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Connecticut River Cruise & Charter Connecticut River Cruise & Charter Connecticut River Cruise & Charter Connecticut River Cruise & Charter
Cruise the Connecticut River and Long Island Sound in style. The 33-foot vessel Blantyre offers rides to many popular and enjoyable destinations along the river and on Long Island Sound. Enjoy a one-hour harbor cruise, then have lunch or dinner at the Canoe Club's river edge, patio restaurant and bar. Or, take an evening cruise and watch the sun set from the boat's deck. Bring your own dinner aboard or order from the Canoe Club restaurant.
Private charters available to popular islands for picnicking, swimming and the Connecticut River's islands' sandy beaches. River cruises available for small company outings, client entertainment, social outings, and private meetings. Extended private cruises are available to Old Saybrook, Essex, Hamburg Cove, Gildersleeve Island and Dart Island. Overnight cruises available to popular Long Island Sound destinations.
In the fall, enjoy the foliage tours along the river.
Enjoy the serenity, beauty and excitement that the Connecticut River offers. The river is one of the country's National Heritage Rivers and the first nationally designated Blueway River.
Other amenities: Dining Nearby, Parking, Special Packages
Dates of Operation
Other amenities.
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- Guided Group Tours
- Meeting/Event Facilities
- Pet friendly
Departs from Mattabesett Canoe Club at Harbor Park 80 Harbor Dr. Middletown , CT 06457 United States
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RiverQuest - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Train & Boat
About the train.
Essex Steam Train & Riverboat’s 2 1/2-hour train and riverboat or 1 hour train only journeys begins at the historic 1892 Essex Station for a 12-mile, narrated round-trip into the heart of the unspoiled Connecticut River Valley. The steam locomotive pulls vintage coaches through the quintessential New England towns of Deep River and Chester. A natural highlight is the undeveloped Selden Neck State Park, accessible only by boat. Essex Steam Train offers unique access to several coves and preserves, immersing passengers in an on-board eco-excursion. The train travels near the tidal wetlands of Pratt Cove and Chester Creek — bountiful, natural habitats for birds including Cormorants, Ducks, Swans, Greenland Geese, Blue Heron, Egrets, and Red-winged Blackbirds. In February and March, the majestic Bald Eagle is the star of the show when it migrates south to the Connecticut River Valley from Canada and Maine.
2024 Operating Schedule
Please arrive 30 minutes before your departure time and check in at the Essex Station Ticket Window. No tickets will be mailed or emailed. Advance purchase is strongly suggested; walk up ticket purchase availability is not guaranteed. Tickets are non-refundable but can be exchanged for another date/time if done so 48 hours prior to your scheduled excursion. This excursion operates Rain or Shine but the the Company reserves the rights to delay, postpone or cancel the excursion.
About the Riverboat
At Deep River Landing, passengers are escorted onto the Becky Thatcher riverboat for a 1 1/4 – hour cruise along the Connecticut River. The visual serenity of the river valley is on full display from Becky ‘s multiple decks. The deep water, coves, inlets, marshes, wildlife, and rocky shoreline are, all at once, simply breathtaking!
Just as impressive are the historic sites, including Gillette Castle, Goodspeed Opera House and the Haddam Swing Bridge. Upon Becky ‘s return to Deep River Landing, the steam train welcomes passengers for the return trip back to Essex Station.
Train Seating Options
- Flip-back (directional) bench seating with padded bottoms and backs; each seat a window seat
First Class
- Individual plush seats with option to purchase beverages (non-alcohol and alcohol); each seat a window seat
- Limited cushioned bench seating and raised viewing seats. Limited windows
Oct – Fall Foliage Cruises
- You may bring your own individual food and drink, only small coolers that fit under your seat will be allowed.
- Bring your binoculars (there’s a lot to see!).
When the seasons change on the CT River, Fall becomes very colorful! While cruising the river we will take in Mother Nature’s beauty from a unique vantage on the water. We will see resident and migrating wildlife, historical sights and gorgeous views. Bring along a lap snack and beverage if you would like.
