Kayak & Hike Adventure to Historic Thacher Island

(1 Review)
  • From North Station
  • Activity Level: Challenging
  • Tour Duration: 6 hours

Thacher Island Kayak & Hike Adventure from Boston | The Details

Embark on a one-of-a-kind adventure to Thacher Island, a secluded and historic treasure just off the coast of Massachusetts. This guided kayak and hiking excursion combines breathtaking ocean views, fascinating maritime history, and untouched natural beauty for an unforgettable day outdoors.

What to Expect:

🚣‍♂️ Guided Kayak Paddle to Thacher Island – Begin your journey with a scenic 2.5-mile paddle along the rugged coastline, where you’ll take in sweeping Atlantic views and spot marine wildlife, including seals and seabirds.

🏝️ Explore the Island & Twin Lighthouses – Step ashore and hike through this pristine island sanctuary, home to the historic Twin Lights, the last operating twin lighthouses in the United States, guiding mariners since 1771.

🐦 Birdwatching & Nature Trails – Wander along picturesque trails and discover Thacher Island’s important role as a bird sanctuary, where seabirds nest in a peaceful, undisturbed habitat.

🌊 Step Back in Time – Imagine life as a lighthouse keeper while taking in the panoramic coastal views and learning about the island’s rich maritime history.

🚣‍♂️ Return Kayak Paddle to the Mainland – After exploring, paddle back to shore, taking in one last look at this stunning and secluded destination.

⚠️ Please Note: Due to the strenuous nature of this tour, participants must be 16 years or older.

What's Included

  • Weekend Commuter Rail PassPass is valid the entire weekend of your trip on all Commuter Rail lines
  • Step-by-step instructions on how to get to North Station & what train to take
  • Transportation from the outlying station to the activity and back
  • ACA Certified Guide
  • Choice of Single or Tandem Kayak
  • Life preserver and paddle
  • Waterproof bag for personal items
  • Admission Fee for Thacher Island
  • Time on your own to get dinner

What to Bring

  • Sunscreen/sun protection
  • Snacks
  • Water
  • Towel
  • Swimwear or clothing that you don’t mind getting wet!

Itinerary

11:30am

Arrival at North Station to catch the 11:30a Newburyport line train to Hamilton

12:15pm

Arrival to the Hamilton station where you will disembark the train and our private van will be waiting for you 

12:45pm

Arrival to the Kayaking shop where you will check in, change, get your gear and go through a safety briefing 

1:30-4:30pm

Kayak to  Thacher Island, enjoy exploring the light house and island.

4:30-5:45pm

Time on your own to explore rockport and grab a bite to eat.

5:45pm

Meet the bus back at the Kayak shop to head home

6:00pm

Your train back to Boston departs from Rockport station

7:22pm

Arrive back to Boston

We will also send these details along via email with more information on how to get to/from North Station upon booking. Your train ticket will be emailed to you 48 hours in advance of the trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Commuter Rail Pass to take more than 1 tour in a weekend?

Yes! if there’s a tour you’re interested in both Saturday and Sunday you can book 1 tour at full price, the other you can book the ” commuter rail passholder” Option. This provides you with a $10 discount since you already have a valid Commuter Rail Ticket for that weekend.

Can I drive to the destination instead of taking the train?

For this tour, we offer a ticket option that excludes train and van transportation if you prefer to drive to the destination yourself. Please select the ticket labeled “No transportation needed.”

Please be aware that if there are any fees associated with parking at the destiaiton, these fees will not be covered.

Note: This option is not available for all tours.

Can I bring my own food/snacks?

Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food or snacks. Please be mindful that our bus can accommodate 1 personal item per person (e.g. backpack, tote bag). Please no large coolers. In many of the destinations there will be food/ drink to purchase. Please refer to your specific
itinerary for more information.

Is there a spot for me to change clothes pre/post tour

Yes, the kayaking facility has restrooms and changing rooms

Is this tour Beginner Friendly?

No, we would not recommend this tour if you’ve never kayaked before. If you’re a beginner kayaker or, looking for a more relaxed paced tour check out these trips below:

 

Crane Estate Kayaking Tour

Rockport Harbor Kayak Tour 

Gloucester Harbor Kayak Tour

What happens if my tour is outdoors and there is inclement weather?

massAdventures and our partners watch the weather closely in the days leading up to your tour. If there is inclement weather which impacts your tour and safety, we will notify you via email as soon as possible. If your tour gets canceled due to the weather, you will have the option to receive a full refund or reschedule it to a later date. (Pending tour availability.)

How is the start time of a tour calculated?

The start and end time of a trip is the time the train leaves the station. For example, if while booking your tour start time is listed as 8:07 am, this is the time your train departs North or South Station.

What if I’m the only person booked on a tour?

To ensure your tour proceeds as planned and to maintain a high-quality experience, we will arrange a rideshare service (via Uber or Lyft) to pick you up from the station and return you there after the tour, instead of chartering a full 14-passenger bus. This approach allows us to provide a personalized experience while being both environmentally friendly and financially sustainable. If this is the case, we will notify you 48 hours ahead of your tour.

What happens if I miss my train?

If you miss your train, please reach out to us at: contact@keolismassadventures.com and notify us as soon as possible so we can assist you. It’s possible you can catch a later train; however, you will need to take a rideshare service from the station to the start of the activity. Unfortunately, no refunds will be provided in the event you miss your train and cannot make the tour.

Can I reschedule my trip if something comes up?

Yes, please review our cancellation policy here.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Unfortunately, this tour is not wheelchair accessible

Is There A Weight Limit?

Our kayaks can accommodate up to 350lbs 

Can I stay on location longer and take a later train home?

Yes, you may choose to stay on location longer than scheduled, however, please be mindful that you must find your own transportation back to the Commuter Rail station. We do not guarantee that rideshare services will be available.

Are Dogs Allowed?

Although we LOVE dogs, and I mean love!! they are sadly not allowed on our tours regardless of if you’re taking the train or driving. Service animals are allowed 

If I Refer A friend Do I Earn Anything?

Yes!  Refer A friend and they’ll get $5 off their first  tour—plus, you’ll get $5 when they book!
 Click here to refer a friend

Price
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Have questions or interested in a private group tour?
Send us an email!


contact@keolismassadventures.com

1 Review
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Paul H

Group Traveller

I enjoyed the kayaking trip very much. Thatcher Island was very scenic and picturesque. I love kayaking and this was my first time doing it in the ocean. I highly recommend and travel went very smoothly.

09/09/2025