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All 39 Portsmouth Attractions »

Isles of Shoals

Portsmouth, NH
Ranked #6 of 24 attractions in Portsmouth
4.5 of 5 stars 22 Reviews
Type: Islands
Description: Nine isolated, barren islands off the coast of New Hampshire.
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22 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
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Date Rating
Epping, New Hampshire, United States
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed April 26, 2012

We took a great cruise here...there's a lot of history. Desolate, wind-swept.... good retreat center here. More

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See 3 more reviews by MegRS for Portsmouth
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 23, 2012

Truly a magical experience from the minute we boarded the boat until we got back, The island is full of history , nature, good people, food, creativity and growth.. A true escape from the chaos of the mainland. More

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Portsmouth
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 17, 2012

This is an interesting island and so beautiful. The Conference Center holds wonderful conferences in the summer. And we went out for a day trip. You can hike around the island which is relatively small with lovely views. Bring a picnic and enjoy! More

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Durham, NH
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 8, 2012

The last of New England's real history. Worth the trip, but tread lightly please, this is a fragile environment. More

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Boston
Top Contributor
88 reviews 88 reviews
Reviews in 39 cities Reviews in 39 cities
49 helpful votes 49 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed March 22, 2012

I sailed there from Boston! 10 hours; so it was an overnight. Superbe traverse. The island is nice, the water around it is plagued with Lobster traps. But the sceneries are gorgeous. There is an old hotel with a souvenir shop.. Fun to hike around for 10-20 minutes and take pictures. The place is quiet and relaxing. An early morning... More

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Exeter, New Hampshire
Senior Contributor
30 reviews 30 reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 19, 2012

On a clear day, this is a great place to sail out to, walk the island and see the history ! More

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See 15 more reviews by Hilary53 for Portsmouth
Portsmouth, NH
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed March 18, 2012

Very informative, great sailing. Bring your own food. Bring warmer clothes since it's cool on the water. Take this on a sunny day! More

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See 7 more reviews by ComGen for Portsmouth
Newmarket, New Hampshire
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 17, 2012
1
person found this review helpful

This is a trip that everyone whether you live locally or are on vacation you should take in.The awesome boat ride from Portsmouth to the Isles is interesting with great commentary from the tour director on the boat to the amazing scenerary on the way out to the Shoals.The Isles themselves are totally a great take and if possible take... More

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See 6 more reviews by bayfields15 for Portsmouth
Durham, New Hampshire
Contributor
18 reviews 18 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 12, 2012

If you get get the boat out it is an amazing place More

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See 11 more reviews by littlebay279 for Portsmouth
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Top Contributor
59 reviews 59 reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
16 helpful votes 16 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed January 18, 2012
1
person found this review helpful

Beautiful scenery on these remote little islands. A commercial boat will take you from either Portsmouth or Rye Harbour. It's fun to hear the amazing history of the place -especially the famous murder mystery that took place in the 1800s. The hotel on Star Island is lovely and worth looking into. It's owned by the Unitarian Church who sponsors week-long... More

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See 12 more reviews by NHSusie for Portsmouth

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