Join a scenic boat tour around Petra Island and uncover the brilliance of Frank Lloyd Wright's waterfront homes. Discover stunning architecture and enjoy a peaceful water escape in just 90 minutes.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5 hours
Fitness Level
No special fitness required; suitable for most visitors
Wildlife
History
The homes on Petra Island are considered architectural landmarks, representing Wright's innovative approach to residential design in the mid-20th century.
Conservation
The tour emphasizes respectful observation and preservation of the island's natural and architectural treasures, supporting local efforts to maintain the area's integrity.
Wright Over Water
Join a scenic boat tour around Petra Island and uncover the brilliance of Frank Lloyd Wright's waterfront homes. Discover stunning architecture and enjoy a peaceful water escape in just 90 minutes.
Wright Over Water operates from Mahopac, New York, offering curated architectural tours to Petra Island. The company runs a 90-minute semi-private Petra Island tour featuring two Frank Lloyd Wright–designed homes: the Chahroudi House and the Massaro House. Tours begin with a scenic boat ride to Petra Island, followed by exclusive access to both residences.
Tours are led by a member of the Massaro family, providing direct insights into the houses’ history, design intentions, and the practical challenges of constructing Wright designs on an island site. The presence of a family guide delivers a level of documentation and perspective not commonly available on public tours.
Wright Over Water focuses on limited-capacity excursions to preserve an intimate viewing experience and to respect the private nature of the properties. The semi-private format balances access with privacy, allowing guests to experience the architecture without large crowds.
Located in Mahopac, the operation serves visitors from the Hudson Valley and wider New York area seeking authentic encounters with modern American architecture. Reservations are recommended due to the short duration and limited seating of each departure.
Safety and respect for the sites are emphasized during each tour, including guided pathways and instructions for preserving the houses’ integrity. The offering appeals to architecture enthusiasts, students, and travelers interested in Frank Lloyd Wright’s later work. Wright Over Water’s connection to the Massaro family and its focused, boat-based access make the Petra Island tour a distinctive way to see these two Wright-designed homes. The tour is 90 minutes with boat
Location
Mahopac, NY
Departure and pickup point
Tour Length
90 minutes
Concise, focused visit
Homes Visited
2 homes
Chahroudi and Massaro Houses
Guided By
Massaro family
Direct family‑led commentary
Reserve a 90-minute semi-private tour from Mahopac for exclusive access to the Chahroudi and Massaro Houses.
Bring your camera
Capture the stunning shoreline and architectural details of Wright’s homes during the tour.
Wear weather-appropriate clothing
Dress for the boat ride, which can be breezy or sunny, depending on the day.
Arrive early
Get settled and enjoy the scenic surroundings before the tour begins.
Book in advance
Tours are semi-private and popular, so reserve your spot early.
Camera or smartphone
Perfect for capturing architectural details and scenic views.
Weather-appropriate clothing
Dress comfortably for an outdoor boat ride.
Sunscreen
Protect your skin during sunny days on the water.
summer
Binoculars
Optional for birdwatching or distant views.