Family Day Trip: Submarines, Sun Fish & Mackrel - Oh My!

Isles of Shoals Steamship Company
Touring & Transportation to Star Island

What an amazing day! We decided to take a family trip to the Isles of Shoals, outside of Portsmouth, New Hampshire – there was so much to see and enjoy as a family, we are already planning a trip back!

We traveled to the island in style aboard the M/V Thomas Laighton.

The Isles of Shoals Steamship Company is located at 315 Market Street – easy to find and park, the helpful attendants got us settled and after a quick check-in at the boat house, we were boarding!

TIP – Tickets are best purchased online (here) – many of the trips will sell out in advance and also include groups – so plan ahead. Tickets range in price based on the trip you take, from harbor tours to walking tours and evening events. Children under 3 are free. Children and adult tickets range from $18 – $42 depending on the trip/tour/event.

The ship offers deck views, a beautiful indoor seating area, snack bar and bathrooms, of course!
TIP – Visit their site for some FAQs. The galley menu includes hot dogs, pretzels and more. Here were the specials the day we attended.

Snacks & Scenery!

TIP – Pack a picnic – we brought sandwiches and a few snacks- keep in mind though coolers are not allowed and neither are glass or alcoholic beverages.

The tour of the harbor was beautifully narrated – providing history and highlights through out the trip.

While on board we saw several Submarines, Coast Guard vessels and an ocean Sun Fish!

Ocean Sun Fish near lobster buoy

The rolling green of Star Island welcomed us and we had one and a half hours to tour the island – it flew by!
We could have stayed all day – there is a small marked area for swimming – although we didn’t, there was so much too see! Our tour was led by our son – the only one of us who had been to Star Island before!

TIP – You make the call – what ever works best for your family – You can stay with the tour guide for the full experience or go explore/relax on your own.

TIP – If you are going to walk around the island and explore – wear appropriate shoes – flip flops are not for the rocky areas or even some of the paths.

Our first stop was the Rutledge Marine Laboratory – which has salt water touch tanks, and viewing tanks – including: lobsters, sea anemones, crabs galore and even Mackerel! This was a great hands on experience for all of us!