4.5Essex Steam Train & Riverboat(750 reviews) - lovely old fashioned train ride with a narrated enjoyable river cruise Boat Tours • Scenic Railroads
On a fall clear day this little ride on a steam train and then onto a narrated river cruise is just the "ticket" ;) My friend and I started at Gillette Castle first and then on to the train/boat cruise which is a perfect combo. The views are stunning from the Castle home and well worth visiting. Downtown Essex for lunch in between is also well worth it. Enjoy, fellow travelers.See more..
5.0Thimble Island Cruise(115 reviews) - I Wish All Cruises Were Like This Boat Tours
This is among my favorite of island/harbor cruises. The smaller than average boat gets quite close to the islands. Everything you need is aboard, though you'll be busy looking and listening. You have the option of sitting on the upper deck to catch the sun or below deck. The steps to the upper deck are very steep. While the boat is somewhat handicapped accessible, there is a small step to get in and out, as well as steps to the head. There is parking right off the dock though it fills up quickly. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. Tickets can be reserved by calling a number on their website. Cash is collected at the end of the cruise. The cost is very reasonable. I highly recommend this cruise especially for those visiting the Connecticut coast line for the first time.See more..
5.0Connecticut Watersports(52 reviews) - We loved our day with CT Watersports Surfing & Windsurfing • Boat Tours • Waterskiing & Jetskiing • Private Tours • Speed Boats Tours • Day Trips
We loved our afternoon waterskiing. Braydon was a professional driver and gave on point tips for learning how to surf. The other employee was fast and efficient at keeping the ropes clear, giving helpful advice, and switching equipment. We all had a great time and we will definitely be back.See more..
Lovely 45 minutes! The stellar crew and detailed narration made a very pleasant start to this Sunday morning. We hadn’t a reservation but were accommodated as there was plenty of room for the 10:15 departure. The line was much longer for 11:15 so get your reservations to be safe Highly recommended for all.See more..
5.0Captain Morgan's Boat Training & Charters, LLC(25 reviews) - Incredible experience with the best captain ever! Thursday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Multi-day Tours • Safaris • Taxis & Shuttles • Boat Tours • Fishing Charters & Tours • Private Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Day Trips
Captain Morgan made my husband’s birthday experience so special and fun! We did the two hour fun ride and he took us on a tour of the CT River that was relaxing and fun, with perfect music. He slowed down while we enjoyed snacks, and did some impressive boating skills to make us laugh. He also helped us get an incredible shot of the birthday boy out in the water. We relaxed and felt so comfortable while we enjoyed a gorgeous afternoon out on the water! On top of all of that, the Cove was flooded and he went waist-deep in the water to make sure that WE didn’t have to get wet walking to and from the dock. I would recommend him to anyone, and we can’t wait to go out on the boat with him again!See more..
4.5Longshore Sailing School(25 reviews) - LOVE Longshore Sailing School Thursday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Boat Tours • Boat Rentals • Stand Up Paddleboarding • Kayaking & Canoeing
I have had only WONDERFUL experiences at Longshore Sailing School. The staff is well-trained, friendly and informative. Every kayak I've rented is always in great shape. The location is beautiful and if you love being on the water, you are in for a treat. The boundaries within which LSS requires you to stay are not at all restrictive and the staff makes sure you know what they are. I have taken out rentals at LSS dozens of times, and the experience never feels repetitive. Tides, breezes, time of day, and general weather conditions and their interplay make each experience unique and memorable. (It is only good sense to think responsibly and to make yourself aware of those conditions when you are heading out.) It is clear from what I have observed over time is that the kids in the sailing school are having a great time and there is plenty of staff working with each group. LSS is a popular destination so reserve in advance by phone or email, especially on weekends.See more..
Left from Middletown for a 4 hour dinner/dancing tour on the CT River. Exceeded my expectations. The ship is bigger than i thought, 4 decks, 2 bars. DJ was Mike from 101.5 and he was a lot of fun. Food was OK but im not into the Jamaican thing which was the theme for the night. People were nice and crew was helpful. Would definitely do again. Book early!See more..
I emailed Eric with a unique request asking if our group of 2 couples could do an evening sail with dinner on the boat and stay overnight. I fully expected that my idea would be too expensive to make a reality, but Eric responded quickly, and offered a plan to sail to the Thimble Islands, including allowing us to stay alone on his beautiful boat overnight! We moored in a secluded cove at dusk and he guided us through parts of the boat we’d need before riding off in the dinghy to stay with friends. We thoroughly enjoyed Eric’s company but it was very exciting to feel like the boat was ours for a night. It was like a little slice of heaven: eating dinner under the stars listening to music, watching the sun rise, and swimming in the cove in the morning. The whole experience felt serendipitous and we all left wishing for more. Couldn’t recommend sail-works more highly.See more..
Been sailing with Captain Joy Sherman for past 5 years. Charters, daysails , and lessons. Recently my wife and I took a charter cruise with joy in the BVIs. It was an excellent time. Captain joy strikes a great balance enjoyment, excitement, and safety. Highly recommend Captain Joy for any of your our sailing endeavors.See more..
My husband and I have done training with both Captain Morgan and Dave on our new 30’ power boat. We have focused on boat operation, boat safety, proper docking and water navigation. We would both recommend their services to any other boaters looking for novice and advanced training or the nuances of your boat. If you’re new to boating and eager to learn in a customized and private setting, book training. Highly recommend.See more..
5.0Slipaway River Tours(4 reviews) - Take a Leisure, Pleasant River Tour on the Connecticut River Boat Tours
My wife and I boarded the "Slipaway River Tour" craft at Rocky Hill, Ferry Park in Connecticut. Our captain, Captain Bill, greeted us as we walked down the dock to his boat. Our first mate, Morgan, was equal as welcoming. We opted, when booking our reservation on line, for the hour tour. Social distancing was easily maintained and the ride was very comfortable with a very nice breeze throughout the time spent on the water. Morgan, also our tour guide, pointed out interesting items visible along the shoreline, as well as Osprey capturing fish within the river. We, also, were lucky to spot an eagle's nest with an eaglet, high in the trees and very sheltered from most angles.See more..