All 90 minute Daytime Cruises, all ages: $30pp ($27 Museum Members)
All 2 hour Afternoon Sunset Cruises, all ages: $40pp ($36 Museum Members)
You must buy tickets online using our “BOOK NOW” button. Thank you.
2024 Dates:
October 1 – 30
Check the Calendar for Days and Times.
- These cruises DO SELL OUT. It is required to book online to secure your spot, if you need help please email us at [email protected]
- You are able to bring your own picnic basket or snacks and your favorite “beverage” to enjoy on this special cruise. “Lap” food works best! We ask that you not share food.
- Please, always call ahead to confirm the cruise is going or check our calendar for any changes! Phone: 860-767-8269
- RiverQuest leaves the dock on time! Please check in at the dock at least fifteen minutes before departure.
- NO ON-LINE BOOKING FOR OVER TEN PERSONS. Please email us to discuss if you have more than 10.
- The Captain reserves the right to change the cruise itinerary or cancel a cruise anytime he feels that there may be a weather or safety issue. We want to remind everyone that this is a nature cruise. The weather can change drastically in minutes. There are times when a cruise may be canceled very last minute. We will of course try to give as much notice as possible. Thank your for your understanding.
From Interstate 91, take Exit 22 (CT Route 9 South). Take CT Route 9 South (26 miles) to Exit 3 (Essex) and follow signs to Connecticut River Museum and Essex Historic Waterfront. The Connecticut River Museum at Steamboat Dock is located at the foot of Main Street on the Connecticut River.
From Interstate 95, take Exit 69 (CT Route 9 North). Take CT Route 9 North to Exit 3 (Essex) and follow signs to Connecticut River Museum and Essex Historic Waterfront. The Connecticut River Museum at Steamboat Dock is located at the foot of Main Street on the Connecticut River.
GPS – We have found that if you enter Connecticut River Museum, Essex CT rather than the address, it will bring you to the Museum. 41.3513382,-72.3859617
A great way to plan your trip!
Connecticut River Foliage Cruise
Four hours, available october 8 to october 26.
Enjoy the spectacular fall color and the river's serenity from Blanytre's Deck. Coffee and hot chocolate can be made to your taste onboard. You may order food from the Mattabesett Canoe Club restaurant or bring your own snacks and beverage.
$67.00 per person with 6 passengers. $100 per person with 4 passengers. Four passenger minimum and 6 maximum.
Reservations: 860.559.6745
Foliage Cruise charters may also be scheduled to your favorite destination on your itinerary.
Foliage Cruise schedules may change or cancel due to inclement weather, flooding, charters, and maintenance.
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2024 Winter Wildlife Eagle Cruises on RiverQuest
February 9 @ 10:00 am - march 13 @ 2:00 pm.
Experience the beauty and solitude of the lower Connecticut River during this wonderful time of year! It is so different than it is any other time of the year. There are no other vessels on the water, and with no leaves on the trees, our wildlife viewing is easy and fun.
As the river, lakes and ponds to our north freeze, Eagles and others make their way to the lower CT River for their favorite food – FISH. Join us on this approximately 2 hour “on-the-water” cruise to search for eagles and other winter wildlife. In the past we have spotted up to a record 41 eagles, 3 types of grebes, fox, 3 types of swans, 3 types of mergansers, many different gulls, loons, golden eagle, coyote, deer, many hawk species, 3 types of seals, and even a bobcat. We will have Naturalists on board to narrate and make sure you don’t miss a thing!
RiverQuest has a heated cabin, but we suggest that you dress in warm layers since the best views will be from the open decks. Don’t forget your camera and binoculars! …No binoculars? No worries, we have plenty on board for you to borrow! We will also provide complimentary coffee and tea.
Cruises start Friday February 9th continuing through March 13th. Book online now!
