Offshore Adventures

Get out on the water! No matter your age, summer means water and that feeling that only cool water under a summer sun can bring. Connecticut boasts more than 300 miles of coastline waiting to be explored. A day on Long Island Sound or on one of our many rivers can give you a different perspective of our state. With a vast array of boating options—including private yacht rentals, river cruises and sailboats—residents and visitors to Connecticut have multiple options to choose from when exploring the coast.

RIVER CRUISES & BOAT RENTALS

Argia Mystic Cruises

This mahogany and white oak framed boat takes guests on a relaxing two-hour trip exploring Mystic waterways. Guests can appreciate the view and see the islands and lighthouses during the ride. There are multiple sail times throughout the day to fit any traveler’s itinerary. Available for private charter, too. argiamystic.com.

Connecticut River Cruise & Charter

The Connecticut River Cruise offers a variety of tours with destinations to all five of the Connecticut River islands. Additional services include dining at fine riverside restaurants in Middletown, Haddam and Essex. ctrivercruise.com.

Historic Mystic Harbor Tours

On the Mystic Harbor Tours, guests can take a 40-minute scenic, narrated tour through the calmest part of the Mystic River. The route

atthew R . D ougherty architect, llc

passes the homes on “Captain’s Row,” the Mystic Bascule Bridge and the tall ships of Mystic, ultimately leading to the Mystic Seaport Museum. Entry to the museum is also included within the experience. mysticharbortours.com.

Norwalk Seaport Association

The Seaport’s popular Sunset Cruise slowly cruises through outer Norwalk Harbor as the captain’s mate tells stories of merchants and sailors that have used this waterway for centuries. Learn how Native Americans and English settlers enjoyed the bounty of Long Island Sound and how captains of industry used this area to develop trade routes that went as far as the West Indies. The narrative gives a new understanding of Norwalk historically and also reflects the importance of this scenic harbor today. Other tours include a threehour round trip with a one-hour stop at Sheffield Island to hunt for shells or picnic and observe wildlife in their natural habitat in the McKinney National Wildlife Refuge. seaport.org.

Pedal Cruise Sip, cheer and chill on the water on Stamford’s only pedalpowered party boat operated on Stamford Harbor and out into Long Island Sound for groups of up to 26 people. This relaxing 90-minute excursion on a custom-crafted boat fits 26 guests at 12 pedaling stations and benches, a bar table, coolers, Bluetooth stereo and it even has a bathroom. Tours also operate from Milford. pedalcruise.com/stamford-ct/.

RiverQuest Cruises

The 64-foot eco-tour boat takes guests through Connecticut River’s ecology, history and wildlife. Departing from the Connecticut

River Museum in Essex, guests will enjoy what the Nature Conservancy labels as “One of the Last Great Places in the Northern Hemisphere.” ctriverquest.com.

SAILING Joyride Charters

This women-owned and -operated charter offers sailing on Long Island Sound leaving from Westbrook. Afternoon and sunset sails are approximately 2.5 hours. The boat, Pure Joy, has a galley for meal preparation. Sailing lessons are available during the charter. joyridecharters.com.

Marine Pro Sailing

Join Stu Reininger as he takes guests on his 35-foot ocean cruising cutter called Tall Tales. The motto is “if it ain’t fun, don’t do it,” which is why they offer flexibility in the number of people, foods, beverages and pets allowed on board. marinepro.net.

Poet’s Lounge Sailing Charters

The Poet’s Lounge offers two charters. Whether it is on the Ericson 39-foot, which sails through Mystic River or the Jeanneau 47-foot that departs out of New London, guests can enjoy breathtaking views and rich history or a moonlight cruise along the Mystic coastline. sailpoetslounge.com.

—DJ Carey

BY DARREN HENAULT