Can I hop off at any stop and reboard later?

Yes, your ticket allows you to hop on and off at any designated stop throughout the day.

Are tickets refundable or transferable?

Tickets are generally non-refundable but can be transferred if you contact the company in advance.

Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the vessel is wheelchair accessible, but please notify the company when booking for assistance.

Are food and drinks available on board?

Snacks and beverages may be available, but we recommend bringing your own to ensure you stay refreshed.

How long is each hop-on, hop-off cruise route?

The full route takes about 2 hours, but you can customize your day by hopping off and on at various stops.

Are pets allowed on the cruise?

Pets are generally not permitted except for service animals, so please confirm when booking.

Hop-On, Hop-Off Harbor Cruise on Thames River, Connecticut

Discover the charm of the Thames River with the Hop-On, Hop-Off Harbor Cruise offered by Thames River Heritage Park, an exceptional way to explore Connecticut’s rich maritime heritage. This unique cruise lets you board and disembark at over 20 heritage sites in New London and Groton, allowing you to explore at your own pace. What truly makes this experience unforgettable is the live performance by Craig Edwards, who brings the sea’s history alive with authentic whaling songs and sea chanteys, providing a captivating soundtrack as you take in stunning river views. Whether you want to stroll the historic docks, visit museums, or simply enjoy the fresh air and water vistas, the flexibility to hop off and back on at your leisure ensures a personalized adventure. Perfect for families, history enthusiasts, and anyone drawn to nautical culture, this cruise promises a day filled with exploration, music, and scenic beauty along one of America’s iconic waterways.

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.