Mystic Country, Connecticut

Historic ships, sunset cruises, charters, sailing or canoeing – Mystic Country offers almost as many boating adventures as it has waterways.

1. Sabino

Cruise aboard a century-old steamboat. Travel downriver to Fisher's Island sound aboard Mystic Seaport’s national landmark steamboat Sabino. Pass sea captains' homes as you slip under the famous bascule drawbridge and capture views of the historic fishing village of Noank. More>

2. Essex Steam Train

Take a steam engine to the riverboat. Essex Steam Train offers the only steam train to riverboat connection in the country. Steam train passengers disembark at Deep River Landing and board the riverboat Becky Thatcher for a relaxing and informative ride up the beautiful Connecticut River. More>

3. New London's Ledge Lighthouse

Visit a haunted lighthouse. New London’s Ledge Lighthouse has stood guard at the mouth of Thames River since it was built in 1909. The lighthouse is only accessible by boat. Project Oceanography has a 2 hour program that will take you there, and allow 1 hour inside. More>

4. Schooner Argia

Take a sunset cruise. Schooner Argia offers 2 1/2-hour half-day sailing trips (10:20am and 2:20pm) with snacks and soft drinks, and 2-hour Sunset Cruises with cheese crackers, fruit and soft drinks. You can bring your own food or beverages. 860.536.0416 More>

5. Lobster Dinner Cruise

Enjoy a lobster dinner cruise. Enjoy a lobster dinner cruise, day sail or sailing vacation with an all-inclusive Mystic Whaler windjammer trip. Trips occur periodically throughout summer. More>

6. Breck Marshall

- Sail aboard Breck Marshall. The flagship of Mystic Seaport's boathouse, this 20-foot Crosby catboat reproduction provides a unique adventure. Passengers relax in her roomy cockpit as the skipper identifies points of interest. 30-minute rides from mid-May to mid-October. 860.572.0711, ext 4233 or 5094. More>

7. Wooden Rowboats at Mystic Seaport

- Take a row at Mystic Seaport. Captain your own historic wooden rowboat or other small craft and take your own personal tour of the Mystic River. Rentals at Mystic Seaport offer excellent water views of the 19-acre museum area. More>

8. Schooner Brilliant

- Overnight on Schooner Brilliant. Invite family and friends along on a Brilliant adventure. Overnight on a schooner WoodenBoat magazine hails as "one of the best maintained and sailed classic yachts in the country - if not the world."  Act as crew, raising the sails and taking the helm, then dock at your destination - Block Island, RI; Shelter Island, NY just to name a few.  2-day and 4-day charters available. 860.572.5322  More>

9. Charter Boat

Book a Charter or Party Boat–Whether you enjoy fishing or just relaxing on the water, charter boats are a great way to  spend a special day off the shores of Southern New England, on Long Island Sound or the Atlantic Ocean. Over 2 dozen boats are available. More>

10. Quinebaug River Water Trail

Paddle the Quinebaug River Water Trail. 30 miles of paddling in four segments through the beauty of The Last Green Valley is a terrific adventure for those with their own canoes and kayaks. More>

11. Boating on the Thames

Boat on the Thames. 6 Amsbury Dories are gassed and waiting for a 1/2 day or a whole day of fishing or cruising. 10 single kayaks and two tandems are all ready to paddle. And if you bring your own boat, Boating on Thames proprietors will be happy to put it in the water for you. More>

12. Historic Ship Nautilus

Visit the USS Nautilus. OK, it’s a bit of a trick answer, as the Nautilus is in the water but doesn’t actually sail.  You can board her, however. And as the Nautilus is the world first nuclear-powered submarine, and could stay out to sea for weeks when actually underway, it may be better for you that she’s permanently docked at the Submarine Force Museum in Groton. 800.343.0079. More>