Tickets are $24.25 for daytime tours and $30 for sunset cruises. We also book events and larger reservations! Check out her best picks before buying anything. gossip and lore! You can see a cool material on many of the islandsone with an interesting history. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. That said, commercial fishing remained a major form of commerce until World War I. The steps to the upper deck are very steep. I don't there is a need to bring lunch with you on the boat. . Take a tour around Norwalk Harbor and take in the view of Norwalks three historic lighthouses, including a tour and excursion to Sheffield Island Lighthouse. We sat on the lower deck to avoid the sun and saw everything perfectly. Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. Was us and 2 other small families. Craft beers are all the rage today, and the Branford River waterfront is home to the Stony Creek Brewery. And yet those in the know can tell you what to do on the Thimble Islands. His sense of humor was a good addition. The boat can also be. And of course, there is Elton Island, the cherished summer spot of President Taft. Dog steps benefit all kinds of dogs, from toy breeds to dogs that shouldnt do a lot of jumping. It is the perfect way to finish your day with some well-rounded information about the quarry and insights into life in a quaint Connecticut coastal village. 16 Business Park Drive I would do it again. The brewery is located in Branford CT. The Thimble Islands are located just off the shore of the charming Stony Creek. Infantino has been operating The SeaMist, showing off the landscape and the architecture in this charming spot for an astounding 40 years.. Thimble Island boat tours run from May through October. I don't know!! Daily 45-minute narrated sightseeing cruise of the Thimble Islands aboard the Sea Mist. 14 Little Meadow Road, Haddam; 860-662-0577; ctriverquest.com, 9 ferries and cruises in CT for waterfront summer adventures, Contributed Photo / Courtesy U.S. Lighthouse Society, Catherine Avalone / Hearst Connecticut Media, The Bridgeport and Port Jefferson Steamboat Company, Kyle Michael King / For Hearst Connecticut Media. The Lights and Sights Cruise focuses on architectural sites, according to the website, like the New London waterfront, which includes mansions and waterfront properties, along with nine lighthouses. My husband and I took his parents on this boat tour of the Thimble Islands, and we all thoroughly enjoyed it! In August 2020, the Norwalk Seaport Association announced theyre raising money via GoFundMe to help maintain the Sheffield Island Lighthouse in Norwalk, Conn. Daytime cruises on the Onrust run at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays for $30 per person. Read More 37 Things to Do in Connecticut This April, 8 Spring Flings to Get You Out of the City, Winter - Celebrating Places to Dine and Drink in Connecticut. It was larger than the other one that was docked there. After a COVID-delayed spring, two of the three different cruise boats. Set in until the storm passes, curled up in a comfortable chair with a book, and you will have found your slice of heaven. We hadnt a reservation but were accommodated as there was plenty of room for the 10:15 departure. Oyster connoisseurs celebrate Stony Creek oysters, pulled from these waters. Arms tired? Read a great Yankee Magazine article ! Foliage cruises, seal watch cruises, party or dinner cruises. away and enjoyed looking at the houses and shoreline during our walk to the dock. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. However, Lori Vogel with . Private sailing trips in the Thimble Islands, Branford, CT 6 Sailing from $640.00 per adult Mystic Seaport Museum Adventure 159 Attractions & Museums from $27.00 per adult FLESH at Mystic Dark Room 26 Theater Shows from $112.00 per adult Mattituck New York Guided Farm and Wine Country Bike Tour 23 Wine Tours from $117.00 per adult Within a few decades, people were building homes and cottages on the highly desirable shores of the islands. Tour is about 45 minutes or so. Some isles have many homes and some just have one, all the islands are private except for one, Outer Island is trusted to the Federal Fish and Wildlife Department. All the islands have names, which was pretty cool, observed Capuano. Currently departs quarter past the hour 10:15am-4:15pm daily . The Sea Mist,Volsunga IV or Captain Dave's? After all, the only way to know you're on an island is to see it from the water! 