Reviews

Very Informative

I've taken a private & a public cruise. Both were amazing. Very informative. Loved getting to learn all about the local history.

— Jill L, September 2024

Exceeded Expectations

Great way of seeing the harbor and learning the history! I came with my husband and it exceeded our expectations. The captain was a great guide and had a great story telling voice! Very relaxing and interesting. Would definitely recommend!

— Kimberly G, October 2023

We loved it!!

We loved it!! Brought my 4YO on this 10am cruise and we had a blast. We loved seeing the light houses, forts, bridges, and of course the navy yard with all of the cranes/trucks etc. Throughout the tour the captain gave some great facts about each sight.
I will say seating was a bit more limited than on other boats so definitely get there early.
A plus is that they sell snacks and beverages and there's a bathroom on board! We would definitely recommend to friends

— Michelle M, Sep. 2023

Aaaaaaaaaaawesome! Just do it!

We did Portsmouth Habor Cruises with my one year old daughter. It was so awesome, to be honest it was breathtaking. We live in Portsmouth since five month and now I know (again) how beautiful this place is. We want to do the sunset cruise soon. Can’t get enough!

— Martina, June 2022

Fabulous Cruise

Fabulous cruise. We booked that morning for a noon cruise. The boat, the captain's narration and all the wonderful things to see made it one of our favorite adventures in Portsmouth. I highly recommend this small, intimate cruise!

— Diana G, August 2023

So glad I did this cruise

So glad I did this cruise; it gave a fresh perspective on the Portsmouth area; On the 1h30min trip you will see a variety of interesting sites (e.g. two lighthouses, pass under at least two bridges, famous houses, an old jail, birds, and if you're lucky a harbor seal or two).

Onboard commentary was great/audible and the boat itself was fine.

Cruise price was reasonable (given today's rates)

The only unfortunate bit is that they don't have onsite parking; prepare to spend some time looking for parking elsewhere prior to you trip

— siddy666, September 2024

Trip To Wood Island

My teenaged nephew and I rode the Utopia to opening day of the Wood Island Life Saving Station Museum Tour. It was a relaxing, spectacular ride and tour through the beautiful Harbor, past the lighthouses, and onto Wood Island and its museum. Exploring the Life Saving Station was breathtaking, impressive, and awe-inspiring for us. Viewing the restorations done to the Life Saving Station, and the incorporation of original elements was deeply impressive. The exhibits brought appreciation and education about this historical building to life for me. This trip was in the top 2 highlights of my summer! The Portsmouth Harbor Cruises staff both on the boat and on land were awesome and friendly, they gave us plenty of time to explore the museum and island, answered questions, joked around, and had water and beverages available, too. It was my nephew's first time seeing Portsmouth Harbor by boat and it was a wonderful experience to share together. I would give this experience a 10-Star if possible!

— True NewEnglandah74, August 2024

A Must Do When Visiting Portsmouth

We had an excellent private family charter of the boat for a special occasion. From start to finish the the experience was first rate. Both the captain and crew member / bartender were great to engage with, and provided excellent service. The cruise provides a memorable view of the Portsmouth harbor and outlying islands.

— Stetsoninc, June 2021

Fantastic informative cruise

Amazing. Very informative! Such quality for the price. Best deal in town. It was a wonderful trip with family.

— Becky A., May 2021

Great Tour Of Historic Harbor & Piscataque River!

Enjoyed taking the narrated tour (not so much info on the sunset cruise) as it touched on the ecology of the river as well as the history. Leaving from downtown , (next to 3 beautiful tugboats), you fist pause to spot submarines in the shipyard, learn its history as one of the 2 most important yards in WW-II. Tuck into several coves off the harbor to check out the former estates of several historic personages. Snap a pic as we pause in front of each lighthouse and forts as well as spotting the cribs that anchored the massive submarine net that protected the harbor during WW-II. Pass out into the Atlantic to round the back of Castle island and return.

— Titamargs, May 2021

Would do again!

Great trip out into the bay. We took the noon Harbor Tour. The history was amazing! Not too much, plenty to see, the captain was great, and they have snacks + drinks for sale if you want! I felt like I was just out for a cruise with friends in the middle of bustling port life! Would go again!

— Kay S, June 2024

Best Cruise in Town

One of my favorite things to do whenever I visit Portsmouth. The cruise is relaxing, casual and informative and offers the best views of the city and surrounding area.

— Andrew R., June 2020

Gorgeous Sunset Cruise Friendly Staff

This was a last minute decision and was a really good one.

Parking: There is no parking on Ceres street where the cruise leaves from. Parking there is for Oar House Restaurant only. You must park elsewhere. There is a Garage on Hanover street for 2.00 an hour. Park as close as you can to Market in that garage and walk down to Market, then make a left. You will see a set of stairs down to Ceres Street. Boat dock is behind the Oar Street seating deck.

Cruise: The trip itself is wonderful. Boat is on the smaller side than what we took on the Hudson Cruise where we live, but still a very cool boat and well maintained, clean and pretty. Whoever narrates the cruise...Captain maybe, has a very soothing voice. I wasn't a fan of the choice in music, but I don't like Steely Dan type music. Just my taste though. Some of the other music was okay and soothing.

Sights: You will see some awesome and pretty sights like a submarine yard and lighthouses, sailboats and older structures. You will take a brief turn on the Atlantic too. They have different cruises all through the day so choose the one that's right for you. Sunset cruise was pretty but we went in September and it got colder towards the end. The woman who check you in is super nice and helpful. Go, you won't be disappointed. The price was extremely reasonable for this 1.5 hour informative little jaunt.

— Toni C, September 2020

Wedding Day!

Huge thank you to Portsmouth Harbor Cruises for adding such a special and unique touch to our wedding day for us and our bridal party! Our boat ride from downtown Portsmouth to our reception venue was a perfect way to show off our beautiful city and have an hour to ourselves & those closest to us before the craziness started! The Captain and the crew made it an experience we'll never forget!

— Anna T, October 2024

Excellent from start to finish!

Our Portsmouth Harbor Cruise was one of the best experiences we've ever had. Family trip with my wife and teenage daughter. July 7, 2019 at 4:30. We are locals and figured it was time to take a harbor tour. The 2 man crew was great, especially our captain. Reservations easy online and not too many people on the boat. We were very lucky to see a large ship come into the harbor AND the USS NH Submarine leaving the Navy Ship Yard. They waited for both even though we ran late and it was a once in a lifetime experience. I realize we just got lucky with the timing but the crew handled it perfectly! Snacks, drinks/booze, and bathrooms on the boat. Well done.

— Jim Smith, July 2019