilusOK. So this one is a bit of a trick. Although it is no longer in operation, the USS Nautilus IS on the water, and where else are you going to find the world's first nuclear-powered submarine? Climb aboard and discover a piece of history. More>