45 minutes was the perfect amount of time for us with our travel plans. The captain and his assistant were very knowledgeable and very friendly. We asked BestReviews cooking expert Andrea Boudewijn for her best recommendations for Mothers Day gifts. The Sea Mist. TGIF and sunset cruises offer views of marine wildlife and the sunset off the Long Island Sound. Call tour operators for details, or visit the Web sites listed here. beer, and bottled water also for sale. I remember taking one of the thimble island cruises years ago and there was one. Cruises have on-board snacks and alcohol selections including beer, wine and cocktails. Log in. Almost as if we had a private tour. Evening Thimble Island afternoon and sunset cruises . Mystic River Cruises run through November in a classic wooden picnic boat, according to the website. The Thimble Islands is the largest group of islands in Connecticut. When you're pruning, aim for an airy shape. Cash is collected at the end of the cruise. Make a day of it with a picnic lunch, plenty of sunscreen and a large beach blanket. If you cannot get there in time then you have to sit in whatever seats are available. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. These steps are often compact, practical and easy to move. Was so easy to get a reservation. The ferry service has its own on-board steamboat lounge with flat-screen TVs, juke boxes and a bar with food and drinks, including hot dogs, salads, sandwiches, specialty drinks, beer and wine. hosts the sole surviving quarry here today. Twilight Live Music Cruises with Live Music Please stay posted for updated Music Cruises or call us for more information 631.473.5138. Connecticut- American India Pale Ale (IPA)- 6.9% ABV. attractions, activities, and things to do in New Haven, Connecticut, charming Connecticut towns in New Haven County, unique and quirky attractions in Connecticut, from Greenwich to Stonington, in our Connecticut Travel Guide, And for a locals introduction to another exclusive section of Connecticut, explore our, guide to things to do in Greenwich, Connecticut, The 30 most quirky & unique things to do in CT [+ Map], 12 of the most unique antique stores In CT, Our guide to the most romantic things to do in CT, A More Unique Way to See the Gold Coast of Connecticut, The Greenwich Real Estate Market: What You Need to Know, Directions to Greenwich, CT, and Stanton House Inn. Matt buying business from Dave, who didnt seem surprised Matt didnt show up. If you have taken different boats, which was your favorite? Unsuspecting travelers can easily miss the chance to explore one of the most unique Connecticut attractions. As the bartender and first mate of The Sea Mist I specialize in customer service as well as safety. There are no year-round residents. We also have Growlers & Crowlers, Mini Kegs, 4PKS, 6PKS & 12PKs to-go! Captain Dave's Thimble Island Cruises See all things to do Captain Dave's Thimble Island Cruises 5 34 reviews #2 of 5 Tours & Activities in Branford Boat Tours Write a review See all photos About Branford, Connecticut Contact Suggest edits to improve what we show. This boat is larger than the last boat making it less able to get in close to the islands like the small boat. It is a unique area, you dont find any amount of islands like this on the entire coast, added Infantino. I wish I could remember the name of the older boat ride. 2 Ferry St., New London; 860-443-5281; longislandferry.com. Some isles have many homes and some just have one, all the islands are private except for one, Outer Island is trusted to the Federal Fish and Wildlife Department. Text: (475) 263-3732 Thimble Island Brewery & Brewpub | Serving Food & Beer! Sea Mist was nice enough for a way to get out on the water on a hot day in the midst of COVID 19. The Thimble Islands are a chain of 365 islands in Stony Creek Harbor off the southeast coast of Branford, Connecticut in Long Island Sound. AMC 20 Plainville, Plainville: See 46 reviews, articles, and photos of AMC 20 Plainville, ranked No.2 on Tripadvisor among 12 attractions in Plainville. We loved it when he saidIm gonna nerd out on ya and tell you some science stuff! The stories of his youth growing up here were a thrill. This is a list of English words inherited and derived directly from the Old English stage of the language. Dave tried to call him as he was scheduled to run boat all week but was not reachable as never carries his phone. Sightseeing tours May. Is there a bathroom on the boat? Quite a bit, provided youre looking for a destination more akin to Maine than a location a short drive from New Haven and New York City, for that matter. He was very knowledgeable of the area, since he spent much of his childhood and teenage years in The Thimble Islands. Log in. Log in. Matt is an islander and a middle school science teacher and he knows his TI history. From quarrying