Adventure Brief
Ride the nation’s oldest ferry across the scenic Connecticut River and enjoy guided tours every Thursday. Discover history, nature, and local charm with Slipaway River Tours.
30–60 minutes
easy
Family Friendly
No Experience Required
Ride the nation’s oldest ferry across the scenic Connecticut River and enjoy guided tours every Thursday. Discover history, nature, and local charm with Slipaway River Tours.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
30–60 minutes
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; minimal physical effort is required as this is a guided ferry tour.
Wildlife
History
The Rocky Hill-Glastonbury ferry has been operating since 1655, making it the oldest continuously running ferry service in the United States.
Conservation
Efforts are in place to protect the Connecticut River’s ecosystem, with Slipaway River Tours promoting sustainable practices like reduced waste and respectful wildlife viewing.
Slipaway River Tours
Ride the nation’s oldest ferry across the scenic Connecticut River and enjoy guided tours every Thursday. Discover history, nature, and local charm with Slipaway River Tours.
Slipaway River Tours operates in Wethersfield, Connecticut, offering guided boat experiences on the Connecticut River that focus on local history, scenery, and family-friendly recreation. Founded to connect residents and visitors with the region’s maritime heritage, Slipaway River Tours runs regular public tours at Rocky Hill – Ferry Park (Thursdays), Glastonbury – Riverfront Park (Wednesdays), and Wethersfield Cove Park (Fridays). These 30- and 60-minute tours provide narrated overviews of the river’s ecology, historical sites, and scenic viewpoints.
In addition to scheduled public departures, Slipaway River Tours offers a 90-minute Sunset Cruise that highlights evening river views, and private charters for groups up to 16 people with flexible one- or two-hour booking options. Each voyage includes a knowledgeable captain and crew who prioritize passenger safety, boat maintenance, and clear local commentary.
Slipaway River Tours collaborates with local parks and community organizations, operating on established ferry crossings and public launch sites maintained by municipal authorities. The business follows regional boating regulations and safety protocols, including life jacket availability and pre-departure briefings.
Customers can plan visits around nearby amenities such as picnic areas, playgrounds, walking trails, and local dining in Rocky Hill and Glastonbury. Whether for a brief daytime outing, an educational family trip, or a private celebration, Slipaway River Tours offers accessible river experiences that showcase Connecticut’s landscape and history. Rocky Hill – Ferry Park tours showcase the nation’s oldest ferry crossing (in operation since 1655), while Glastonbury and Wethersfield departures highlight playgrounds, walking trails, maritime exhibits, and local dining nearby and history.
Launch Locations
Rocky Hill, Glastonbury, Wethersfield
Local launch points on the Connecticut River
Tour Lengths
30–90 min
Short to extended river trips
Private Capacity
Up to 16
Group-friendly private charters
Experiences
5 Experiences
Public, sunset, and private tours
Choose a 30- or 60-minute public tour, a 90-minute sunset cruise, or a private charter for up to 16 passengers — scenic views and local history await.
Arrive Early
Arriving 15 minutes before the departure time helps ensure a smooth boarding process, especially on busy tour days.
Bring Weather-Appropriate Clothing
The ferry ride can be chilly, especially on the river, so layers are recommended even in warmer months.
Protect Your Electronics
Use waterproof cases or bags to keep cameras and phones safe from water splashes during the tour.
Check Ferry Schedule
Tours run only on Thursdays, so verify the schedule ahead of time to avoid missing out.
Layered Clothing
Layers allow you to adjust comfort levels as temperatures on the river can vary.
all
Waterproof Case for Electronics
Protects devices from water splashes during the ferry ride.
all
Sunglasses
Protect your eyes from glare on sunny spring days.
spring
Light Rain Jacket
Useful for unexpected showers during transitional seasons.
spring|fall