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Closed until May 10, 2025
Portsmouth Harbor Cruises
Portsmouth Harbor Cruises
4.5
Temporarily closedClosed until May 10, 2025
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Discover the Piscataqua's Heritage on Portsmouth's Original Harbor Cruise. Join us aboard the Heritage for an intimate cruise through the Seacoast's most picturesque waterways. Operating May through October.
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Portsmouth Harbor Cruises
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
310 reviews
Excellent
220
Very good
79
Average
7
Poor
2
Terrible
2
Toni C.
Hopewell Junction, NY199 contributions
Sep 2020 • Family
This was a last minute decision and was a really good one.
Parking: There is no parking on Ceres street where the cruise leaves from. Parking there is for Oar House Restaurant only. You must park elsewhere. There is a Garage on Hanover street for 2.00 an hour. Park as close as you can to Market in that garage and walk down to Market, then make a left. You will see a set of stairs down to Ceres Street. Boat dock is behind the Oar Street seating deck.
Cruise: The trip itself is wonderful. Boat is on the smaller side than what we took on the Hudson Cruise where we live, but still a very cool boat and well maintained, clean and pretty. Whoever narrates the cruise ... Captain maybe, has a very soothing voice. I wasn't a fan of the choice in music, but I don't like Steely Dan type music. Just my taste though. Some of the other music was okay and soothing.
Sights: You will see some awesome and pretty sights like a submarine yard and lighthouses, sailboats and older structures. You will take a brief turn on the Atlantic too. They have different cruises all through the day so choose the one that's right for you. Sunset cruise was pretty but we went in September and it got colder towards the end. The woman who check you in is super nice and helpful. Go, you won't be dissapponted. The price was extremely reasonable for this 1.5 hour informative little jaunt.
Parking: There is no parking on Ceres street where the cruise leaves from. Parking there is for Oar House Restaurant only. You must park elsewhere. There is a Garage on Hanover street for 2.00 an hour. Park as close as you can to Market in that garage and walk down to Market, then make a left. You will see a set of stairs down to Ceres Street. Boat dock is behind the Oar Street seating deck.
Cruise: The trip itself is wonderful. Boat is on the smaller side than what we took on the Hudson Cruise where we live, but still a very cool boat and well maintained, clean and pretty. Whoever narrates the cruise ... Captain maybe, has a very soothing voice. I wasn't a fan of the choice in music, but I don't like Steely Dan type music. Just my taste though. Some of the other music was okay and soothing.
Sights: You will see some awesome and pretty sights like a submarine yard and lighthouses, sailboats and older structures. You will take a brief turn on the Atlantic too. They have different cruises all through the day so choose the one that's right for you. Sunset cruise was pretty but we went in September and it got colder towards the end. The woman who check you in is super nice and helpful. Go, you won't be dissapponted. The price was extremely reasonable for this 1.5 hour informative little jaunt.
Written September 24, 2020
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.
Linda M
1 contribution
Dec 2020 • Family
Mannyyyy moons ago Walter and company hosted our wedding aboard the m/v Heritage. It was magical and perfect! A lovely mid August evening, with a handful of family (13 total guests -by choice, they can hold around 50 I think), we leisurely motored out of the harbor towards Odiorne Point while enjoying his lovely wife’s (Julie?) delicious catering. As the sun was beginning to fade and the atmosphere and happy marriage “gods” were pairing the sky in gorgeous hues of pink, blues and orange, Captain Walter asked if we’d like to exchange our vows. We gathered at the bow, and around a lovely local flower arrangement perched upon the bow, with our family standing and a few elders sitting on the bench, we made our promises to love each other, to cherish, honor and all that jazz for all time. It truly could not have been more special, magical or perfect. Everyone, including my mom, who generally hated weddings, absolutely loved ours. As did we. Thank you Walter, Julie and company for the truly beautiful and more than special setting for our wedding. Absolutely one of a kind & more than magically awesome. 💖👰♀️👨⚖️💖🛥💖🙏🏻🌊💖
Written November 11, 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.
