2024 Boat Tour to Misery Island

2024 Boat Tour to Misery Island

Journey on Essex Heritage's landing craft Naumkeag to Great Misery Island in Salem Sound.

By Essex Heritage

Location

Salem Ferry Dock

10 Blaney Street Salem, MA 01970

Refund Policy

Refunds up to 1 day before event

About this event

Journey on Essex Heritage's landing craft Naumkeag to Great Misery Island in Salem Sound. Along the way, hear stories about the rich history of the harbor and how the Misery Islands acquired their unique name. When you arrive, you'll have 2 hours to explore the trails, open meadows, rocky shoreline, and hidden coves on the island. The Misery Islands are managed by The Trustees. More information about the islands as well as a trail map can be found HERE

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


What You Need To Know Before You Go! Frequently Asked Questions

How much does this cost?

  • 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 3 hours round-trip (30-minute trip to and from the islands, and 2 hours on Great Misery Island)


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.


For information about the Misery Islands please visit the website of The Trustees, the regional organization that manages them: https://thetrustees.org/place/misery-islands/

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 3 hours round-trip (30-minute trip to and from the islands, and 2 hours on Great Misery Island)

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 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 5-7 days. Essex Heritage does not assume responsibility for any lost or stolen personal property.

Is there food or drinking water?

No, we do not have any food or drink available while on board. You are free to bring your own, but please take everything back with you. If you carried it on then you must carry it back.

Is smoking allowed?

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

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.

Are there bathroom facilities?

The bathroom facilities are VERY limited. There are bathrooms at the Salem Ferry dock, but there are no bathrooms on the boat. Once on the island, there are bathrooms along the trail.

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.

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