Take a scenic 15-20 minute ferry ride from Stony Creek to Mother-in-Law Island with Thimble Islands Ferry Service. Enjoy stunning coastal views and a peaceful island adventure just off the Connecticut shore.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
15–20 minutes ferry ride plus 1–2 hours exploring
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels due to the short ferry ride and gentle walking terrain on the island.
Wildlife
History
Mother-in-Law Island is one of the many small islands in the Thimble Islands archipelago, historically used for fishing and small-scale farming.
Conservation
Efforts to preserve the natural environment focus on limiting visitor impact and protecting native plant species on the island.
Thimble Islands Ferry Service
Take a scenic 15-20 minute ferry ride from Stony Creek to Mother-in-Law Island with Thimble Islands Ferry Service. Enjoy stunning coastal views and a peaceful island adventure just off the Connecticut shore.
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 Boarding
Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled departure to ensure smooth boarding.
Wear Comfortable Footwear
The island has uneven natural terrain, so sturdy shoes will make your exploration easier.
Bring Water and Snacks
There are no food services on Mother-in-Law Island, so pack refreshments for your visit.
Check Weather Before You Go
Ferry rides may be canceled in severe weather, so verify conditions in advance.
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Ideal for navigating the island’s natural paths and rocky shorelines.
Light Jacket or Windbreaker
Helpful during cool spring breezes on the water and island.
spring
Sunscreen
Protects your skin during sunny summer ferry rides and island walks.
summer
Water Bottle
Stay hydrated while enjoying the ferry ride and island exploration.