Take a scenic ferry ride from Stony Creek to Mother-in-Law Island in Branford, Connecticut. Enjoy breathtaking water views and peaceful island exploration on this short, private outdoor adventure.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
15-20 minutes ferry ride plus flexible island exploration time
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels as walking on the island is moderate and optional.
Wildlife
History
Mother-in-Law Island is part of the Thimble Islands, a group of small islands with a rich maritime history dating back to early colonial times, originally used for farming and summer retreats.
Conservation
Efforts are in place to protect the delicate ecosystem of the Thimble Islands, including limits on visitor impact and ongoing shoreline preservation projects.
Thimble Islands Ferry Service
Take a scenic ferry ride from Stony Creek to Mother-in-Law Island in Branford, Connecticut. Enjoy breathtaking water views and peaceful island exploration on this short, private outdoor adventure.
Thimble Islands Ferry Service is a ferry operator based in Branford, Connecticut, providing regular short crossings between Stony Creek and multiple Thimble Islands destinations. The service runs scheduled trips that connect Stony Creek with islands and docks including Cut-in-Two West, Pot Island Community Dock, Greyrock, East Crib, Pot Island Carter's Point, Little Pumpkin, Pot Island Pfeiffer Dock, Money Island, Davis Island, and Mother-in-Law Island.
Typical crossings between Stony Creek and each island last approximately 15–20 minutes, offering passengers opportunities to enjoy coastal views and short island visits. Tickets for all trips are issued electronically and are sent to passengers via email as part of the booking confirmation.
The ferry service focuses on point-to-point transport around the Thimble Islands archipelago and supports island access for residents and visitors traveling to community docks and private landings. Routes operate from Stony Creek, a neighborhood in Branford, Connecticut, that serves as the primary mainland departure point.
Schedules, availability, and specific departure docks may vary; passengers should consult current timetables when planning travel. Safety procedures, boarding instructions, and luggage or pet policies are provided at the time of booking or by contacting the operator directly. The operator lists each trip with its departure and arrival points, enabling clear selection at booking.
Thimble Islands Ferry Service provides straightforward island ferry connections, concise crossing durations, and emailed ticket delivery for travelers exploring the Thimble Islands from Branford. Booking details, departure times, specific docking instructions, and ticket notifications are provided during booking and on official schedules online directly.
Routes Offered
10 routes
Multiple island connections from Stony Creek
Trip Duration
15–20 min
Short island crossings
Emailed Tickets
Email delivery
Tickets sent to confirmation email
Departure Point
Stony Creek
Branford, Connecticut mainland
Select a Stony Creek route, confirm tickets by email, and plan a 15–20 minute crossing to the Thimble Islands.
Arrive Early for Optimal Seating
Arriving at the dock a bit early ensures you get a preferred spot on the ferry with unobstructed views.
Wear Comfortable Footwear
The island has uneven natural trails, so sturdy and comfortable shoes are recommended for exploring.
Bring Weather-Appropriate Layers
Temperatures on the water can vary, so dress in layers to stay comfortable during the ferry ride and island walk.
Protect Your Camera Gear
Water spray and salty air near the ferry can affect electronics, so bring protective cases or covers for cameras and smartphones.
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Supports safe exploration of uneven island paths.
Layered Clothing
Adjusts to changing temperatures during the ferry ride and on the island.
spring
Sunscreen
Protects skin from strong sun exposure on the open water and island.
summer
Waterproof Phone/Camera Case
Guards electronics from water spray and salt air during the ferry trip.