star island tour portsmouth nh

Island Tour

Star Island is located ten miles off the coast of New Hampshire. It is the second largest of the nine islands that make up the Isles of Shoals and its historic Oceanic House and adjacent buildings become the village home for thousands of visitors each summer. The nonprofit Star Island Corporation has owned and operated Star Island since 1916, providing affordable individual and family retreats. From June to September guests come for a day, an overnight visit or to attend one of the many conferences presented each summer on a range of subjects such as natural history, writing, photography, music, painting, ecology, matters of the spirit, yoga and more. And because Star Island has historic connections to Unitarian Universalism and the United Church of Christ, it has a liberal spiritual quality that is renewing and uplifting.

Hop on a boat from Rye Harbor or Portsmouth  for a day trip and you’ll soon find yourself in Gosport Harbor, where the Isles of Shoals offer a glimpse of life as it was in the nineteenth century. Here you can leave 21st century technology and demands behind as time stands still.

Caught the island spirit? Consider a week-long summer conference. Mid-June through Labor Day, there’s something for everyone—from arts and natural history to world affairs, science and spirituality.

Short on time? Try a weekend or mid-week conference in early September when the weather is beautiful.

Star Island becomes a lifelong tradition for many folks who come back, year after year, to experience the island magic with their families, generation to generation. Once you’ve come, you’ll remember Star for a lifetime. The cry of the gulls, the pristine beauty, the history, will stay with you long after you return home.

• 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

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Cruise Details

Star island day visit & portsmouth harbor tour.

• Date: Sep 03, 2023
• Age Restriction: None
• Boarding Time: 8:50 AM
• Departure Time: 9:20 AM
• Return Time 3:20 PM
• Duration: 6.25 hours

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This cruise has already departed.

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.

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

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.