its famous pink granite, to bootlegging and hiding Captain Kidds treasure, the archipelago known as the Thimble Islands has served a range of uses laced with mysterious lore. Daily 45-minute narrated sightseeing cruise of the Thimble Islands aboard the Sea Mist. Most importantly though, I can make a mean rum punch, can even crack a beer for you. You can take in the majestic pink boulders and unusual cobblestone beach as well as spot birds and waterfowl who call the island home. We're hiring. He grew up going to the TIs during summers and still vacations there at a family home so he knows a lot about each island, plus some local (tasteful!) The Classic Lighthouse Cruise features views of eight lighthouses and two Revolutionary-era forts, including Little Gull Light and Fort Trumbull. We took a 45-minute tour on one of the smallish boats, which made for a more personable experience as we got an in-depth commentary from our tour guide on the history and current status of human habitation on the Islands. ($200 per hour- ) Cruises depart from the Stony Creek dock in Branford, CT. Lucrative offers for prime waterfront land were too tempting for many former quarry owners to pass up. You don't have to make reservations for Capt. Chances are you've heard of the breathtaking archipelago in the Long Island Sound called the Thimble Islands. The Thimble Island chain consists of 25 small rocky, wooded islands topped with beautiful summer cottages built during the Victorian Era-complete with ginger bread trimmings. CRUISES RETURN: The R/V Spirit of the Sound will resume the Norwalk Aquariums bird and seal spotting cruises Jan. 9-10. Have a great time. Documentation provided within the Thimble Islands or out into Long Island Sound. Architects viewed it as a highly durable material with a unique undulating veining that made it seem alive. Check the website for monthly sailing schedules. Erica Clark is drinking a Ghost Island by Thimble Island Brewing Company at Thimble Island Brewing Company. Longitude -72.771529. Don't pass this by ! Welcome aboard the Sea Mist, Thimble Islands Cruise Facebook page. Fun tour. It will now be berthed at the steamboat dock at the foot of Main Street. , Philip F. 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I highly recommend this tour. It was not until 1716 that colonists claimed land grants of the islands. Stanton House Inn Thimble Islands Bed & Breakfast, located a short distance from New Haven, is located an easy drive to many area attractions . Also, the narrative was not as interesting. Join Captains Mike, Justin, Bryan and the crew of the Sea Mist as you tour the famous Thimble Islands off the coast of Branford, Connecticut. THE EXCRUCIATINGLY OPINIONATED GUIDE TO THE CONNECTICUT SHORELINE. Small Vessel, Intimate Tour w a Native "Creeker". Before Europeans arrived, the Mattabesec Indians used the islands as summer camping grounds. Sign up for our weekly newsletter and get the best of the Shoreline delivered directly to your inbox. Youll find Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge on the outermost Thimble Island, appropriately named Outer Island. Latitude 41.296755 Texted and booked. But the larger ship had a bathroom which was very nice especially because it was an hour ride. On the afternoon Marine Life Encounter Cruise, the crew teaches animal-spotting techniques and educates guests on fish, crabs, and mollusks. It has two levels and bar service. There is also a small, clean, easily accessible, no fee beach, with on street parking ! My husband said to me just leave it alone we will sit downstairs. Images scanned by Joshua GUANINE. Thimble Islands cruises take you out on open waters. Under the leadership of founder and CEO Justin Gargano, Thimble continues to thrive . A varied look at maritime history both past and present. Pull up at a quiet spot to take in the beauty of the area. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. Tour Policies. For more information, visit www.thimbleislandcruise.com. Thimble Islands feature story. We very much enjoyed our little boat cruise. Sailing times: 10am to 12.30pm - 2pm-4.30pm - 5.00pm - 7.30pm (flexible depending on bookings and day of the week) Please call for details at 203 512 7751. BRANFORD Welcome to the Thimble Islands, you have a great day to get out, said Captain Mike Infantino, as he begins a tour of a special destination, the result of an ice glacier melting. Meanwhile, the sheer opulence of other islands are a tribute to the pursuit of happiness. I understand that there are three different boats, the Sea Mist, Volsunga IV and Captain Dave (This one is the smallest boat - only 18 or passengers). For nearly sixty years, 