Thompson Island
Thompson Island
4.5
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734 within 6 miles
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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.
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4.5
12 reviews
Excellent
10
Very good
1
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0
Poor
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ReallyGoodNews
6 contributions
Jul 2016 • Friends
Sheer perfection for our Boston Beach Wedding! I am glad to see that Thompson Island the no longer Best Kept Secret in Boston. It is an absolutely amazing place to have your wedding reception or event!!! In prep, I visited everywhere from Cape Ann to Cape Cod. Many in my party have worked in meeting planning at exclusive hotels & resorts all over the world, but this private island is really an extraordinary & sparkling treasure... hidden in just a 15 minute boat trip from Long Wharf. This was the most serene and gorgeous setting: the food and staff were utterly fantastic (really large & fresh lobsters for everyone!), the venue was incomparable and truly special. No other island in Boston Harbor has the effervescent atmosphere and shimmering ambiance that Thompson Island does. We've been there and seen those. Take a preview trip out and you will see it is world's above and away.
My guests came from everywhere and they are still talking about how magical our wedding reception was at this unique setting, and how they are so happy that they made the flights to Boston. Most of all, we managed to surprise even those who have lived in the Boston area for generations (but none had ever been here) by this adventurous reception; they were blown away by the exceptional and singular beauty of this place and the whole experience of it. Thompson Island has lush, old growth trees and many other special gems that the other island venues do not have: a beautiful campus to stroll which feels like an olde New England village, a dedicated, seasoned and professional special event staff and miles of private beach & coastline.
I cannot describe accurately just how exciting, glamorous, charming, captivating and sublimely enchanting our wedding reception was thanks to the Thompson Island staff and Boston Harbor Cruises. We have glorious memories and photos, but I don't think anyone who was there will ever forget this amazing day & evening!
"Party with a conscience" is their event motto & it feels good too -- your event supports their worthy youth center through their Outward Bound programs! They have a brand new events pavilion, it's just perfect. I hope you will love it as much as we do. TI you will always have a special place in our hearts!
My guests came from everywhere and they are still talking about how magical our wedding reception was at this unique setting, and how they are so happy that they made the flights to Boston. Most of all, we managed to surprise even those who have lived in the Boston area for generations (but none had ever been here) by this adventurous reception; they were blown away by the exceptional and singular beauty of this place and the whole experience of it. Thompson Island has lush, old growth trees and many other special gems that the other island venues do not have: a beautiful campus to stroll which feels like an olde New England village, a dedicated, seasoned and professional special event staff and miles of private beach & coastline.
I cannot describe accurately just how exciting, glamorous, charming, captivating and sublimely enchanting our wedding reception was thanks to the Thompson Island staff and Boston Harbor Cruises. We have glorious memories and photos, but I don't think anyone who was there will ever forget this amazing day & evening!
"Party with a conscience" is their event motto & it feels good too -- your event supports their worthy youth center through their Outward Bound programs! They have a brand new events pavilion, it's just perfect. I hope you will love it as much as we do. TI you will always have a special place in our hearts!
Written May 11, 2017
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.
Patrick H
Cohoes, NY169 contributions
Aug 2014 • Business
Companies cant rent out the island and its a great spot for activities and team building. Tons of space and the island staff is great.
Written August 11, 2014
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.
602paull602
Danvers, MA1 contribution
Jul 2013 • Family
Thompson Island Outward Bound Education Center not only provides programs for thousands of young people every year, they also have an event center that provides for an amazing wedding venue!
I was married on July 4th on Thompson Island and could not have been more happy! The staff was amazing. Denise, the Event Manager made sure every detail was taken care of. Richie the chef did an amazing job, and all of the other event and hospitality staff, including the boat captain and deckhand, were so accommodating and professional.
The venue itself, is amazingly beautiful. A 200 acre island wilderness with breathtaking views of Boston. The guests at the wedding were completely blown away and have been gushing about every aspect of the island and its operation.
Thanks so much Thompson Island Outward Bound Education Center staff, you are wonderful!
I was married on July 4th on Thompson Island and could not have been more happy! The staff was amazing. Denise, the Event Manager made sure every detail was taken care of. Richie the chef did an amazing job, and all of the other event and hospitality staff, including the boat captain and deckhand, were so accommodating and professional.
The venue itself, is amazingly beautiful. A 200 acre island wilderness with breathtaking views of Boston. The guests at the wedding were completely blown away and have been gushing about every aspect of the island and its operation.
Thanks so much Thompson Island Outward Bound Education Center staff, you are wonderful!
Written July 6, 2013
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.
