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Thimble Islands

Thimble Islands

Thimble Islands
4.5
About
Take a boat tour around this stunning archipelago off the Connecticut coast. You’ll learn about the area’s history and spot picturesque houses and plenty of marine life along the way. Tours last about 45 minutes and are best enjoyed on sunny days, as the water spray can be somewhat chilly. Alternatively, rent a kayak and paddle all the way to Outer Island, which is home to a wildlife refuge. Here, you’ll get to walk along the rocky shore and have a picnic in the woods. Visit the Thimble Islands in the summer to watch sailing races every weekend. – Tripadvisor
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  • NadineG222
    57 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Best tour in Branford
    A must do tour in Branford. The tour is 90 minutes in very calm water around the Thimble islands. Our captain, Justin, did a great job explaining the history of the islands, some inhabited, some not, all very unique. It is such an enjoyable tour for tourists as well as locals hosting friends and family.
    Visited June 2024
    Traveled with friends
    Written June 7, 2024
  • Marcia F
    90 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Awesome!
    This trip was -as everyone says- a fun way to spend 45 minutes. One person in our party was actually from Ct and had never heard about the Thimble Islands. The tour was very informative and we immediately looked up the properties on Zillow when we got back to check the facts—all 100% accurate. This is a “must do” if you enjoy boat tours and history.
    Visited June 2024
    Traveled with friends
    Written June 15, 2024
  • suzied58
    Bristol, Connecticut16 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very enjoyable cruise
    Really enjoyed this cruise around the Thimble Islands. The captain/narrator was very pleasant and knowledgeable and kept on schedule. The boat was clean; staff was great and the rum punch was delicious! Highly recommend this cruise.
    Visited June 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written June 17, 2024
  • anita f
    Bramfield, United Kingdom100 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A must if you are visiting.
    Went whilst visiting my daughter who lives locally. She has been on this boat before for a work event. I loved it all. Found the speaker very informative and amusing. We could buy drinks on board at reasonable prices. Wasn’t overcrowded. A lovely trip out for a great price. Well done.
    Visited June 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written July 1, 2024
  • 50StatesQuest
    56 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Tales of the Isles
    Listen to the history and lore of these hidden gems, the Thimble Islands. The ship's charasmatic captain shares all the details. Bring your own snacks and beverages for a picnic on the deck. If you forget your refreshments, the ships mate will supply.
    Visited July 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written July 12, 2024
  • Global479228
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A Fun Day!
    We went as a group of four. We purchased tickets in advance for a later cruise however were able to get the earlier slot when we arrived ahead of schedule . There was little room available on the upper deck, so chose to stay inside. We had a BLAST! We had the whole place to ourselves and were able to make noise and not inconvenience others. The tour guide was great with the explanations of each and every island. Kudos to the whole crew!!! Thanks for a great and memorable trip !
    Visited July 2024
    Traveled with friends
    Written July 26, 2024
  • Christina B
    Louisiana6,965 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Loved this Tour
    My husband and I took the tour the 4:15 tour. Easy to find if you put the address in your GPS. We were lucky and had no issues parking close. All you need is you QR code send for them to scan you in as you go to board. Loved looking at all the islands & houses. Some aww simple while others are elaborate. Some you can rent as well. 2 islands have a nice little community. Overall we loved seeing & hearing about the islands. Looks like a nice little town as well. Highly recommend!!
    Visited July 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written July 27, 2024
  • Nancy O
    Ridgefield, Connecticut24 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Love Thimble Islands!
    We recently took a cruise around the Thimble Islands with the Sea Mist. It was informative, fun and well organized. The young men working on the boat were excellent with assisting older folks entering and exiting the boat to ensure their safety.
    Visited July 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written July 30, 2024
  • Wendy C
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Island "Getaway"
    This cruise is a great way to visit the Thimble Islands. The views are amazing, as well as the stories about all of the real estate. The Captain and crew were friendly and courteous. We felt like we were on a mini vacation on a hot and humid summer Friday!
    Visited August 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written August 4, 2024
  • Sarah A
    New Haven, Connecticut1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Seeing the Connecticut Shoreline
    My husband and I have been on this cruise twice. The first time was in early summer, 2022, and in the rain. That was ok, because, we were shielded from the rain by staying on the lower level of the craft. Then, we took family from out of town on the cruise in early August, 2024. It was a sunny, hot, and cloudless day, which is better for viewing. The cruise is delightful and entertaining. As the boat meanders around the islands, the cruise' s skipper, host and narrator explains a bit about the history of the small islands and the houses and structures that sit on top of them. a Definately, a must see when on the Connecticut shoreline.
    Visited August 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written August 5, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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4.5 of 5 bubbles386 reviews
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dizidezi
Farmingdale, New York444 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2021 • Friends
What a wonderful cruise we had on the M/V Islander with Captain Matt. Captain Matt grew up on the Island and continues to live there today. His knowledge about the Islands was very interesting. We learned so much about them. No year round living, only Memorial Day - Labor Day. Most homes have no water or electricity. Captain Matt said it was wonderful to grow up there and experience life on the Island. The cruise is under an hour and his boat holds 14 passengers. It’s a smaller cruise and for us that made the experience more enjoyable. Prices are so reasonable, $13.00 for seniors you pay cash at the end. If you’re in the area don’t miss this interesting and beautiful cruise.
Written July 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

