The Seacoast Places

Portsmouth

Boat Tours

Granite State Whale Watch, Inc.. Granite State Whale Watch, Inc. conducts naturalist-led whale-watching tours aboard the 150-passenger MV Granite State out of Rye Harbor State Marina from May to early October and narrated Isles of Shoals and fireworks cruises weekly in July and August. Box 768, Rye Harbor State Marina, Rte. 1A, 1860 Ocean Blvd., (Rte 1A), Rye, NH, 03870. 603/964-5545 or 800/964-5545. www.granitestatewhalewatch.com. $36.

Portsmouth Harbor Cruises. From May to October, Portsmouth Harbor Cruises operates tours of Portsmouth Harbor, foliage trips on the Cocheco River, and sunset cruises aboard the MV Heritage. 64 Ceres Str., Portsmouth, NH, 03801. 603/436-8084 or 800/776-0915. www.portsmouthharbor.com.

Isles of Shoals Steamship Company. The Isles of Shoals Steamship Company runs a three-hour Isles of Shoals, lighthouses, and Portsmouth Harbor cruise out of Portsmouth aboard the Thomas Laighton, a replica of a Victorian steamship, from April through December (twice daily in summer). Lunch and light snacks are available on board, or you can bring your own. There are also fall foliage cruises, narrated sunset cruises visiting five local lighthouses, and special holiday cruises. Barker Wharf, 315 Market St., Portsmouth, NH, 03801. 603/431-5500 or 800/441-4620. www.islesofshoals.com.

Portsmouth Kayak Adventures. Explore the waters, sites, and sea life of the Piscataqua River Basin and the New Hampshire coastline on a guided kayak tour with Portsmouth Kayak Adventures. Beginners are welcome (instruction is included). Tours are run daily from June through mid-October, at 10 and 2. Sunset tour times vary. 185 Wentworth Rd., Portsmouth, NH, 03801. 603/559-1000. www.portsmouthkayak.com.