2024 Boat Tour to Bakers Island Lighthouse

2024 Boat Tour to Bakers Island Lighthouse

Join us for a thrilling boat tour to Bakers Island Lighthouse, where we'll explore the stunning lighthouse and soak up the scenery

By Essex Heritage

Select date and time

Location

10 Blaney Street, Salem, MA, USA

10 Blaney Street Salem, MA 01970

Refund Policy

Contact the organizer to request a refund.

About this event

Climb aboard Naumkeag, Essex Heritage's landing craft for a trip to Bakers Island Light Station. Enjoy a 30-minute cruise from Salem past rugged coastline, harbor islands, and five lighthouses to Bakers Island. The light station is a 10-acre property that has been in use aiding in maritime navigation for almost 250 years. The site features an 1820 light tower, two keepers houses, and historic trails. During your visit you will have the chance to explore the natural landscape, walk the trails, learn about the history of the light station, or just relax on the island setting.


Please Note:

  • The lighthouse cannot be climbed at this time.
  • The rest of the island aside from the 10 acre Light Station is privately owned and all visitors must stay within the 10 acre boundaries.


Boat Departure Location: Naumkeag departs from the Salem Ferry dock at 10 Blaney Street, Salem MA 01970.


Tickets:

  • Adults: $40
  • Children (4-12 yr): $25
  • Essex Heritage Members receive a 20% discount! (A discount code will be provided on membership confirmation letter.)


How long is the trip?

About 2.5 hours round-trip


Are there restrictions on who can go?

YES. All passengers must be:

  • At least 4 years old (No infants; in arms or baby carriers)
  • Capable of negotiating the boat ramp and the rugged island terrain without assistance.

Cancellation Policy

  • If it is too rainy or stormy or the seas are too rough, and Essex Heritage has to cancel the boat trip, you will be fully refunded the cost of your ticket
  • If the ticket holder cancels because you think it is too sunny, rainy, windy, but the boat still goes out, tickets will not be refunded.
  • If ticket holder arrives late and misses the boat, we will not be able turn around, nor will you be refunded. (Please plan to arrive 15 prior to departure)
  • In the very unlikely event that the boat arrives at Bakers Island but cannot disembark passengers, you will still have experienced a pleasant boat ride and harbor tour. In this case, you will receive a refund for 50% of your ticket cost(s). (Only full refunds will be given if the boat doesn’t leave the dock.)


How will I know if my tour has been cancelled?

Essex Heritage staff will do our best to email all ticketed passengers in advance if your trip has been cancelled. We will also keep an updated weather advisory line at (978) 998-2188.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the trip?

About 2.5 hours round-trip

Are there restrictions on who can go?

YES. All passengers must be: At least 4 years old (No infants; in arms or baby carriers)and capable of negotiating the boat ramp and the rugged island terrain without assistance.

What should I wear?

Comfortable clothing and rubber-soled shoes. Flip-flops are not recommended; NO heels. IMPORTANT: It's colder on the water and there is no shelter from the weather on our open boat. Bring an extra layer!

What should I bring?

Do not bring more than you want to carry; nothing can be left/stored on the boat while we are disembarked. Items left on the Island cannot be retrieved until the next trip which could be anywhere from 2-5 days. Essex Heritage does not assume responsibility for any lost or stolen personal property.

Is there food or drinking water?

There is limited food and drinking water available for sale at the Light Station. You are free to bring your own, but please take everything off the island with you. If you carried it on then you must carry it back.

Are there bathroom facilities?

The bathroom facilities are limited. There are bathrooms at the Salem Ferry dock, but there are no bathrooms on the boat. Once on the island, there are only composting toilets.

Is smoking allowed?

Smoking is NOT permitted on the boat or anywhere on the island at all.

Are pets allowed?

Pets are NOT permitted on our boat, with the exception of certified service animals defined by Title II and Title III of the ADA.

Where do I park?

While there are free parking spots at Blaney Street parking is NOT always guaranteed so plan accordingly. (South Harbor Garage at 10 Congress Street is the next closest public lot but they charge an hourly rate, and are a 1/2 mile walk to the dock.)

What if it rains or is stormy?

Boat trips depend on the weather. Naumkeag has no rain or sun cover on it. You will be exposed to the elements going to and from the island.

Other Questions?

Please call our Bakers Island Line at (978) 212-9227, if no one answers right away please leave a message and we will get back to you as soon as we can. Or email info@EssexHeritage.org

Organized by

 Essex National Heritage Area

The Essex National Heritage Commission (Essex Heritage) is the nonprofit management organization for the Area and rallies our community around saving its unique character.  We are the only organization that connects the people who live in the 34 cities and towns within our county!  We do this to achieve our mission “to preserve and enhance the historic, cultural and natural resources of Essex County.” 

$25 – $40