KITTERY BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Five Hours to Star Island: A Seacoast Science Center Excursion from Pepperrell Cove
A guided 5-hour marine and coastal ecology outing from Pepperrell Cove to the Isles of Shoals, led by Seacoast Science Center staff — this guide lays out logistics, on-island options, and what to expect.
Five Hours to Star Island: A Seacoast Science Center Excursion from Pepperrell Cove.
Set out from Pepperrell Cove, Kittery Point, for a five-hour, naturalist-led exploration of Isle of Shoals coastal and marine ecosystems. The program mixes field observation and interpretation to introduce participants to local marine life, shoreline ecology and conservation, with timing that varies by date and tide.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A Day Afloat to Star Island
Departing from Pepperrell Cove, the excursion travels to Star Island where participants spend roughly three hours ashore exploring the island’s shoreline and facilities before returning to the vessel for a narrated transit back to Kittery Point.
Seal Viewing and Coastal Species
The return passage includes a slow motor-by of an area favored by harbor and gray seals, with viewing conducted from a safe guideline distance of 150 feet while crew discuss marine mammal rescue and natural history.
Hands-on Tidepooling and Ecology Walks
On Star Island, naturalists lead optional tidepooling sessions, ecology walks, and visits to the Rutledge Marine Lab, blending field observation with interpretive context about local habitats and species.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
The excursion unfolds as a daylong coastal science outing: meet at the dock, travel by boat to Star Island, spend roughly three hours ashore engaging in optional, naturalist-led activities, then return to the vessel for a narrated transit that includes seal-viewing and conservation interpretation.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this excursion suits — and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Bring a picnic lunch if you prefer—there is a snack bar on Star Island but hours may vary. Expect optional tidepooling activities that may involve getting your feet wet.
The full outing runs about five hours; times vary with date and tide, and you should arrive at the dock 30 minutes before departure.
During roughly three hours on Star Island you may join a tidepooling program, an ecology walk, or visit the marine lab; participation in these activities is optional.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the excursion?
The program runs approximately five hours.
Where do we meet?
Meet at the dock in Pepperrell Cove, Kittery Point; the itinerary lists the dock at 88 Pepperrell Road and asks guests to arrive 30 minutes before departure.
Is there parking nearby?
Yes. The recommended parking is at Horace Mitchell Primary School, a 5–7 minute walk from the dock; follow the directions provided from Route 103 to School Lane.
Are there age restrictions?
The excursion is suitable for ages 8 and up.
What activities are on Star Island?
Options include naturalist-led tidepooling, an Ecology Walk, and a visit to the Rutledge Marine Lab; there is also a snack bar though its hours may vary.
Will we see seals?
The return trip includes a slow motor-by of a seal-favored area; viewing is conducted from about 150 feet and includes commentary on marine mammal rescue efforts.