IOSSC provided a wonderful day trip on the vessel ‘Challenger’ to Star Island, the 2nd largest island, about an hour’s cruise down the Piscataqua River and about 13 miles out to sea. Fully narrated with the history of the historic sights and the role Portsmouth played over several hundred years. Departure was at 9:20, allowing you plenty of time to wander on Star Island, the return trip left at 2:15 aboard the more spacious and characteristic ‘Thomas Leighton.’ Both vessels have ‘heads’ and bars. I booked on-line to be safe and secure a seat. There is a ticket booth near the vessel. It was a wonderful day and we enjoyed a picnic lunch that overlooked serenity. It was the best $89 we’ve ever spent.

We found this tour online before our trip. We were glad we had booked it. The tour we booked took us through the harbor of Portsmouth and then to Star Island. Star Island is a small and wonderful island that is walkable. We stopped by the hotel and had a snack. It was a really great visit overall! The narrator on the boat tour did a great job and was very informative. On the way back, we were lucky to see a giant ocean sunfish (aka mola mola), and that was a cool experience!

I need to separate the cruise experience and the comfort of the boat. This is by far the most uncomfortable seats I have ever encountered on a cruise. The boat has narrow wood benches. My back and behind began hurting within 10 minutes. It was so bad that a group of elderly passengers begged the captain to return to the dock and let them off. He did. It took about 10 minutes to pull back to the dock and let those poor folks off. The narration and the views were quite interesting. But I would have enjoyed it so much more if I was more comfortable. The name of the boat is Chalanger, perhaps there are other options. A portion of the trip is fast and into the wind, so it's cold. A windbreaker is useful for that part of the trip.

We went on the Challenger which has the worst seats imaginable, very narrow and painful. If I was rating the boat itself this would be a one star review however they redeemed themselves with the tour. The tour of the harbor was terrific, very entertaining and informative.

We have taken the Thomas Laighton out to Star Island, Isles of Shoals 5 times JUST this season!! Many times over the last 5 years!! It has been a wonderful experience each time!! The boat has plenty of comfortable seating on the 3 decks! Each are perfectly laid out, with inside & outside seating. The inside also has plenty of windows! The lower decks have 2 heads (bathrooms) each which are very clean . There are 3 bars which offer a nice variety of drinks & snacks! I love their pretzels! Always fresh! All 3 desks are also very clean! Both owners, Jeremy & Jarrod are very hands on & will often been seen captaining the boats. They are extremely friendly, pleasant & professional! As are the rest of their staff! I especially enjoy the narrations done while going out to Star Island & back! Each narrator puts their own spin on the sights which keeps it fun! Like I said we have been out on the ship 5 times this season & it is alway interesting!!