1hr and 45min | Private Charter (up to 6 people) | $300 | BYO
Bring a picnic and a small group for a private 1hr45 river cruise from Mystic Seaport Museum aboard ENCORE—captain included, cooler provided, life jackets for all. Perfect for sunsets, birding, or a relaxed celebration on the Mystic River.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–2 hours
Fitness Level
Minimal fitness required; ability to step on and off the boat is necessary
Wildlife
History
Mystic's waterfront and the Mystic Seaport Museum chronicle the region's 19th-century shipbuilding and seafaring history, which still shapes local culture.
Conservation
Stay on board and avoid disturbing nesting birds; the estuary supports sensitive eelgrass beds and shorebird habitat that benefit from low-impact boating.
Mystic Yacht Charter
1hr and 45min | Private Charter (up to 6 people) | $300 | BYO
Mystic Yacht Charter is a Stonington, Connecticut-based private charter operator offering curated boat experiences on the Mystic River and Fishers Island Sound.
The fleet features a range of classic and well-appointed vessels tailored to private groups. Offerings include the Mystic Seaport Express: a private 60-minute evening cruise departing from the dock behind S&P Oyster Restaurant, designed for quiet, scenic outings and picnics. The CORSAIR, a classic 1963 Rybovich Sportfisher, is available for a 2 hour 45 minute evening cruise with a stylish salon and for a customizable 6-hour full day cruise that includes comfortable seating and a full kitchen. ESCORT is a classic wooden boat that runs a 2 hour 45 minute river cruise; ESCORT carries a captain at the helm and accommodates up to five guests for relaxed excursions.
Trips are sold as private charters that allow guests to bring their own food or pick up takeout for onboard dining. The variety of durations and vessels makes Mystic Yacht Charter suitable for special occasions, intimate gatherings, or leisurely sightseeing on local waters. The company emphasizes classic boats, private experiences, and local departures from Mystic-area docks, providing straightforward options for visitors and residents seeking a guided, private time on the river.
Trip Durations
60–360 min
Short evening to full-day cruises
Location
Stonington, CT
Departing from Mystic-area docks
Private Charters
Private Cruises
Bring food or get takeout
Classic Fleet
1963 Rybovich
Classic sportfisher and wooden boat
Choose an evening, multi-hour, or full-day charter aboard classic vessels — book a private cruise that matches the occasion.
Reserve early
Private charters fill quickly on summer weekends—book in advance and note children under 12 so correct life jackets are available.
Dress in layers
It’s often cooler and breezier on the river than on land; bring a light wind layer even on warm days.
Pack a tide-friendly picnic
Bring food that handles motion and store it in the provided cooler or your own soft cooler for easy access.
Sun and glare protection
Sunglasses and sunscreen are must-haves for open-deck photography and midday cruising.
Layered jacket
Blocks wind and keeps you comfortable on the river, where temperatures drop a few degrees.
Sunglasses and sunscreen
Protects against reflected glare off the water and prolonged sun exposure.
summer
Camera or smartphone with waterproof case
Captures wildlife, waterfront scenes, and sunset light from the deck.
Small soft-sided cooler or picnic blanket
Keeps food organized and prevents scratches to the boat’s seating surfaces.