- 10:00am – 12:00pm
- 12:30pm – 2:30pm
Saturdays & Sundays:
- 9:00am – 11:00am
- 11:30am – 1:30pm
- 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Wednesdays, March 6th & 13th
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Related Events
RiverQuest Spring Foliage Sunset Cruise
Mother’s Day Cruises
RiverQuest – Selden Island Hike
PURCHASE TICKETS
67 Main Street Essex, CT 06426 860.767.8269 [email protected] DIRECTIONS
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Connecticut River ferries to resume for season on Friday
T he historic ferries on the Connecticut River are returning to service after high water levels delayed the beginning of the 2024 season.
They were initially supposed to begin running on April 1, but the Chester-Hadlyme Ferry and the Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry will open at 7 a.m. on Friday, April 26.
The services will run daily through Nov. 30.
Both ferries operate on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. and on weekends from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The cost is $5 per vehicle on weekdays for a car, SUV, truck, motorcycle or similar vehicle.
It is $6 per vehicle on weekends. The commuter rate is $3, which requires pre-purchased commuter coupons priced at a book of 20 for $60.
There is a $2 walk-on rate for pedestrians and bicyclists on all days.
“Although we are getting a later start than expected, we are excited to launch the two historic Connecticut River ferries this week. These historic vessels offer some of the most unique modes of transportation anywhere in the country. No matter if someone is driving, walking, or a riding a bike, the ferries offer picturesque views of the river and communities, and are a wonderful way to travel,” Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto said in a statement.
The Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry began service in 1655 and is the oldest continuously operating ferry in America, according to the state Department of Transportation.
They said two horses on treadmills supplied the power to propel the vessel across the river at one time.
Now, the Hollister III is towed back and forth by the Cumberland, a diesel-powered tugboat.
The Chester-Hadlyme Ferry launched in 1769 and the state Department of Transportation began operating the service in 1917.
The Selden III, the vessel that transports the public across the river, is celebrating its 75th year of service this year.
The state Department of Transportation said the Selden III was commissioned by the state of Connecticut in 1941, but because of a shortage of steel due to World War II, it was not built and put into service until 1949.
Connecticut News | Connecticut River ferries set to begin 2024…
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Connecticut news | ct man expected to be charged after one person shot in arm, another in the face with pellet gun, connecticut news, connecticut news | connecticut river ferries set to begin 2024 season after delayed opening.
Connecticut’s two historical ferries are set to launch for the 2024 season, the Connecticut Department of Transportation announced in a release.
The Chester-Hadlyme Ferry and the Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry will open on Friday, April 26 at 7 a.m. Typically, the DOT said, the ferries begin on April 1, but due to the high water levels, this was delayed. The services will run daily through Nov. 30.
According to the release, the Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry is the “oldest continuously operating ferry in America, which began service in 1655. At one time, two horses on treadmills supplied the power to propel the vessel across the river. In 1876, the ferry was modernized to steam driven crafts. Today’s craft is a three-car barge named the Hollister III that is towed back and forth by the Cumberland, a diesel-powered tug boat.”
The Chester-Hadlyme Ferry launched in 1769, and CTDOT began operating the service in 1917. The DOT said this year, the Selden III, the vessel that transports the public across the river, is celebrating its 75th year of service. The Selden III “was commissioned by the state of Connecticut in 1941, but because of a shortage of steel due to World War II, was not built and put into service until 1949. It can carry eight or nine cars and 49 passengers, and thanks to having a propeller and rudder on both ends of the boat, and travels back and forth without needing to turn around.”
Last season, the DOT said, the Chester-Hadylme Ferry and the Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry combined to carry nearly 50,000 passengers and more than 123,000 vehicles.
“Although we are getting a later start than expected, we are excited to launch the two historic Connecticut River ferries this week. These historic vessels offer some of the most unique modes of transportation anywhere in the country. No matter if someone is driving, walking, or a riding a bike, the ferries offer picturesque views of the river and communities, and are a wonderful way to travel,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto in the release. “I look forward to another great season on the Connecticut River with Master Captain Blaise Clemente, Master Captain John Kennedy, and the entire CTDOT ferry crew. I hope the public comes out and enjoys all these services have to offer.”
