Portsmouth Harbor Cruises — Attraction in Portsmouth

I wish I could give them a negative. We were there with a wedding party last week looking for somewhere to take a group photo. We walked onto the dock area (which looked very much like a public area). As a group, we looked for signs trying to find a public spot that would fit us all. The couple had just spent about two grand at the Oar house and the dock area appeared to be a part of that restaurant. The only visible sign we read was one saying to "be safe and hold onto rails". We were standing discussing options when a worker from Portsmouth Harbor Cruises came screaming out of the little ticket booth behind us. She continued screaming at us that "this is a place of business, get out of here now!" She screamed while physically pushing me out of the area. I was apologizing to her the entire time and telling her that we had looked for signs, didn't know the area was not public and were happy to leave. I just couldn't believe how rude she was! It's one thing to say "you can't take a photo here" but to scream like that was unnecessary and completely ridiculous. I told her "have a nice day" and we walked out of the area. I've since thought about it and wish I hadn't been so apologetic to her. There were no signs, it's a public area next to the Oar restaurant where we had just been, and there was no need for such poor customer service. We were hoping to take one of the tours but as you can guess, we did not. We will not support...

We booked the star island walking tour, which was 3.75 hours, and it wasn’t enough time on the island. The larger boat goes slow so it takes a while to get out to the island. By the time you get to star island, you have an hour to walk around. When we go out again, we’ll select the day visit instead. Aside from that, the island is beautiful. There are signs to follow the trail around the island and sightsee or you can use one of the tour guides provided by the boat. They have some kayaking you could do if you booked the day tour and plenty of places to just relax and enjoy the sun and atmosphere. Don’t forget your sunscreen! The sun was blazing down on the island.

The boat is large and there’s plenty of room. They have an inside cabin with a bar and some food options. The island also has food. The boat has someone pointing out what you’re seeing as you exit the harbor on the loudspeaker. It can get chilly on the boat so bring something for that. As for parking, they have their own parking and it’s $5 for the trip. Bring cash.

Before I go, one thing no one mentioned online or in the reviews is SHOES. The island can be muddy and rocky in places and sandals are not a good idea. I recommend sneakers or good soled boat shoes for walking the island. You’ll thank me later.

4...

Great way to see other parts of Portsmouth and the harbor while also enjoying that nice fresh air and new scenery.

With our limited time at Portsmouth, I appreciated that the tour is more or less only an hour or two long but covers a lot of things. Unfortunately we were seated at the back close to where the engine is so it was loud and I couldnt hear the much of the overhead narration. At the beginning the ride was nice and smooth but the farther along we cruised the swells became more apparent and bigger. An experience but could be a little scary lol Glad we didnt bring our baby stroller and opted to just use the carrier.

we saw the old prison, lighthouses, forts and overall just a nice view of New Hampshire. I actually enjoyed it - an activity to chill and relax. They have food and drinks for sale on board and there is a restroom too. Only bummer for me here is that there is no close parking. We had to walk from the garage but although it was doable, it does not help when youre in a rush and running late. Glad we made it though and arrived 5 mins before planned departure lol and oh, reservations highly recommended. I kept checking online so I could by a little last minute since we werent sure we could make it and Im glad i brought tickets on time coz they sold...