Best of · USA ISLAND HOPPING TOURS
Harbour ferries, barrier-island sandbars and the Thousand Islands run under one flag. These 15 cover the crossings worth taking for their own sake, priced, with departure points and how much of each is spent moving.
Take a self-guided ferry trip from New Jersey to Liberty Island and Ellis Island. You’ll see Lady Liberty up close, visit the Statue of Liberty Museum and Immigration Museum, and use audio guides in 12 languages. Allow four to six hours, and note that crown and pedestal access are not included.
“It was so gorgeous on top! Dont think anything needs to be improved!!”
Sail from Gananoque through the Canadian and American 1000 Islands on a 1, 3, or 5-hour cruise. Expect scenic homes, Millionaire’s Row, Zavikon Island, the St. Lawrence Seaway, and English and French commentary. The 5-hour option includes Boldt Castle admission.
“The tour was very nice and as it was described. The area is beautiful!”
Cruise from Panama City Beach to Shell Island aboard Island Time’s roomy catamaran. Watch for wild dolphins, snorkel in St. Andrews Bay, paddle board, use the waterslide, or walk the beach. A captain and crew, including names such as Emma, Sarah, Heath, and Clay, keep the three-hour trip moving.
“Great trip! Loved every minute! The crew was awesome, the dolphins fun, and the beach relaxing. Recommended for everyone.”
Circle Line’s 2.5-hour cruise circles Manhattan from Pier 83, following the Hudson and East River past more than 130 landmarks. Expect live English commentary from guides such as Alexis, Postcard Tim, and David Parker, with outdoor decks, indoor seating, Wi-Fi, and a café onboard.
“Great trip around the entire Manhattan Island. Lots of sites pointed out along the way, narration was good. Nice way to see the city while saving some walking.”
Travel from Boston to Falmouth in a 24-seat air-conditioned minibus, then cross Vineyard Sound by ferry to Martha’s Vineyard. Explore Oak Bluffs, Edgartown, and Aquinnah on your own, or add a three-hour narrated island tour. Guides such as Tom, Johnny Boston, Elaine, and Jonathan may lead the day.
“I had never been before loved the ferry. I wanted to go to jaws sight but this was not included in tour. My fault for not reading the brochure ell enough and shops were typical for touristy area. Food fair and decent prices, the arcade was great while waiting for return ferry,”
Meet your English-speaking guide at 1 Bowling Green, then cross New York Harbor to Liberty Island and the Statue of Liberty Museum. Choose a two-hour express visit or a four-hour option adding Ellis Island, its immigration museum, and an official audio guide. Guides include Joseph, Joe, Charlie, Mindy, and Christian.
“Be prepared to do a lot of walking. The guide was wonderful. Gave a lot of information and was answering all our questions.”
Ride a small Carolina Skiff from Bowens Island through Charleston’s marshes with a naturalist captain such as Chris, George, Jacob, or Tripp. Watch for dolphins and birds, then spend about an hour on Morris Island hunting shells, sand dollars, shark teeth, and fossils beside the historic lighthouse.
“Wonderful excursion! Captain was fun, engaging, and knowledgeable about the area! Will do again! A+++”
Spend about three hours on the water with Coastal Cruises, passing waterfront estates, sailboats, bridges, and possible dolphin-spotting areas. Step onto Sand Dollar Island for sunset and shell hunting, then return beneath the Sunshine Skyway Bridge for its nightly lights. Captains and crew members may include Paul, Gavin, Chase, Dillon, or Noah.
“Aaron and Dillion were great!!! We rode out to an island to see the sunset and then under the sunshine skyway bridge was really colorful!! They were very funny and enjoyable”
Spend two hours aboard Island Time Sailing’s catamaran, cruising Grand Lagoon past St. Andrews State Park while watching for dolphins and sunset color. The crew, including Captain Clay, Christo, Sara, Audra, Carter, and Emma on various departures, adds music, drinks, photos, and dockside fun.
“Very nice experience! The entire crew was great, they obviously enjoy their jobs. We really enjoyed sailing with no engine, it is exhilarating. Absolutely recommend this tour!”
Board at Palmetto Bay Marina for a 90-minute cruise on Broad Creek with a local guide and United States Coast Guard licensed captain. Expect dolphin spotting, bird watching, island views, and easygoing facts about Hilton Head’s marsh ecosystem. Captains and guides may include Kate, Pete, Wendy, Kim, or Jamie.
“Kim and captain Kate were entertaining and kept us engaged. Captain Kate could maneuver the boat so we could see as more dolphins.”
Ride from downtown Savannah to Tybee Island with guides such as Stephanie, Chris, Max, or Dennis. Enjoy a dolphin cruise past Fort Pulaski and Cockspur Island Lighthouse, lunch at The Crab Shack, beach time, and lighthouse photos. Transport and cruise admission are included.
“Nice combination of land and water and guide facilitated and being on your own. The guide was knowledgeable and engaging. We had a great lunch at the crab shack.”
From Ivy Lea, cruise the St. Lawrence River past tiny islands, grand homes, Boldt Castle, Zavikon Islands, and the Statue of St. Lawrence. Choose the one-hour highlights trip or the two-hour, two-castle route. Commentary is available in English and French, with snacks and drinks sold onboard.
“I loved the duration of the cruise. We were passing by so an hour cruise was a great break from driving. parking was great. I loved Boldt Castle we passed by. It would be nice if the vessel would stop for a little longer while passing it, so people had more time to take photos. I would definitely come back and enjoy a longer cruise in the future.”
Take a 75 to 90 minute private flight from Kahului over Maui County. Expect Honolua Bay, Nakalele Blowhole, Lanai’s coast, Kahoolawe, Molokini Crater, Wailea, Kihei, and Makena’s lava fields, with headsets and live commentary from your pilot. Pilot Eric is praised for his smooth landings and personal service.
“Beautiful flight with breath taking views. Highly recommend. Our pilot was awesome, gave good commentery.”
Join Fins Up Clearwater for a two-hour cruise from 25 Causeway Blvd. Guides such as Matt, Eliza, Zack, and Mark share local stories, search for dolphins, and stop at One-Tree Island for a short swim. Bring drinks and snacks for the iced coolers, plus water shoes for shells.
“The tour guides made sure we had a great time and spent lots of time making sure we found some dolphins”
Cruise 70,000 acres of Honey Island Swamp from Slidell with a local captain such as Hunter, Chris, or Kris. Expect live stories about pirates, Bigfoot, wildlife, and Cajun life, plus possible sightings of alligators, otters, turtles, snakes, raccoons, herons, and bald eagles.
“Kris was great on our tour. Could really tell he loved his home area and made us appreciate where we were. Seen alligators turtles and raccoons. And birds that he made us appreciate too. Great tour.”
By hull, by landing, by how long you want to be out.
