Ride The Star Island Mailboat
Get an insider's view at island logistics on M/V Shining Star.
This is the only excursion that we offer where you do not have to rent the entire boat. Must Call ahead and book reservation!
2024 mail boat Schedule
Monday & Friday:
Departure: 8:15 AM
Return: Approximately 11:00 AM
Tuesday:
Departure: 1:15 PM
Return: Approximately 6:00 PM
Wednesday:
Departure: 8:15 AM
Return: Approximately 5:15 PM
(estimated times - please be prepared to depart a little earlier or later)
**Times are approximate and subject to changes based on deliveries. However, the boat will never return earlier than the times listed.
Parking: We board at the eastern dock, which is at the farthest end of the parking lot.
Reservations and Inquiries: The best way to communicate is via text at 207-337-0446.
**Mailboat service to Star Island will continue through the fall - please call Captain Jack at (207) 337-0446 for availability!**
Make it stand out
Make it stand out
Other Mail Run trips are available throughout the season from April to October, on which there is usually room for guests. These trips often have a quick turnaround, and do not always allow for island walks. Guests are welcome on all of these runs, space permitting.
Departing from Pepperrell Cove in Kittery, ME!
Look for the M/V Shining Star
Rates
Monday & Friday - $30/person. Children 12 and under ride for free.
Tuesday & Wednesday - $40/adult & $20/child
Call us today to reserve your spot and for more details!
More details about Riding The Mailboat!
While most of our charters are private group trips by advance reservation, we do offer individual tickets on scheduled mail and freight runs to Star Island at the Isles of Shoals. Star Island supports a population of up to four hundred people in the summer. This historic location is little-changed since its heyday in earlier centuries. These trips provide an insider’s view into the comings and goings of island life, and are an interesting and unique way to experience the Isles of Shoals.
On a typical trip, guests will ride out with mail, food, freight and whatever else is headed out to Star Island that day- along with commuting island staff, hotel guests and volunteers. Some trips include a stop at the local lobster wharf to pick up the evening’s meal.
In summer, our coastal weather is generally calmest on the morning trips. On the way, out we typically see seals, porpoises and the occasional whale- in addition to gannets, loons and a variety of other birds, including bald eagles. We will most often pass close to working fisherman and commercial traffic navigating the Piscataqua River. The run to the Isles of Shoals takes about an hour. Guests are welcome to engage in conversation with the crew, help navigate the boat or simply enjoy the ocean breezes and the sunshine sparkling on the water.
Once at the island, visitors have the opportunity for a self-guided forty-five-minute walk ashore (morning trips only) of beautiful Star Island (don’t forget to peek into the historic stone chapel) while the vessel is unloaded and readied for the return trip.
On the return trip back to America (as the original Isles of Shoalers would say) the passenger list may include island staff and guests as well as mail, luggage, recycling, empty fuel tanks and the occasional surprise. (We have hauled everything from pianos to palm trees and everything in between.)
We encourage you to grab some breakfast and a coffee to go, and join us for a fun and fascinating experience.
Last minute reservations are encouraged, as long as we have room on the boat.