thimble islands

The first time I was there was in 1996, then again around 2007. Located just east of New Haven, CT. the group of small islands is am amazing little adventure. Take a water-taxi-type tour boat around the islands. Lots of history there - and many people don't know it even exists. Then, there are small shops for food, ice cream and souvees! (souvineers). A very cool way to spend a few hours.

We have headed down to Stony Creek and the Thimble Islands several 100 times in the past 15 years. For peaceful and scenic kayaking on Long Island Sound, taking an informative Thimble Island Cruise, eating excellent pizza on the deck at The Stony Creek Market, or walking the streets of this scenic and quaint town. Every time we have gone there, it has been a pleasant and varied experience. The various times of the year, tides, weather, and time of day create a myriad of views and feelings. There is even a small, life-guarded beach to which many families flow, past which we kayak, as we head up-stream into Stony Creek during high tide.Easily accessible from Exit 56 of Interstate 95, parking is usually the main obstacle in the town. Parking situation improved when the Church of Christ opened its parking lot to cars for a donation; this has been beneficial to the work of the church, to the visitors, and for local resident and businesses. Port-a-potties are available and usually clean at the boat launch. We strongly recommend your checking out Stony Creek, CT, and the Thimble Islands. Perhaps we'll see you there, when we finally get to visit the Thimble Island Museum or shop in the town.

If you are looking for a quaint little get away nestled in a picturesque small shoreline town, this is the place. Whether as a day trip, or as an over night (for those farther away there are nearby hotels), this is the place. There are a couple small shops and sandwich places by the town dock, some seasonally open. But the real fun begins with a narrated tour around the islands. The Betselma, Volsunga and Sea Mist boast experienced and friendly captains with much knowledge about the area and history of the islands. During the season they offer walk on tours, or availability to book group tours, or private cruises. We found them reasonably priced and accommodating. If you are in the area give it a go or call to get more info. P.S. - when they open up again next season, the new nearby brewery should be open. Enjoy!

We were fortunate to take this cruise on one of the most beautiful days during September, cloudless blue skies and warm temps. It was quite enjoyable, the captain was interesting, informative and entertaining. We did not even know this area existed and were so glad to have stumbled on it. Well worth the ticket price! Fun to see all the beautiful summer homes and hear some of their history, as well as some glimpses of blue herons and snowy egrets. Don't forget to stop for a lobster roll before you leave!

We kayaked the islands. Absolutely gorgeous & fascinating. A must see up close. If you can't kayak take the Seamist boat tour. Make sure you go to Outermost Island. It's a national refuge and the only island you can explore on land.

Took the Thimble Islands tour out of Stony Creek (a boat trip I've taken many times) in late September this year, and enjoyed it just as much this time as the first time. The scenery is fantastic.

We took a cruise of the Thimble Islands with Captain Bob. It was 45 minutes long and very informative. It only takes minutes to get to the Thimble Islands, as the tour leaves from Stony Creek, which overlooks the Islands. Captain Bob has a very dry sense of humor and we thoroughly enjoyed his narration :-) It's only $10 for senior and well worth it. It was a gorgeous day, but the seats are in a covered area if the weather isn't quite that cooperative. Stop by if you get a chance!

What an entertaining tour of the Thimble Islands!! Captain Bob surely was a stand-up comedian before he became a Captain?!! We laughed and laughed at his entertaining stories about the islands and the homes we saw. You just go to the dock and get in line (if there IS one) and wait for the boat that holds about 50 people. The tour lasts 45 minutes. I noticed that there were plastic curtains that could be dropped in case of rain. There is a smaller boat that holds only about 10 people that arrives at three quarters hour, but wait for the larger boat and the entertaining Captain Bob. Beautiful sights and interesting information. Don't miss it.

There are 3 boats that provide an inexpensive 45-minute tour of the islands - it's a very nice way to learn about these "islands".

The Thimble Islands are natural small rocky islands off the shoreline between Branford and Guilford. Many sport summer houses, some quite elegant. There is a small beach and a variety of informal eating places along the shore. The thimbles are best viewed from either a tour boat or your own boat, all the while marveling at the courage of people who choose to build in such an inhospitable location. The area is no stranger to storms and hurricanes and the sea level is rising. See them before it is too late.

What a nice way to spend some time cruising around the Thimble Islands on the Sea Mist.Although the 45 minutes seemed short, our Navigator Captain Bob filled us with the interesting history of each island. Would definitely recommend taking this trip with family or friends for its educational and relaxing merits.

Thimble Islands tour with Captain Bob was the best way to get to know the islands and its history current/past. The tour lasted about 45mins and was very relaxed and informative, Captain Bob really knows the area well. We had a perfect day. We highly recommend this tour. The area is so pretty to walk around after the tour.

This little known gem of an area in Long Island Sound is a must see! I've been all over the world, but didn't know about these islands until recently ! Easily accessed from 95 north or south, in Branford CT,.....The $12 narrated boat cruise through the islands is money well spent ! The scenery, islands, and the houses built on them are just amazing ! There is also a small, clean, easily accessible, no fee beach, with on street parking ! Don't pass this by !

Took a 45 min excursion through the thimble islands. The boat ride was good and the captain very well informed. It was a wonderful experience.

Family members recommended this tour to us and we were finally able to take it......We were three adults and two children and each one of us had fun......Capt. Bob was able to point out every single house, island, rock that there is to see and he made it all interesting...What a hidden treasure.....my grandson who is 8 want to buy a house there one day! he was as interested in everything as the adults.......The boat was great-one level so you were not jammed in and having to climb stairs,plus there was a roof overhead so you did not roast in the open sun.......plenty of seats........This is a fun time for all ages...I do not recommend too young as it might be sort of boring for them.......glad we finally were able to join Capt. Bob! Make sure you use the porta potties before boarding!