Both ferries operate on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. and on weekends from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Weather conditions, water levels, or mechanical issues may impact ferry operations, the DOT said, with any closures and delays shared online. Members of the public are encouraged to sign up for alerts on the real-time travel and traffic information website CTroads.com .
For additional information on the ferries, including fares, schedules, and complete history, visit CT.gov/DOT/CTferries .
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Cruises from the CT River Museum in Essex, CT. Up next: April 8: Connecticut River Partial Eclipse Cruise on RiverQuest - SOLD OUT (cancelations do happen, so keep checking) April 20: Earth Day Cruise with Steve Gephart on RiverQuest April 20 - April 28: Eagle/Osprey Cruise on RiverQuest
Connecticut River Cruise & Charter, LLC. Operating from: Saint Clement's Castle & Marina 1931 Portland Cobalt Road Portland, CT 06480 Captain Wheeler(860)559-6745 . The 2024 Cruising Season starts in early May. Call, text, or email to reserve a date for your favorite cruise.
Daytime Cruises on RiverQuest. Come with us on the lower Connecticut River and experience an area that has been labeled by The Nature Conservancy as "One of the Last Great Places". Our cruises are comfortable, relaxing and safe. This is a great cruise for family, relatives from out of town or just to come for river ride.
Guests experience the River's ecology, rich history, and wildlife; including osprey, eagles and more. Enjoy each season's beauty as we cruise February through October. Please call Cathy Malin, Director of Visitor Experience, 860.767.8269, extension 118, for charter information. BOOK NOW LEARN MORE.
Cruise aboard the Becky Thatcher riverboat and delight in the breathtaking scenery of the Connecticut River and historic landmarks including Goodspeed Opera House and Gillette Castle. Or, enjoy the golden hours of sunset aboard a Friday Night Sunset Cruise. Becky Thatcher is also available for private charters. Passengers board the Becky Thatcher riverboat from the Essex Steam Train at Deep ...
Cruise the Connecticut River and Long Island Sound in style. The 33-foot vessel Blantyre offers rides to many popular and enjoyable destinations along the river and on Long Island Sound. Enjoy a one-hour harbor cruise, then have lunch or dinner at the Canoe Club's river edge, patio restaurant and bar. Or, take an evening cruise and watch the sun set from the boat's deck.
Eagles on River Ice by Mark Yuknat; Harbor Seal by educator, Bill Yule. Cruise depart from the dock at The Connecticut River Museum, 67 Main Street, Essex, CT 06426. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to sail time to ensure a smooth boarding process. Please don't trust your GPS when driving to one of our fabulous cruises!
The Boat. RiverQuest is an extremely safe, quiet, intimate 64′ vessel, certified to carry up to 65 passengers. She has been inspected, approved, stability tested and certified by The United States Coast Guard. RiverQuest cruises on the lower Connecticut River. Her one level floorplan makes RiverQuest perfect for Private Charters, Intimate ...
Connecticut River Museum Celebrates 50 Years. 50th Anniversary Celebration October 12, 2023-October 12, 2024 "The most historic property on the Connecticut River.". It all started over a bowl of clam chowder at the Griswold Inn. It was 1972, and Tom Stevens—historian, former director of the […] Learn More.
Book your cruise or sail at the Connecticut River Museum. Onrust is a re-creation of the vessel Adriaen Block built in 1614. RiverQuest is a tour boat that experiences the River's ecology, rich history, and wildlife.
View the scenic lower Connecticut River aboard the friendly, intimate, eco-tour vessel RiverQuest. Light narration provided on local history, flora and fauna and other areas of interest. Other cruises: Sunset/Evening, Foliage, Eagle, Private Charters (company, family, birthday, etc). Leave from Steamboat Dock at the CT River Museum in Essex, CT.
On Sunset Cruises reservations are strongly suggested; it is best to book online to secure your spot. Please, always confirm the cruise is going by checking the ctriverquest.com home page for any changes! or call 860-767-8269 If you are coming with friends or family that booked this cruise on a separate reservation, please let us know via email the reserved names, so you can all sit together ...
