Can I hop on and off the boat at any location?

Yes, the cruise allows flexibility to hop on and off at over 20 heritage sites throughout New London and Groton.

Are there restrooms available on the boat?

Yes, the navy utility boat is equipped with onboard restroom facilities for your convenience.

Is this activity family-friendly?

Absolutely! The cruise offers engaging live music and an easy pace, perfect for families with children.

Are tickets refundable or exchangeable?

Tickets are subject to the company’s cancellation and refund policy; please check directly with Thames River Heritage Park for details.

Can I bring food or drinks on the boat?

Outside food and beverages are generally not allowed, but check for any exceptions or on-board options available.

What happens in case of bad weather?

In poor weather conditions, cruises may be canceled or rescheduled for safety; customers will be notified in advance.

Hop-On, Hop-Off Harbor Cruise at Fort Trumbull, New London

Experience a unique and engaging harbor cruise with Thames River Heritage Park in New London, Connecticut. This Hop-On, Hop-Off Harbor Cruise invites you to explore the rich maritime history of the area aboard a comfortable navy utility boat. As you cruise the scenic Thames River, enjoy live performances by Craig Edwards, who brings to life traditional whaling songs and sea chanteys that echo the region’s deep nautical roots. With the freedom to hop on and off throughout the day, you can explore over 20 heritage sites in both New London and Groton at your own pace. The cruise offers an ideal blend of history, music, and stunning waterfront views, making it perfect for families, history buffs, and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you want to visit historic Fort Trumbull or stroll vibrant waterfront neighborhoods, this flexible cruise provides a charming way to discover southern New England’s coastal culture while enjoying fresh air and gentle ocean breezes.

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.