Cross Sound Ferry Lighthouse Tours
See 8 lighthouses, 2 forts and maybe even a submarine from the deck of Cross Sound Ferry’s comfortable, high-speed SeaJet. Lighthouses include several of Long Island’s prettiest, including the Coffepot Lighthouse and Plum Island Light. Tour takes about two hours.
A smooth-sailing catamaran capable of cruising at speeds in excess of 30 knots (35 mph), the SeaJet is equipped with modern airline-style seating on two enclosed air-conditioned passenger decks with a spacious outdoor viewing deck as you listen to an expert narrator. Snacks and beverages are available on board.
The oldest lighthouse in Connecticut, the original New London Harbor Light helped guide colonial privateers who sought shelter up the Thames River during the American Revolution.
A French Second Empire structure architecturally unique for a lighthouse, the Ledge Light is unusual for another reason – it’s reportedly haunted by the ghost of an early keeper!
The last lighthouse in the state built as an official navigational aid, it wasn’t lighted until over a year after its 1943 completion due to concerns about possible Nazi attack during WWII.
During Prohibition, the keeper of the North Dumpling Lighthouse was accused of signaling to liquor smugglers. Today, its owned by the inventor of the Segway Human Transporter.
Many ships had been lost on Race Rock Reef before Congress decided to erect Rack Rock Lighthouse. Built on a ledge where fast currents and conflicting seas are the norm, the foundations alone took seven years to build.
Taken by the British in the War of 1812 and destroyed by the hurricane of 1815, Little Gull Island Lighthouse has had a colorful past. The tower that stands today dates from 1868.
Also known as the Coffee Pot Lighthouse, the cast-iron clad and brick lined Orient Point Lighthouse was marked for demolition by the Coast Guard in 1970, but was saved by public outcry.
Plum Island was the site of the first battle between British and colonial troops during the Revolutionary War, and is today the home of the highly secure Plum Island Animal Disease Center of New York.
See Fort Trumbull and Fort Griswold, both compromised during the Revolutionary War by turncoat Benedict Arnold.
General Dynamics’ Electric Boat Division, where the first nuclear powered submarine was built, is located in New London Harbor. You may see a sub under repair, under construction, or even underway!
We’ll pass ruins of a former military fort used for target practice in WWII, and Plum Island, longtime home to the Dept. of Homeland
Security’s Plum Island Animal Disease Center laboratory.
By the way, if you’re traveling from Long Island, there’s a special deal: complimentary connections are provided between Orient Point, LI and New London when you take the 10 a.m. or 10:15 a.m. SEA JET or the 10 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. auto ferry departures (when available) from Orient Point, and you return to Orient Point on the ferry at 3 p.m. or later that same day. Just show your Lighthouse Cruise confirmation at the Orient Point ticket office to receive your complimentary ferry tickets.
Details:
Through September 10: Wed., Thurs., Sat. & Sun.
September 12 — November 1: Wed., Sat. & Sun.
All cruises depart at 12:30pm.
Tours are approx. 2 hours.
New London ferry docks:
2 Ferry Street, New London, CT.
$28 adult
$14 Child (ages 2-11)
Under 2 Free.