Visiting Thacher Island
 
Thacher Island is located about a mile offshore of Rockport, Massachusetts. Rockport is a small seacoast town about 40 miles north of Boston. It can be reached via Rt. 128 north. Although the island may be viewed from the shore it is best to actually go there. The best way to do that is by becoming a member of the Thacher Island Association.

By Thacher Island Launch;

Join us each Saturday morning from 9AM or 10AM in July and August (weather permitting) aboard the Thacher Island launch for an exciting 30 minute ride out to this magnificent historical island. You must make reservations at least two weeks in advance by calling 978-546-7697. Seats are limited because the Thacher Island launch only accommodates 15 passengers. Trips are also available on Wednesdays at 9AM.
By Kayak
Other ways to get there are by kayak (which you can rent in town) or by your own boat. There is no dock on the island, only a ramp, which is only used by the Associations launch.

Your Boat

We make available 2 guest moorings adjacent to the ramp about 50 yards offshore. You must call the keeper on the island in advance to tell him you are coming at 617-599-2590. Unless you plan to swim in from your boat, bring a dingy which you can land on the ramp. Only small row boats and kayaks are allowed to land on the ramp.

 

Anne's Way

 

CLIMBING THE TOWERS Both towers are identical and were completed in 1861. They are each 124 feet high and stand about 164 feet above the waterline. They are constructed of solid granite on the outside and a two foot thick inner wall of brick.

The tower is 22 feet in diameter at the base and 13 feet at the lantern room. There are 154 steps to the top. From either tower one is able to see the skyline of Boston to the South and the mountains of Maine to the North-west. Looking down to the southeast about half mile off shore you may see an iron pole jutting out from the water. This marks an area called the “Londoner” so named because of the reef just below the surface which has claimed hundreds of vessels most bound to Boston from London in the early 1700’s. This reef was the reason these twin towers were built by the British of Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1771.

 

Camping is available from June through October
Call the keeper at 617-599-2590 for reservations.

There is a small campground available. The donation is $5.00 per night per person. You must reserve ahead of time by calling the resident keeper at 617-599-2590. Camping is available from July 1 to September 15. Open fires are prohibited. There is no water available so bring your own. Camping is "basic" no showers are available,fireplaces or electricity. There is a privy at the site. No pets allowed. Checks to be made out to the Town of Rockport .