pinkcadillac123
Clinton, CT58 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2022
This is a wonderful cruise whether you live in Connecticut or are visiting the Connecticut shoreline. I had booked a tour as my husband's Father's Day gift. It was pouring rain on the day of our Thimble Island tour, but all passengers were dry because of the ample seating inside the boat. There is even a bar, if you want an alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink. Our Captain was wonderful and very knowledgeable about the history of the Islands and about the houses on each of the Islands. Rain or shine, I recommend going on this trip. It is a fun 45 minute activity for all ages.
Written June 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Mary M
1 contribution
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2024 • Friends
On Saturday, August 26 at 3:15 PM we took off for our cruise. This is the second cruise I booked for 4 seniors this summer on the Sea Mist. I am very disappointed with both excisions on your cruise. I will address this past Saturdays cruise first. We were 4 seniors, we arrived early and waited in line. We wanted to sit on the upper deck but there was no room. We had to sit below where I almost threw up because of the diesel exhaust fumes that were constant on this voyage. When we left the boat all 4 of us complained about headaches from the fumes. There was a table fo 5, adults, seated drinking alcohol and partying very loudly on this lower deck. The speaker was directly above our heads but because of the noise we were unable to hear the narration. I asked the young lad that was taking drink orders to please let us know if at least one of us, myself who was the most sickened from the exhaust fumes) to check the upper deck and see if I, or we, could move up there because of the exhaust and noise. He said that he would check and stop back, however, he never acknowledged us and seemed to avoid us on his trips to the bar. One suggestion would be for you to find a way to have people be able to book an upper deck seat, charge more, we’d pay, or a lower deck seat. You need to tell your customers about the awful exhaust fumes. Perhaps if a group ends up on the lower deck they should be told about the fumes and offered a refund or a trip on the next cruise!

Our first trip on 7/17 was also in the afternoon and there were fewer passengers so we were able to sit on the upper deck and that worked out well. However, the captain on that voyage was getting sick and the young lad taking drink orders had to find him an inhaler. Our narration that day was also very limited due to the captain not feeling well.

We also had two cruises this summer on the SMALL BOAT with Matt. The narration on both those cruises was very funny, informative with lots of history and mysterious happenings etc. I understand that Matt grew up and spends summers on the island so he is more knowledgeable however, your captains and the Sea Mist’s environment needs get improvement. I would have booked Matt.s boat for the 2 cruises I had with Sea Mist but I was too late in booking for this past Saturday for a party of 4 and The previous trip the small boat did not run on Wednesdays.

I live on the shoreline and we have many summer visitors that we take every year to see the Thimble Islands and I will never use the Sea Mist again. I will plan ahead better so that the Small Boat is available. I hope you can make some changes to accommodate seniors in the future.

I am a very unhappy customer,
Written August 26, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Snowiz
3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2022 • Friends
Had a wonderful tour of the islands. It was an absolutely beautiful ride. The tour guide was knowledgeable about the history of the islands and made the boat ride even more interesting. They also have a bar on the boat, we didn't even have to get up
the bartender came around the boat and delivered our drinks. I would recommend this experience to anyone The only downside is that parking is limited. Get there early.
Written July 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sarah A
New Haven, CT1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2024 • Family
My husband and I have been on this cruise twice. The first time was in early summer, 2022, and in the rain. That was ok, because, we were shielded from the rain by staying on the lower level of the craft. Then, we took family from out of town on the cruise in early August, 2024. It was a sunny, hot, and cloudless day, which is better for viewing. The cruise is delightful and entertaining. As the boat meanders around the islands, the cruise' s skipper, host and narrator explains a bit about the history of the small islands and the houses and structures that sit on top of them. a Definately, a must see when on the Connecticut shoreline.
Written August 5, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

jamie g
3 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2024 • Friends
Be warned that if you don't get a seat upstairs, your views and the audio are seriously compromised. We couldn't hear a word the narrator said through the tinny downstairs speaker with the throb of the engine. And the seats face inwards, so it's hard to see.
Written July 4, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Julie D
Providence Forge, VA4 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2024 • Family
Fun, relaxing little tour. The ride was smooth and comfortable despite the cold wind, with huge windows to give us a great view from the lower, more protected deck. The narration from the captain was fact-filled and funny; he grew up in the area and camped regularly on one of the islands as a boy. My husband tried the eponymous IPA, and really liked it. We saw lots of pretty and historic houses on the tiny islands and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Definitely recommend this. Come a bit early if you’re hankering for an upstairs seat on the open deck: it’s first come, first serve, and the seats go fast. But be prepared for the possibility of cold, brisk wind! I wore my warm jacket and hood the whole time, even though it was sunny and we were on the lower deck.
Written October 14, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Kathy M
Greensboro, NC32 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2022 • Family
This was a fun trip. The captain tells you all about the incredible homes on the islands and the history around some of the islands. Some of the little kids on the boat (5 and under) got a little bored about halfway through, but older kids and the adults seemed to enjoy it.
Written August 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Global479228
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2024 • Friends
We went as a group of four. We purchased tickets in advance for a later cruise however were able to get the earlier slot when we arrived ahead of schedule . There was little room available on the upper deck, so chose to stay inside. We had a BLAST! We had the whole place to ourselves and were able to make noise and not inconvenience others. The tour guide was great with the explanations of each and every island. Kudos to the whole crew!!! Thanks for a great and memorable trip !
Written July 26, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

David W
2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2022
Outstanding tour. Many thanks to the Captain and crew of the Sea Mist for wonderful trip. I was lucky enough to be the first passenger for the summer season. I would definitely recommend a Thimble Islands Tour for anyone staying on the CT shoreline. To elaborate onthe questions below:Tours last 45 mins but they start boarding 15 mins before departure. There are park benches near the dock where I guess you could picnic if you wanted to (beverages available on board). Definitely a great idea for a group event. While I'm sure the staff is family friendly, the Sea Mist is relatively small and young children may feel a little cooped up. Couples might want invest in an evening tour or a charter. Located a short drive from I-95 Exit 56. Best to see website for specific info on pricing, departure times, special events, directions etc.
Written May 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Thimble Islands - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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