BEACON BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
2.5-Hour Bannerman Island Cruise & Walking Tour — Exclusive Access to the Grotto
A 2.5-hour boat tour from Beacon to Pollepel (Bannerman) Island combining scenic Hudson River cruising, a guided walk of the castle ruins and gardens, and a seasonal guided visit to the recently reopened Grotto.
2.5-Hour Bannerman Island Cruise & Walking Tour — Exclusive Access to the Grotto.
One of the best things to do along the Hudson River is a visit to Pollepel Island — a tiny jewel set against the Hudson Highlands. The experience pairs a short cruise from Beacon with a guided walk among the Bannerman Castle ruins and island gardens, all presented to support ongoing preservation work.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Scenic Crossing of the Hudson Highlands
The short cruise places the Hudson Highlands and Pollepel Island in sharp relief: rocky shores, river vistas and the castle silhouette make the transit itself a primary reason to go.
Bannerman Castle Ruins and Island Gardens
The guided walk explores the ruins and cultivated spaces of Bannerman Castle, with narration and stewardship details that connect the site’s layered past to current preservation efforts.
An Unveiled Secret: The Grotto
New for 2026, Wednesday and Thursday summer tours include a special guided visit to the Grotto — an architectural feature that had been hidden and inaccessible for more than 30 years — offered at a special weekday rate.
What the day feels like
What the Half-Day Feels Like
The outing unfolds as a compact, surf-and-step experience: boarding in Beacon, a calm cruise across the Hudson to Pollepel Island, and a guided walking tour of the castle ruins and gardens before returning. The program is organized to deliver history, scenery, and a close look at significant architectural features in about two and a half hours.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The full experience runs approximately 2.5 hours.
Tours depart from 2 Red Flynn Drive, Beacon, NY 12508; advance booking is required.
Wear comfortable shoes for rough terrain; food and drinks are not included but snacks and souvenirs can be purchased on the island. Strollers cannot be accommodated.
Bannerman Island is not wheelchair accessible and cannot accommodate wheelchairs. Only service dogs as defined by the ADA are allowed. Tours operate rain or shine with a no-refund/no-reschedule policy.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Do tours run in bad weather?
Yes. Tours run rain or shine. There is a no-refund and no-rescheduling policy.
How long is the tour?
The full tour is approximately 2.5 hours.
Where does the tour depart from?
Tours depart from 2 Red Flynn Drive, Beacon, NY 12508; advance booking is required.
Are strollers or wheelchairs allowed on the island?
No. Strollers cannot be accommodated and Bannerman Island is not wheelchair accessible.
Can I bring a pet?
Only service dogs as described by the ADA are allowed on Bannerman Island.
Are food and drinks provided?
Food and drinks are not included; you can purchase snacks and souvenirs on Bannerman Island.