Boat Tours To Bakers Island Light Station Launch In June

SALEM, MA – Essex Heritage is starting this season's tours to Bakers Island Light Station later this month on the military style landing craft, the Naumkeag.

The Naumkeag is the only boat that can take passengers to Bakers Island Light Station, with tours starting on June 17, through Sept. 4. Visitors can take a guided tour of the property and learn about its history, or hike new trails, play croquet or bocce, or picnic.

"We are delighted to open up the light station for the third season and to welcome the new volunteer light keepers, Dave and Janet," said Annie C. Harris, Essex Heritage CEO. "We have new trips and experiences planned for this summer including lobster tours, en plain air painting trips, and wild edibles hikes. As a special pre-opening-day voyage, we are offering to take 18 passengers to see the Tall Ships arrive in Boston on Friday, June 16."

Regular trips to Bakers Island Light leave twice a day from the dock adjacent to the Salem Ferry Landing. Trips depart at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for this two and a half hour adventure. The Salem Ferry Landing is located at 10 Blaney St., Salem, just past the House of the Seven Gables. Free parking is available next to the dock.

Bakers Island Light Station is only accessible to the public through these tours with Essex Heritage. Naumkeag is a large, open boat with a bow front that drops down so passengers can walk directly onto the stone beach (not landing at a dock). No private landings are allowed.

Tickets are available for purchase online at www.EssexHeritage.org/boat, and at the National Park Service’s Regional Visitor Center (2 New Liberty St., Salem). Tickets cost $35 for adults and $25 for children.

Image via Essex Heritage