Bob B
Groveland, MA7 contributions
Aug 2022
My wife and I took the harbor cruise and thoroughly enjoyed it. Plenty of room on the boat to move around. Captain Eric was great at narrating the tour and providing insight to the history of the area. Planning to take one of the upstream river tours in the fall.
Written August 25, 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.
Thank you for the review! The inland river fall tours are beautiful and so relaxing, we will see you then!
Written August 25, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
CTMans
Ridgefield, CT1,464 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Sailed on Inland River / Fall Foliage cruise in October. Leaves were turning somewhat, but we were before peak in foliage color. Did not matter because we cruised on a lovely fall day. River was very calm. Saw plenty of wildlife including deer, bald eagles, herons, and other sea birds. Captain did a great job narrating the history of the rivers, telling us about various business and homes, etc. Time went by very quickly. Don't worry about which side of the boat to be on as you will be on the opposite side upon return but do get on board early to choose whether you are at front or rear or inside v. outside on the boat. Nice folks run this place, too.
Written October 11, 2023
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.
Titamargs
Falmouth, MA110 contributions
May 2021
Enjoyed taking the narrated tour (not so much info on the sunset cruise) as it touched on the ecology of the river as well as the history. Leaving from downtown , (next to 3 beautiful tugboats), you fist pause to spot submarines in the shipyard, learn its history as one of the 2 most important yards in WW-II. Tuck into several coves off the harbor to check out the former estates of several historic personages. Snap a pic as we pause in front of each lighthouse and forts as well as spotting the cribs that anchored the massive submarine net that protected the harbor during WW-II. Pass out into the Atlantic to round the back of Castle island and return.
Written May 15, 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.
COGuest
Colorado637 contributions
Aug 2024 • Friends
First time doing this in Portsmouth. Bought tix in advance, which is a good idea. Great views of the water, sunset, all the attractions we pased. Didn't use the bar, snack bar or the restrooms, so no idea about that. Would recommend for adults; there were a number of folks who had been drinking quite a bit on our crusie and it was loud and on the edge of inappropriate behavior in public. If you get seasick, this is not for you (but why would you ever sign up, if you do??) Suggest a sweatshirt or jacket, as the seabreeze can be brisk in the evening. (Felt good) I found the movement of the boat pleasant and relaxing. The whole area looks so different from the water than from in town!! A good addition to your visit to Portsmouth. Would do it again.
Written September 2, 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.
Thank you for the review, it sounds like a great time was had by all, glad you loved this cruise as much as we do! Good suggestion regarding the extra layer in the evenings; for a super calm cruise, try our inland fall foliage cruises!
Written September 18, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
True NewEnglandah 74
3 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
My teenaged nephew and I rode the Utopia to opening day of the Wood Island Life Saving Station Museum Tour. It was a relaxing, spectacular ride and tour through the beautiful Harbor, past the lighthouses, and onto Wood Island and its museum. Exploring the Life Saving Station was breathtaking, impressive, and awe-inspiring for us. Viewing the restorations done to the Life Saving Station, and the incorporation of original elements was deeply impressive. The exhibits brought appreciation and education about this historical building to life for me. This trip was in the top 2 highlights of my summer! The Portsmouth Harbor Cruises staff both on the boat and on land were awesome and friendly, they gave us plenty of time to explore the museum and island, answered questions, joked around, and had water and beverages available, too. It was my nephew's first time seeing Portsmouth Harbor by boat and it was a wonderful experience to share together. I would give this experience a 10-Star if possible!
Written August 10, 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.
We could not have said it better! The Wood Island Life Saving Station Museum is incredible for sure! We are so honored to be the first cruise company to bring passengers out to tour the museum and the island. This summer is just the beginning, stay tuned for more trips, events and excitement to come! Thank you for this review TrueNewEnglandah74 :)
Written August 16, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Larry Z
San Diego, CA47 contributions
Jul 2021
Took the Harbor Cruise around Portsmouth and we loved it. Took the 2pm tour which was perfect, not too hot or cold. Beware if the fog rolls in (which it did while we were there) as the later cruises may not be worthwhile. The captain was very informative and we saw all the pertinent sights within the harbor including the bridges, the Navy shipyard, very picturesque harbors, several lighthouses. The tour lasts about 1 1/2 hours. Everyone was very helpful and customer service oriented. And the price was very reasonable. Highly recommend this cruise while you are in the area.
