Summer in Newburyport Blog: Explore our Rivers and Seas!
Maritime activities play a huge role in our community. Our city was literally formed around ship building! Now, many captains and sailors continue the nautical traditions by offering sightseeing tours, fishing charters and sailing trips.
Yacht Trips & Sailing Tours
Compass Rose Yacht Charters – Capt. Gig Michaud is ready to take you and your crew on a very special tour. You and five friends can board his 35’ Tiara Yacht “Gia” and take a leisurely tour through the Merrimack River or be adventuresome and head to Isle of Shoals, Rockport, Annisquam River or anywhere else along the Northshore coastline!
Schooner Thomas E. Lannon – Picture yourself relaxing on the deck of a beautiful 65-foot schooner as she sails out of Gloucester harbor on a light southwesterly breeze. These two-hour tours are bound to be a memorable adventure for you and your family. Private charters and group rates available!
Ninth Wave Sailing Charters – Not all who wander are lost! That could be the slogan for the Ninth Wave. Set sail aboard this beautiful 48’ Catamaran for a two and a half hour tour. They leave through the mouth of the Merrimack River and sail to no particular destination along the coastline or directly out to sea while choosing the best wind angle for maximum speed. Also great for private parties!
Newburyport Whale Watch – Climb aboard the spacious, 106′ Captains Lady III to begin your whale watching voyage! Your journey departs from downtown Newburyport, where you’ll travel out the Merrimack River into the Gulf of Maine. This is the feeding ground for a variety of marine life including, but not limited to, Humpback, Finback, and Minke Whales as well as Porpoise, Seals, Sharks and an array of Sea Birds. The open ocean holds many species of diverse wildlife, making every trip a unique and exciting experience.
Fishing
Two Captain’s Charters – Captain Ed and Captain Jeff will make sure your day is filled with fun, exciting and memorable moments. They take you out on a very well-equipped sport fishing vessel that includes rods that they make! In fact, you may have seen these rods on the show Wicked Tuna. You feel every nibble, bite or strike helping you catch all the action. From baiting your hook to cleaning your fish, they have you covered.
Rocky Point Fishing Charters – Captain Bill Jarman will take you and your friends out for a day of Striper or Bluefish fishing off of Newburyport, Salisbury, Plum Island or Ipswich Bay! He offers ½ day, full day, ‘After work specials’ or sunset cruises. Reserve today – the best dates go early!
Captain’s Fishing Parties – Have a large group of friends that want to catch a lunker? Captain’s Fishing Parties have you covered. Their vessels can handle over 100 individuals and are pros at finding fish. They launch their ships from Plum Island Point. You are bound to have a great time on this one!
River Cruises
Yankee Clipper Harbor Tours – The Yankee Clipper is a fun, family-friendly way to experience the Merrimack River and Newburyport Harbor. Their Newburyport Harbor and Great Salt Marsh Ecotours bring 15,000 years of natural history to life, spanning the end of the last ice age to the 21st century. On a one-hour narrated tour, you’ll meet the resident plant and wildlife of the area, and your crew will weave together the area’s natural, economic, and maritime history with the ecological significance of one of the world’s most beautiful and scenic natural resources. Beer, wine, soft drinks, healthy snacks and activities for kids are all available on board.
Merrimack River Tours – Join Captain Bill who has three decades of experience doing history and ecology tours of the mighty Merrimack and its environs. This one hour voyage treats you to vistas of great beauty, including views of several towns, islands, bridges, water fowl, and picturesque waterfront homes. It’s no wonder that writers and poets of yesteryear were moved to write about this jewel of a river.
Essex River Cruises & Charters – Since 1992, Essex River Cruises & Charters have been offering interesting and informative river cruises! Discover the beauty and heritage of Essex, Massachusetts and the Great Marsh, as you cruise the pristine sheltered waters of the Essex River. Tours depart from Dodge Street in Essex, MA. A short 20 minute drive from Newburyport!
Kayak
Plum Island Kayak – If small self-powered vessels are your style then Plum Island Kayak is your place. They offer a wide variety of guided Kayak and Stand Up Paddle Board tours. Not interested in a group tour? Then why not rent or arrange for a private tour or private instruction. They also organize unique “Peddle & Paddle” adventures.
Newbury Kayak & Canoe – Located on the Parker River in Newbury, this renovated outdoor sport shop also has a boat launch right on the property! Before or after your adventure, do a little shopping and pick up something special for your fellow outdoor sports enthusiast or for yourself.
The Chamber Staff
Greater Newburyport Chamber of Commerce & Industry