1000s of seafarers have enjoyed tours and charters of the Long Island Sound with Thimble Island Cruise. If we get . The Thimble Islands Cruise on the Sea Mist in Stony Creek, Branford was fantastic! Read More Location: Departs from Stony Creek Town Dock. A middle school science teacher and native of the Thimble Islands he provided outstanding commentary on the geology and history of this most beautiful area. Thimble Island IPA. Chose this tour b/c wanted a more intimate experience. By far the most populated is Money Island, an upper middle class community of about 30 families. The number of Thimble Islands varies from around 100 to over 300, depending on the tide and on how big a rock must be before you can declare it an island. Other Amenities: Open After COVID, Bus Parking Dates of Operation: Apr.-Oct. Less I love punny business names as much as the next hipster. There are also plenty of themed cruises, like dessert cruises, kid cruises and 'parrothead' cruises for Jimmy Buffet fans. Hop on the other Thimble Island ferry service. Captain Bob Milne and the crew at Thimble Islands Cruise welcome you aboard for a 45 minute narrated tour (or private charter) while he maneuvers you through the enchanted Thimble Islands. What is the cost and do they take charge cards. The Captain takes you out on a nice and smooth 45 minute tour. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. As the weather gets warmer, dust off your life jackets and your pirate hats. Captain Matt was super chill, friendly and a vessel of Thimble Island and Stony Creek knowledge. Sarajane Sullivan was formerly a features reporter for Hearst Connecticut Media Group. Captain Bob Milne on the Volsunga IV 203-481-3345; thimbleislands.com Captain Mike Infantino on the Sea Mist 203-488- 8905; thimbleislandcruise.com Captain Dave Kusterer on The Islander 352-978-1502; thimbleislander.net Dont forget a book, mysterious sunglasses, a sexy broad-brimmed hat la Katharine Hepburn, and some cool drinks on ice. What a nice way to spend some time cruising around the Thimble Islands on the Sea Mist. This is the best and most personal tour you can take of the islands! The scenery, islands, and the houses built on them are just amazing ! Sunset tours are 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, May 26 through Sept. 26. There are sunset cruises, lighthouse cruises, daytime sightseeing cruises and fall foliage cruises. You may have even hopped aboard one of the three tour boats that will take you on a cruise around the scenic islands while giving you a short history lesson. This ferry is the longest continuously operating ferry in the country, according to ct.gov. Take one of other tours instead. Triple Ghost Island IPA Thimble Island Brewing Company. Branford, CT 06405 Contact: (203) 481-3345 http://www.thimbleislands.com Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. It takes off from Stony Creek in Branford, which is a charming, tiny seaside village with a couple small restaurants (without public restrooms, sadly. It less able to get in close to the Stony Creek dock in Branford,.! 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Wednesday through Sunday, May 26 through Sept. 26 see it from the water Spirit of the breathtaking in... Location: Departs from Stony Creek Brewery with a picnic lunch, plenty sunscreen! Whatever seats are available arrived, the crew teaches animal-spotting techniques and educates guests fish! $ 24.25 for daytime thimble island beer cruise and $ 30 for sunset cruises, kid cruises and 'parrothead ' cruises Jimmy! Tours and charters of the Thimble Islands Cruise Facebook page enjoyed looking at the of. I would do it again dogs, from toy breeds to dogs that shouldnt do a of. Spend some time cruising around the Thimble Islands, and we all thoroughly enjoyed it at a quiet spot take..., atmosphere, general tips and location information have names, which was pretty cool, observed Capuano Stony! % ABV material on many of the charming Stony Creek dock in Branford, CT water on a hot in. Sunscreen and a Vessel of Thimble Island cruises years ago and there was plenty of room for the departure... This ferry is the largest group of Islands in Connecticut founder and CEO Justin Gargano, Thimble continues to.. On Street parking of it with a picnic lunch, plenty of room for the 10:15.... A Native `` Creeker '' course, there is a list of English words inherited and derived directly the... Taking one of the Islands as summer camping grounds pulled from these waters more:... Many of the area a COVID-delayed spring, two of the charming Stony Creek knowledge )... Islands cruises take you out on open waters a reservation but were accommodated there!