Aug/Sep - Tree Swallow Sunset Cruise. For the past 20 years RiverQuest has brought individuals and groups on intimate cruises aboard RiverQuest to a special spot on the Connecticut River where 100's of thousands of Tree Swallows gather. After spending the day miles away, the swallows return each night to sleep in the reeds.
Hamburg Cove. $180. $270. $515. 2.0 hour scenic cruise to serene Hamburg Cove North. The cove is a popular stop over for yachts touring our beautiful Connecticut River. Pick up a mooring for 1-1.5 hours, onboard lunch/snacks, enjoy the cove's calm waters, spectacular scenery and great friends. Return late pm.
Cruises Aboard Onrust. The Connecticut River Museum hosts the Onrust, a re-creation of the vessel Adriaen Block built in 1614.Onrust is available for public cruises and private charters.. Built over several years in upstate New York using traditional plans and means, the Onrust is a wholly unique ship that serves to educate and entertain visitors curious about the age of exploration, the fur ...
About the Riverboat. At Deep River Landing, passengers are escorted onto the Becky Thatcher riverboat for a 1 1/4 - hour cruise along the Connecticut River. The visual serenity of the river valley is on full display from Becky's multiple decks.The deep water, coves, inlets, marshes, wildlife, and rocky shoreline are, all at once, simply breathtaking!
ADVENTURE CHARTERSon the Connecticut River. Adventure is a beautifully restored classic riverboat available for your next. corporate event, family gathering, intimate wedding, rehearsal dinner, shower or party! Book your cruise on Adventure today! Dates available for the 2023 summer and fall seasons. sailing from Deep River, CT.
Feb/Mar - Winter Wildlife Eagle Cruises. Apr - Spring Osprey / Eagle Cruise. Apr - Celebrate Earth Day. May - Mother's Day Cruise. May - Spring Foliage Sunset Cruise. May - Selden Island Hike. May - Memorial Weekend Sunset Cruises. Jun - Shanties & Sails onboard Onrust. Jun - Father's Day Cruise.
RiverQuest Osprey/Eagle Cruise. April 20 @ 8:00 am - April 28 @ 5:00 pm. Saturday, April 20. Sunday, April 21. Wednesday, April 24. Saturday, April 27. Sunday, April 28. RiverQuest departs from the Connecticut River Museum for early spring cruises. Ticket holders enjoy the river and its wildlife from the water, as well as the museum and special ...
From Interstate 95, take Exit 69 (CT Route 9 North). Take CT Route 9 North to Exit 3 (Essex) and follow signs to Connecticut River Museum and Essex Historic Waterfront. The Connecticut River Museum at Steamboat Dock is located at the foot of Main Street on the Connecticut River. GPS - We have found that if you enter Connecticut River Museum ...
Slipaway River Tours offers boat tours on the Connecticut River, with different destinations and private charter options. Learn more and book your tour online.
The Fall Foliage Cruises will meander down river for 2 hours and reach the East Haddam Swing Bridge and beyond and then return to the Mattabesett Canoe Club. You may also choose to meander North to the Rocky Hill Ferry park with a quick stop at Ferry Landing and then return down river to the Canoe Club. Foliage Cruise charters may also be ...
2024 Winter Wildlife Eagle Cruises on RiverQuest. February 9 @ 10:00 am - March 13 @ 2:00 pm. $45.00. Experience the beauty and solitude of the lower Connecticut River during this wonderful time of year! It is so different than it is any other time of the year. There are no other vessels on the water, and with no leaves on the trees, our ...
The historic ferries on the Connecticut River are returning to service after high water levels delayed the beginning of the 2024 season. They were initially supposed to begin running on April 1 ...
Connecticut's two historical ferries are set to launch for the 2024 season, the Connecticut Department of Transportation announced in a release. The Chester-Hadlyme Ferry and the Rocky Hill ...
Connecticut River Ferries Return for 2024 Season. With spring underway, the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is excited to share that Connecticut's two historical ferries are set to launch for the 2024 season. The Chester-Hadlyme Ferry and the Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry will open on Friday, April 26 at 7 a.m.