June 1, 2016

Ok, so the “trolley” has been updated since this photo was taken, but we’re still thrilled that weekend service from downtown Newburyport to Plum Island is back and will continue through Labor Day. In fact, the shuttle service loop offers many Essex Street Inn visitors the opportunity to ditch the car altogether; jump on the train from Boston and catch the shuttle to downtown!

June is a fantastic time to enjoy the beach (before the greenheads arrive) and explore the Island from the Harbor Light at the northern point to Sandy Point Reservation at the southern tip, and all the beauty in between.

When you’re ready to get off the beach but want to remain near the water, why not take in one of Newburyport’s cruises? There are several options from fishing or whale-watching to a simple one-hour Merrimack river cruise on the Yankee Clipper to learn about the ecology of the river and marsh and the history of the harbor. Or you can take a three-hour sail on the Ninth Wave catamaran and see the coastline from the ocean.

Boats leave from Newburyport’s waterfront boardwalk, where a sunset stroll is a mandatory part of any visit, or from the northern point of Plum Island. Reservations are strongly suggested!

Shuttle Service Information
Yankee Clipper Harbor Tours
Captain’s Fishing Parties & Cruises
Newburyport Whale Watch
Ninth Wave Catamaran