Where do we meet for the tour?

The tour departs from Thames River Landing in Groton; check-in requires arriving 15 minutes early and may involve a short walk to the dock.

Is there a restroom on board?

No. There is no onboard bathroom—please use facilities prior to boarding.

Are children allowed and how are they priced?

Yes; ticketing lists Adults (18+) $35, Children (4–17) $5, and Infants (0–3) ride free.

Can I bring food and drink?

Yes—snacks and non-glass beverages are allowed; glass containers are prohibited for safety.

What is the cancellation or refund policy?

Cancellation details are not listed on the booking page; contact the provider at (860) 407-5655 for specific policies.

Is the cruise accessible for people with limited mobility?

Accessibility varies by landing; because some sites require a short walk, contact the operator at (860) 407-5655 to discuss specific needs.

Defending the Harbor 1776: New London Historic Boat Tour with Matthew Reardon

Defending the Harbor - 1776 is a special-topic boat tour on the Thames River that departs from Thames River Landing in Groton, Connecticut, and traces the approach to New London’s harbor and its historic forts. Led by local historian Matthew Reardon, this 75-minute cruise reconstructs the military geography of 1776–1781, explaining fort layouts, supply routes, and the actions that culminated in the 1781 Raid on New London. The scene is straightforward: salt-marsh edges, working piers, and low-lying fortifications sitting close to the waterline, all of which made this harbor strategically important during the Revolution. Passengers glide past Forts and defensive works while the guide points out anchorages, shoreline batteries, and the small islands that influenced naval movement. Natural elements—tidal currents of the Thames River estuary and stands of coastal grasses—are part of the story; they shaped how sailors and soldiers maneuvered. Bring binoculars for closer looks at masonry scars, historic markers, and the modern maritime traffic that still threads these channels. This tour is notable because 100% of ticket profits benefit the Thames River Heritage Park Foundation, supporting more than twenty heritage sites and programs across the estuary. It also runs as a limited, once-in-season event—this edition sails on Sunday, September 6, 2026—so it’s an opportunity to hear focused scholarship from a local expert and directly support preservation work. Ticketing is straightforward: Adults $35, Children (4–17) $5, Infants free. Expect a short walk to the dock at check-in and arrive fifteen minutes early; there is no onboard bathroom, and glass containers are prohibited. The cruise strikes a balance between accessible storytelling and close observation—history without heavy reading, ideal for families, history buffs, and local explorers. It’s also an excellent companion outing to nearby institutions listed in the Ride & Save program: Custom House Maritime Museum, Lyman Allyn Art Museum, and other New London and Groton businesses that offer discounts to ticket holders. For practical questions and last-minute checks, contact the provider at (860) 407-5655. Whether you’re visiting New London or live within earshot of the river, this short voyage connects past and present and makes a focused piece of Revolutionary history feel immediate and local. Beyond the narrative, the operator treats the cruise as a civic partnership: ticket proceeds fund conservation projects, interpretive signage, and programming across New London. That community tie makes the tour a moving classroom and fundraiser rather than a sightseeing run. The seasonal small-scale format keeps groups intimate so you leave feeling like an invited guest rather than a number. If you plan a longer visit, pair the cruise with local stops in the Ride & Save program to build an itinerary that supports New London businesses and meaningfully extends your visit around the harbor today.

About Thames River Heritage Park

Thames River Heritage Park is a New London, Connecticut organization that preserves and interprets the history, culture, and natural resources of the Thames River estuary. The organization offers a curated series of guided 75-minute boat tours and talks that connect passengers with regional stories, including maritime history, Indigenous heritage, African American experiences, Gilded Age estates, Revolutionary War events, and local folklore. Tours feature collaborations with recognized local experts and institutions: UConn faculty, members of the Mohegan Tribe, Connecticut Sea Grant scientists, historians from the New London County Historical Society, and local authors. Many programs explicitly support area heritage sites and nonprofit partners through ticket revenue.

Departing from locations such as Fort Trumbull State Park, the tours navigate landmarks like Pine Island, Bushy Point, Bluff Point, and riverbanks that witnessed significant historical events. The schedule includes specialized programs — for example, guided conversations about emancipation and abolition; profiles of notable women of the Thames; natural-history excursions; a haunted-harbor ghost tour; and focused narratives on Benedict Arnold’s 1781 burning of New London. Most offerings emphasize education, community engagement, and place-based interpretation tailored to adults, families, and history enthusiasts.

Thames River Heritage Park emphasizes transparent partnerships, local scholarship, and stewardship of the river corridor. Tickets and public programs make regional history accessible while reinvesting in heritage organizations. Visitors can expect knowledgeable narration, close river access to shoreline sites, and an opportunity to support ongoing preservation and interpretation of New London’s maritime landscape. Seasonal schedules vary; check the foundation calendar for details and updates.