Thimble Islands Ferry Service – Branford Coastal Passage

Off Connecticut’s southern coastline lies Branford’s Thimble Islands, a compelling cluster of rocky islets that invite day-trippers and local adventurers alike. The Thimble Islands Ferry Service acts as the essential maritime shuttle, connecting Stony Creek—a harbor village in Branford—with an astonishing range of destinations across this archipelago. With over 30 distinct stops including Horse Island, High Island, Money Island, and Cut-in-Two, this public ferry system transforms a simple boat ride into an ever-changing coastal journey through protected waters and quiet coves. The islands are primarily composed of pink granite, worn smooth by centuries of glacial activity, presenting striking geological contrasts amidst salt-tolerant grasses and windswept trees.

The Thimble Islands have both nautical and cultural significance. Once private retreats with small cottages owned by artists and writers, many islands now welcome visitors keen to observe a unique maritime ecosystem and shoreline habitats teeming with seabirds and occasional harbor seals. The ferry runs multiple round trips daily from Stony Creek Dock, facilitating flexible itineraries whether you aim to fish from High Island’s docks, picnic at Governor Island, or photograph the industrial relics around East and West Cribs.

What sets the Thimble Islands Ferry Service apart is its extensive network of public fares connecting lesser-known docks and remote outposts, blending practical transit with a gateway to local history and natural beauty. The service is a vital part of Branford’s outdoor recreation scene, providing access for hikers, paddlers, and anglers to this scenic maritime corridor. Beyond transportation, the ferry invites riders to appreciate the shifting seascapes, the glint of harbor lighthouses, and sunsets behind offshore contours, framing a foreground rich in ecological and human stories. For anyone ready to get off the mainland and onto a thoughtfully connected flotilla of coastal adventures, this ferry service is a standout resource along Connecticut’s shoreline.