Sailing Through History: Unforgettable Boat Trips Portsmouth Harbor, NH

Many people agree that a Portsmouth Harbor Boat Tours a in New Hampshire are a wonderful adventure that combines history, recreation, and natural beauty. It is an appealing spot for first time visitors, repeat travelers, and locals to explore.

There are a variety of Portsmouth boat trips and private charter for visitors to explore the New Hampshire Seacoast’s coastline and waterways. Whether you’re interested in a nautical adventure, viewing wildlife, or learning about the history of this coastal town – it is best explored by boat!

Read moreBest Barns and Family Farms in Southern New Hampshire

Types of Boat Cruises

• Private Charters and Narrated Cruises
•  Fall Foliage Cruises 
• Party Cruises
• Sunset Cruises
• Interactive/Educational Cruises

Boat Trips – Portsmouth

The most popular cruise company, Portsmouth Harbor Cruises, is constantly ranked high by reviewers. Their tremendous service and reasonable ticket price makes visitors come back multiple years in a row. 

Their cruises are casual, informative, and sometimes amusing. They offer a relaxed atmosphere with opportunities to celebrate special occasions. 

Phone: (603) 436-8084

Captains share interesting facts about:

• Birdlife in inland waterways
• Lighthouse Photography
• Folklore of the Isles of Shoals
• Local History of Portsmouth
• Shipbuilding history of Portsmouth Harbor
• Tides of the Piscataqua River

 Fall foliage cruises 

A fall foliage cruise offers a unique opportunity to experience the vibrant autumn colors from the water. 

• Scenic Views: Passengers can enjoy stunning views of New England’s fall foliage along the Piscataqua River and into Great Bay.
• Narrated Experience: Many cruises include narration that provides historical context about the area, including insights into landmarks like the Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse.
• Wildlife Sightings: Cruises often provide opportunities to spot birdlife of the inland waterways, enhancing the natural experience of the autumn scenery

Fall is also a great time to take the family to a farm. Read about some great options located as close as 20 miles away! Check out our blog post for more information about some great New Hampshire Farms.

Party Cruises- that rock the boat!

The Isles of Shoals Steamship Company has the best party ship. Designed for adults (21+) to enjoy any type of special event. From company outings to rehearsal dinners, the Isles of Shoals Steamship Company can make your private trips into memorable celebratory parties. 

• Can accommodate up to 49 passengers for private charters, making it suitable for various group sizes
• Customizable options including music, narration, and catering for private events
• Cash bars and catering available

Sunset Cruises

A popular choice among tourists, these boat tours offer breathtaking views of the sunset over the harbor, along with the illuminated sights of Portsmouth as night falls. This picturesque setting makes for a romantic or relaxing evening on the water.

• Sunset cruises typically last about 1.5 hours.
• Full service bar for purchasing a cocktail or local beer.
• Cruises are lightly narrated, providing interesting insights without overwhelming guests with information
• Family friendly

In my opinion, the best option for a great time in any travel experience is one that you can learn something or try something new. We like to think of ourselves as “road scholars”. Including an educational component in our blog posts creates and opportunity to inspire other travelers to become road scholars. So we recommend this option when considering a Portsmouth Harbor tour. 

Interactive/Educational Experience

While primarily focused on educational experiences, guests can participate in sailing activities aboard a traditional gundalow with the Gundalow Company. This unique experience can also serve as a fun group outing or celebration on the Piscataqua River. 

What we love

• Active Participation: Passengers are encouraged to actively participate in sailing the gundalow. This includes tasks such as raising the sails, steering the vessel, and learning about navigation techniques.
• Educational Focus: The sailing experience is designed to be educational, with a strong emphasis on the maritime heritage of the Piscataqua region. Participants learn about the history and significance of gundalows, which were historically used for transporting goods in shallow waters.
• Interactive Learning Stations: During the cruise, there are various learning stations set up where participants can engage in hands-on activities. These include plankton tows where passengers can collect and examine samples of marine life, knot tying and navigational techniques related to sailing.

Sail Through History

After a morning out on the water, spend the afternoon exploring these naval ships and some historic forts. The Portsmouth Historic Dockyard showcases over 500 years of naval history.

Major Naval Attractions:

• HMS Victory: The flagship of Vice-Admiral Lord Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar.
• HMS Warrior: The first iron-hulled warship, launched in 1860.
• The Mary Rose Museum: Home to the remains of Henry VIII’s warship and thousands of Tudor artifacts.
• HMS M.33: A surviving ship from the First World War.
• National Museum of the Royal Navy: Features extensive collections and exhibitions related to naval history.

Major Historic Forts

• Major Historic Forts
• Fort William and Mary (later Fort Constitution)
• Fort Washington
• Fort McClary
• Fort Stark
• Fort Foster

Portsmouth Harbor Boat Tours and Cruises in NH provide an excellent way to experience the rich maritime history, natural beauty, and unique perspectives of the New Hampshire Seacoast. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these cruises offer memorable experiences for the whole family.