Travelin2Anywhere
Acton, MA165 contributions
Nice spot for large group. We lucked out with a beautiful day. The event was catered and food was great. An activity company also kept busy those who wanted to be.
Written August 31, 2014
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.
kappy26
Boston, MA1,093 contributions
Sep 2018 • Friends
This is a Boston Harbor Island really close to South Boston. A very nice place to go by ferry.I think they have Outward Bound Events there too. Do go if in Boston for a while.
Written March 13, 2019
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.
Patrick
3 contributions
Aug 2018 • Couples
Better than a destination wedding: My wife and I had our wedding ceremony and reception on Thompson Island and we cannot say enough great things about this place. We had some mosquito problems earlier in the day when taking pictures in some of the more remote locations on the island, but once we got to the coastline for the ceremony and reception, the mosquitos were nowhere to be found. The view is amazing, especially during the sunset and after dark when the city lights up. The photographers loved having so many great options for taking pictures. The dancefloor is oversized compared to other venues we have seen, so you don't have to worry about being cramped once the party gets started. From top to bottom, the service was great! Denise was our point of contact throughout the process, which began more than a year prior. She was there throughout the day and made sure everything went smooth. I did not interact with the bartenders at all during the wedding (everyone made sure the bride and groom had their drinks) but they received some positive feedback from our guests. Throughout the whole process (Saturday and Sunday) the staff was consistently picking up people and dropping them off on the golf carts. The wedding party had a lot of luggage, and it was all taken care of behind the scenes. We just showed up and enjoyed ourselves. We had two guests in wheelchairs that stayed on the island, each having great things to say about the staff and how well they were catered to throughout. The campfire on the beach after the ceremony allowed us to talk to many of the guests that we could only briefly speak with earlier, and let us keep the party going until late.
We can honestly say that the wedding went as perfect as we had hoped, and the success is largely due to the amazing venue and great service from the Thompson Island staff. We feel like part of the Thompson Island family now, and we intend to hop on the public ferry and visit the island in the future, perhaps on our anniversary! This place really stands out and the guests really enjoyed the whole experience.
We can honestly say that the wedding went as perfect as we had hoped, and the success is largely due to the amazing venue and great service from the Thompson Island staff. We feel like part of the Thompson Island family now, and we intend to hop on the public ferry and visit the island in the future, perhaps on our anniversary! This place really stands out and the guests really enjoyed the whole experience.
Written August 31, 2018
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.
James W
Guelph, Canada449 contributions
Jun 2018 • Business
We held our company picnic on the Island recently and it was an amazing experience. From start to finish everyone had an incredible time. Volley ball, baseball and other games kept everyone busy, with plenty of snacks and drinks before an appetizing dinner. All around an amazing day and something I hope we do again.
Written June 29, 2018
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.
djpboston
Arlington, MA35 contributions
Jul 2016 • Business
We had our small company outing here today. As usual, very relaxing and really good food. A short 30 minute ride from Long Wharf past Logan Airport, South Boston and some other of the Boston Harbor Islands.
It's quiet out there, only the entertainment you bring with you....lawn games available and some sporting equipment but mostly just a relaxing place mid summer for out group.
I bet it's a great place to camp when permitted.
It's quiet out there, only the entertainment you bring with you....lawn games available and some sporting equipment but mostly just a relaxing place mid summer for out group.
I bet it's a great place to camp when permitted.
Written July 26, 2016
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.
László R
Canton of Lucerne, Switzerland288 contributions
May 2023 • Business
Great place for a corporate retreat, to be out of town, enjoy the nature and the view. Plenty of opportunities for activities and sports, but also good for semi-outdoor presentations.
The only downside is that the last boat leaves at 4:30 pm, unless you stay overnight on the island.
The only downside is that the last boat leaves at 4:30 pm, unless you stay overnight on the island.
Written May 23, 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.
bostondiver2016
Boston, MA66 contributions
Jul 2018 • Business
Been on this island with coworkers for guided nature walks. The island is large enough to be entertaining but not too large where walking around it will seem to never end.
Very relaxing, while learning about the history or the island and its flora and fauna.
Very relaxing, while learning about the history or the island and its flora and fauna.
Written October 3, 2018
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.
Is there swimming on Thompson (including "swim at your own risk")? I know there is swimming on Spectacle, Lovells, and Bumpkin and that swimming on Georges is prohibited. I can't find any evidence saying whether or not swimming is allowed on Thompson.
Written August 29, 2016
I don't know for sure but there are no signs that I recall.
Written August 30, 2016
I head it quite expensive for one person entrance free and only collect when you leave the island, is that true?
Written May 16, 2016
Are there any good hotels on the island itself?
Written February 9, 2015
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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.
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