Isles of Shoals Excursions
A Marine and Coastal Ecology Learning Adventure
Join Seacoast Science Center on a unique Isles of Shoals adventure to discover the beauty and fascinating wildlife of the Gulf of Maine.
Your adventure begins when you step aboard the Shining Star, a custom Mussel Ridge 46, and set course for the Isles of Shoals, located 6 miles off the coast. Along the way, SSC naturalists will orient you to the Gulf of Maine, local marine ecology, and wildlife sightings. Activities on Star Island include a naturalist-led tide pooling experience, ecology walk, visiting the Rutledge Marine Lab, self-exploration of the island, eating at the snack bar (hours/dates may vary) or enjoying your own picnic lunch!
Once we get back aboard the Shining Star, we will slowly travel around rocky ledges of Duck Island, which are areas favored by harbor and gray seals, viewing and learning about these charismatic animals from a safe and federally regulated distance. Then, we will enjoy a beautiful early evening ride back to Kittery Point.
- Program Length: 5 hours
- Cost:
- Members: $82 age 13+; $72 age 3-12; $35 under age 3
Non-Members: $92 age 13+; $82 age 3-12; $45 under age 3 - Ages: best for ages 8 and up; under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult
- Meeting Location: The boat departs from Pepperell Cove, Kittery Point, Maine.
2026 Schedule
| Date | Time |
| Tuesday, August 11 | 1:15–6:15pm |
| Saturday, August 22 | 10am-3pm |
| Tuesday, August 25 | 1:15–6:15pm |
| *NEW DATE* Saturday, September 5 | 1–6pm |
Itinerary
- Meet at the dock 30 minutes before departure time, in Pepperrell Cove, Kittery Point, Maine, located at 88 Pepperrell Road.
**Parking** Please park at the Horace Mitchell Primary School, a 5-7 minute walk from the dock (take a left off 103 a block beyond the wharf onto School Lane).
We will depart for Star Island promptly at the scheduled excursion time, and learn about local marine ecology and any wildlife we see along the way.
- Spend 3 hours on Star Island! (All activities optional)
- Get your feet wet during a naturalist-led tide pooling program.
- Explore the island during our Ecology Walk.
- Visit the Rutledge Marine Lab.
- Grab a bite to eat at the snack bar (hours may vary) or bring a picnic lunch.
- Get back aboard the Shining Star.
- Slowly motor by an area favored by harbor and gray seals, viewing and learning about these species from 150 feet away (safe viewing guideline). You will also learn about the Seacoast Science Center Marine Mammal Rescue team’s work.
- Set sail for home!
Details
Please be prepared for your adventure at sea and on island. Bring:
- Water, snacks, or lunch (no glass containers please).
- Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, bug spray
- Clothing layers (it’s always cooler on the water!).
- Water shoes or closed-toes shoes that can get wet (no flip flops or heels please).
- Binoculars, if you have a pair (we will have some to share; scopes are not recommended).
- Smoking is not allowed on the boat and only in the designated smoking areas on island.
- To increase the chances of a comfortable and enjoyable trip, concerned guests may want to consider using a motion sickness medication before scheduled departure. Ginger candies and ginger ale are also recommended.
Accessibility
Star Island is a remote and rugged location. Access to and from the boat will be along a (sometimes steep) gangway, and most of the island is reached via rocky paths and a half mile dirt road. Some of our optional guided activities, such as tide pooling, include walking on slippery rocks and seaweed. Please contact us with any questions or concerns about accessibility.
Cancellation Policy
If a trip is canceled due to low numbers or severe weather, a decision will be made and communicated 24 hours prior to the scheduled trip.
You may choose to reschedule for an open date or choose the offered rain date. If unable to reschedule, a full refund will be offered.
If a participant cancels 1 week-48 hours before a scheduled trip, a partial refund of 50 percent will be offered. Cancellations less than 48 hours in advance, or no-shows the day/time of the excursion, receive no refund.
