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 the New Thacher Island II Launch

Reservations for 2012 will open again on May 15, 2012.

Join us each Saturday morning at 8AM, 9AM or 10AM begining on June 2,2012 (weather permitting) aboard the

NEW Thacher Island II launch for an exciting 15 minute ride out to this magnificent historical island.

Trips are also available on Wednesdays at 9AM.

You must make reservations at least two weeks in advance by calling the resident keeper at 617-599-2590.

Seats are limited to 10 passengers. Launch leaves from the Town dock next to the Sandy Bay Yacht Club.

All rides are free but donations are gratefully accepted.

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 may only be used by the Association's launch.Distance from Rockport Harbor is about 3 miles.

Your Boat

We make available 3 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.

Ocean Reporter Private Launch Service

Rockport Harbor to Thacher Island

Bird Watching-Eco-Tours-Water Taxi

Captain Bill Lee

978-502-5994

Reasonable Rates

 

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 September
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 8. 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 .