Saturday Boat Tours to Thacher Island 2022

Boat transportation to Thacher Island off the coast of the charming seacoast village of Rockport, Massachusetts. Explore the Cape Ann Light Station Lighthouses listed on the National Historic Register. The Thacher Island Twin Lights were established in 1771 then replaced by the granite structures of today in 1861. Climb the South Tower for awesome views of Cape Ann. Fabulous up close bird watching. Tickets are required in advance.

Tickets

Tickets are required at least 24 hours in advance and are only available on this site.

Members of the Thacher Island Association receive free boat tickets to either island, so become a member before buying tickets by going to thacherisland.org/join-us Membership link

Membership choices are:

• Life ($500) members get 4 tickets each season

• Patron ($150) members get 6 tickets per season

• Family ($60) members get 4 tickets per season

• Individual ($30) members get 2 tickets per season

To order tickets, click "Select a Date" to choose a specific date and time. Next click "Get Tickets" and you are almost on the boat! Scroll all the way down on the ticket menu to choose the correct ticket type.

If the time you selected is full, you can choose another time or a different date. Please make sure you have the correct date of your trip before you select Check Out.

Note: Trips may be cancelled due to rough seas. Any trips cancelled by Thacher Island Association will be refunded.

FAQs

Covid Precautions: Vaccines are no longer required but are strongly recommended. Masks are not required but recommended when in the enclosed buildings.

Trip ticket info

Each person, including children, MUST have their own ticket with their name on it. The name on the ticket must match the passenger who is attending.

Print the ticket or use your cell phone to show the captain your ticket. He will check that your ticket matched the name on the boat manifest.

Before booking tickets be sure you have each of your passenger’s contact info (Cell phone, Email and home zip code).

Minimum age for event

Minimum age is 3 years. Under 12 years of age require an Adult Sponsor, maximum 5 per sponsor, who travel with them to the island.

Departure Location

Launches leave from the Rockport Granite Pier, at the end of Wharf Road. Address for GPS and driving directions: 16 Wharf Road, Rockport, MA. 01966. Map

Parking

Park on the upper level of Rockport Granite Pier. Drop off and departure dock are at the far end on the lower level. Use the staircase from the upper level to the lower level, on the right side, at the end of parking area.

Parking for non-residents is $6.00, payment by cash or check only. Parking is free for Rockport residents.

Park in the upper lot on the right side only. At the red parking shack either pay the attendant or leave your fee in a designated envelope.

Before boarding, passengers will be asked to confirm they paid the fee (if required) and their vehicle is parked on the right side of the upper lot. Vehicles parked incorrectly may receive a parking ticket.

Important contact information (cell phone, email & home zip code)

In the event boat trips are cancelled for rough seas and weather, this is the only way to notify passengers. Cancellations typically occur within 24 hours of departure. Cell phone, Email and home zip code must be provided for each passenger.

Why must I create an account on Eventbrite to order tickets?

Additional security is important for events which require credit card information. Unless you sign out, Eventbrite will recognize you when you return to the website.

Thacher Island Association Waiver of Liability

A condition of being a passenger on the TIA launch and visiting Thacher or Straitsmouth Island, is agreement with and acceptance of the Thacher Island Association Waiver of Liability. The text of which is available on the website (ThacherIsland.org). You must click yes to the waiver to purchase a ticket.

What should I bring to the event?

• Ticket (printed or on your cell phone) with passenger’s name.

• Drinking water, mask, sunscreen, jacket and bug spray.

• Sensible shoes to climb the tower and walk trails.

• A hat or umbrella is recommended as this is an active bird nesting location.

• A great place for picnicking, bird watching and picture taking.

• The islands are off-limits to visitor's pets.

Services available on the island

There is a composting toilet and picnic tables. No food or beverages are available for purchase on the island. Island merchandise can be purchased on the island.

Is the ticket a round trip ticket and how long is the overall experience?

Your ticket is round trip. Time on the island is 1 1/2 hours, overall experience with travel time is about 2 1/2 hours. Life jackets are provided and must be worn on the boat.

How can I contact the organizer with any questions?

For questions and special needs, call 617-599-2590 daily from 9AM to 5PM. Leave your name and phone number and your call will be returned.

What is the refund policy?

If the trip is cancelled by Thacher Island Association (TIA) due to rough seas or any reason, those tickets will be refunded in full including Service Fees. If cancelled by TIA, the 7 day refund policy is waived for tickets for that trip. Cancellations are typically within 24 hours of departure, so watch email or listen for a phone call.

If a ticket is cancelled less than 7 days before departure, the ticket will not be refunded. Tickets will be refunded, less the Service Fee, only if cancelled more than 7 days before departure date.

Be considerate of other travelers and cancel Member Benefit (free) tickets so the seat is available to others. Ticket cancellations (for free tickets) within 7 days of departure will be charged a $5 launch fee

How to cancel any ticket (free or purchased)

Go to the Eventbrite web site on your ticket confirmation by clicking "View and Manage" your order. (You will need to log in to your Eventbrite account.) Service Fees on purchased tickets will not be refunded unless trip is cancelled by TIA.

Can I update my registration information?

Yes, log into the Eventbrite site and click on "View and Manage" your order. Verify all passenger names are correct and on an individual ticket.

Please make sure the emergency contact/phone number is current plus your email is correct and is one you check frequently. This is the only way to contact you if there is a trip cancellation which would occur within 24 hours of departure time.

Is my registration fee or ticket transferable?

NO, you may not transfer your tickets to another party and you may not transfer your tickets to a different event.

Host or Publisher Thacher Island Association