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Get out on the water

Navigate the waterfront with a river cruise on the 1908 historic vessel Sabino. Sail aboard the captained Crosby catboat Breck Marshall, or be your own captain on a rowboat, sailboat, or pedal boat from the Museum’s Boathouse.

All cruises and charters are weather dependent.

CLOSED FOR THE SEASON; REOPENING SPRING 2025

BE YOUR OWN CAPTAIN

CLOSED FOR THE SEASON; REOPENING SPRING 2025

Get out on the water on your own aboard a traditional small craft. Borrow a rowboat, sailboat, or pedal boat and spend half an hour exploring the Mystic River. Choose one of more than a dozen boats that vary in capacity from 2 to 5 people (plus a dog!).

  • Boathouse staff will provide life jackets, oars, and other gear. You just need to step aboard and enjoy!

CAPTAINED CRUISES

Sit back and enjoy the ride while an experienced captain steers the boat along the waterfront, providing interesting commentary about the Museum and the surrounding area. 30-minute and 90-minute cruises available during Museum hours. A 2-hour evening cruise is available, now with the opportunity to purchase dinner while on board!

Evening Cruise on Sabino

CLOSED FOR THE SEASON; REOPENING SPRING 2025

Enjoy a two-hour tour of the Mystic River aboard the National Historic Landmark vessel Sabino. This cruise departs daily at 5:30 p.m. from the docks behind S&P Oyster in downtown Mystic.

Tickets are sold up to two weeks in advance online or in person at the Museum’s downtown location, At the Drawbridge. Please check in with your mobile ticket at Mystic Seaport Museum: At the Drawbridge at 4 East Main St. no later than 5:15 p.m. on the day of your trip.

Passengers may bring food and beverage aboard Sabino, or alternatively, place an order from a limited menu for pickup through Haring’s in Noank. The menu will be provided onboard Sabino and food must be ordered before clearing the Mystic River Drawbridge. More information on ordering will be provided after boarding. Sabino departs and returns to downtown for this 120-minute trip.

Cruises require a minimum of 6 passengers to run. If a cruise is unable to run, passengers will be notified as soon as a decision has been made, and you may choose to reschedule or receive a full refund. Refunds will be processed ASAP, but no later than 2 days after your initially scheduled cruise.

Capacity is 55 people for the evening cruise only.

Daytime River Cruise on Sabino

CLOSED FOR THE SEASON; REOPENING SPRING 2025

Board the National Historic Landmark vessel Sabino, built in 1908, and enjoy a unique 30-minute ride along the waterfront of Mystic Seaport Museum or a 90-minute downriver trip. Bring your family and friends along for a morning, afternoon, or pre-dinner cruise. Beverages and snacks may be purchased on the dock before boarding. 

Two diesel electric generators were recently added to the historic steam plant. Come enjoy a silent, peaceful ride and see the sites along the Mystic River. Tickets are sold at the Waterfront Tours Ticket Booth.

Capacity is 74 people.

Vessel is also available for private charter; see Private Charters below.

Cruise on Mystic Seaport Express

CLOSED FOR THE SEASON; REOPENING SPRING 2025

Mystic Seaport Express departs from the Drawbridge Dock in downtown Mystic. Enjoy a 30-minute narrated tour of the Mystic River before stopping at the Museum docks where you may get out and explore the Museum. Return to downtown via Mystic Seaport Express from the same dock at any of the scheduled departure times.  

Vessel is also available for private charter; see Private Charters below.

PRIVATE CHARTERS

CLOSED FOR THE SEASON; REOPENING SPRING 2025

Looking for something more private? A charter allows you to have the boat to yourself!

Escort

Book a two or four-hour cruise aboard the former America’s Cup Tender Escort. A captain is provided and the vessel will explore local waters. Perfect for that memorable marriage proposal or special celebration.

  • Available for private charter only
  • Two or four-hour cruises
  • Capacity: 6 people

Visit the Programs and Events Calendar to reserve a charter on Escort.

Sabino

Book a private charter for up to 74 people on the historic vessel Sabino.

  • 90-minute downriver charter: $2,000 Friday–Sunday; $1,700 Monday–Thursday
  • 120-minute downriver charter: $3,000 Friday–Sunday; $2,700 Monday–Thursday

To reserve a charter on Sabino contact Central Reservations at 860-572-5331 or reservations@mysticseaport.org.

Breck Marshall

Book a private 45-minute sail for six aboard the 20-foot Crosby catboat Breck Marshall.

  • 45-minute charter: $60
  • Capacity: 6

To reserve a charter on Breck Marshall contact Central Reservations at 860-572-5331 or reservations@mysticseaport.org. A minimum of 3 days advance notice is required. 

Sheldrake

Book a 30 or 60-minute sail for four aboard the Gannon and Benjamin sloop Sheldrake.

  • 30-minute charter: $50
  • 60-minute charter: $80

To reserve a charter on Sheldrake contact Central Reservations at 860-572-5331 or reservations@mysticseaport.org. A minimum of 3 days advance notice is required. 

Little Vigilant

The 71-foot steel motoryacht Little Vigilant is available for day, dinner, sunset, and extended cruises of New England waters. Available for yacht club cruises, race support, or family cruising. 

To reserve a charter on Little Vigilant email charters@mysticseaport.org.

Mystic Seaport Express

Charter Mystic Seaport Express for a private 40, 60, or 90-minute cruise.

40-minute charter:

  • Must be booked at least 24 hours in advance
  • Capacity: 15 passengers
  • $500

60-minute charter:

  • Must be booked at least 1 week in advance
  • Capacity: 15 passengers
  • $1,000

90-minute cruise:

  • Must be booked at least 1 week in advance
  • Capacity: 15 passengers
  • $1,500

Please contact seaport.express@mysticseaport.org for more information.

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