Written July 22, 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.
What a great review, thank you!
Written August 20, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
T-Grip
Plymouth, MA168 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
We enjoyed the 6:00 P.M. Sunset Cruise even though we didn’t see the sunset. The narrated, ninety minute cruise of Portsmouth Harbor was very interesting. The cruise was sold out, but it didn’t seem crowded. A full bar is available on board. The captain didn’t talk constantly, which is nice, but he did point out all the things we should see and shared a bit of the harbor’s history.
Written August 30, 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.
We aim to please and are glad we did! Thank you for the review!
Written August 31, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
siddy666
Montreal, Canada372 contributions
Sep 2024 • Family
So glad I did this cruise; it gave a fresh perspective on the Portsmouth area; On the 1h30min trip you will see a variety of interesting sites (e.g. two lighthouses, pass under at least two bridges, famous houses, an old jail, birds, and if you're lucky a harbor seal or two).
Onboard commentary was great/audible and the boat itself was fine.
Cruise price was reasonable (given today's rates)
The only unfortunate bit is that they don't have onsite parking; prepare to spend some time looking for parking elsewhere prior to you trip
Onboard commentary was great/audible and the boat itself was fine.
Cruise price was reasonable (given today's rates)
The only unfortunate bit is that they don't have onsite parking; prepare to spend some time looking for parking elsewhere prior to you trip
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.
nelsoncarey1
Pueblo, Colorado
how long is the cruise, how much does it cost, and i need a phonr number
Written July 8, 2018
Hello,
Cruises range from 1 hour to 2 1/5 hours and cost between $15 and $25. Please visit our website for more information.
Written July 10, 2018
The tour is about a hour and 25 min long and it was under $20 per person.
Written July 9, 2018
Is there a restroom on board since drinks are served?
Written January 22, 2018
2017 Times & Rates(all below I copied from their website- Enjoy worth the $)
Spring Dates – May 13 to June 9
Mon.
Tues.
Wed.
Thurs.
Fri.
Sat.
Sun.
12:00
Harbor Cruise
3:00
Harbor Cruise
Summer Dates – June 10 to Sept. 10
Mon.
Tues.
Wed.
Thurs.
Fri.
Sat.
Sun.
10:00
Harbor Cruise
12:00
Harbor
Isles of Shoals
Harbor Cruise
1:30
Harbor Cruise
3:00
Harbor Cruise
4:30
Harbor Cruise
5:45
Evening Cruise
7:00
Sunset Cruise
8:30
Lights Cruise
Fall Dates – Sept. 11 to Oct. 29
Mon.
Tues.
Wed.
Thurs.
Fri.
Sat.
Sun.
10:00
Harbor Cruise
12:00
Inland Rivers Cruise
3:00
Harbor Cruise
Rates
Adult
Child
Senior/Military
Harbor Cruise
$19.00
$14.00
$17.00
Isles of Shoals
$25.00
$18.00
$22.00
Inland Rivers Cruise
$25.00
$18.00
$22.00
Evening
$15.00
$11.00
$13.00
Sunset
Lights
$18.00
$14.00
$16.00
Written March 24, 2017
Do any of these cruises go past boon island lighthouse?
Written August 9, 2016
The cruises out of Maine do cover this lighthouse. Go on the internet and put in Maine cruises and several options will come up. Check out each website and try to find the times and days each goes on specific cruises. They do not all do all cruises each day.
Written August 11, 2016
do you allow small well behaved dogs to ride with the family?
Written August 6, 2016
have heard that they do not allow dogs but I have no first hand knowledge of this. I recommend you call them. Their number is on their website.
Written August 8, 2016
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.