Thimble Islands

ThimbleIslands.com

Located off the coast of Stony Creek village (in the city of Branford, CT), the Thimble Islands are an archipelago of 25 small rocky, wooded islands topped with Victorian-era summer cottages (replete with ginger bread trimming). The area is a boating paradise where kayakers, fishing boats, ferry boats, paddle boarders, islanders, & home owners all co-exist to enjoy this picture perfect sanctuary.

  • Boat Tour / Cruise
  • Kayak Rental
  • Restaurants
  • Hotel / B&B

Sunset at Thimble Islands in Connecticut

photo credit: slack12

Did you know? The Thimble Islands are named after the thimbleberry bush that grows throughout the island area, and are not a reference to their petite size.

House on the Thimble Islands of Connecticut

https://www.thimbleislandslobsterbakes.com/

Thimble Islands

Stony Creek Brewery

5 Indian Neck Ave Branford, CT

203-433-4545

https://www.stonycreekbeer.com/

Stony Creek Market

Stony Creek Market

178 Thimble Islands Road, Branford, CT

203-488-0145

https://stonycreekmarket.com/

The Thimbleberry

The Thimbleberry

~ seasonal, opens in April ~

2 Indian Point Rd, Branford, CT

203-481-2836

https://www.facebook.com/TheThimbleberry/

House on the Thimble Islands of Connecticut

Volsunga IV

4 Indian Point Rd, Branford, CT

203-481-3345

[email protected]

https://www.facebook.com/volsungacruises/

The Islander

The Islander

203-433-2233

http://www.thimbleislander.com

Sea Mist

Sea Mist - Thimble Islands Cruise

203-488-8905

https://thimbleislandcruise.com/

House on the Thimble Islands of Connecticut

Thimble Island Kayak Rental

203-859-0546

https://thimbleislandkayak.com/

Branford River Paddlesports

Branford River Paddlesports

203-980-8451

https://branfordriverpaddlesports.com/

House on the Thimble Islands of Connecticut

Hotels / B&Bs

Thimble Islands Bed & Breakfast

Thimble Islands Bed & Breakfast

28 West Point Road Stony Creek ~ Branford, CT

203-488-3693

https://thimbleislandsbb.com/

House on the Thimble Islands of Connecticut

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Volsunga IV Thimble Island Cruise Volsunga IV Thimble Island Cruise Volsunga IV Thimble Island Cruise Volsunga IV Thimble Island Cruise

Volsunga IV makes 45-minute tours of the Thimble Islands daily. Captain provides lively narration of history and pirate legends. Available for private charter, groups.

Tour time: 45 minutes

Dates of Operation

Departs from Stony Creek Town Dock. Indian Point Rd. Branford , CT 06405 United States

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Thimble Island Cruise

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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

MikeofMA

Thimble Island Cruise - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Thimble Islands Cruise

Photo of Thimble Islands Cruise - Branford, CT, US. Captain Lee's stories were really fun!

Review Highlights

Christine W.

“ The narrated tour was 45 minutes, the views were beautiful, it was fun and informative. ” in 2 reviews

Mindy M.

“ 1938 a hurricane did massive damage to the islands in this area. ” in 2 reviews

thimble-islands-cruise-branford photo wUWMdURmq_qtZs9oUwAqKA

“ We booked a 2 Hour Sunset Private Charter on The Volsunga for my sister's Bachelorette Party, and our entire experience was AMAZING! ” in 2 reviews

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Branford, CT 06405

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Established in 1950. Started in the 1950's. In the Milne family since the 1970's. Family owned. Owner operator. 1 of the only working female sea captains in CT. …

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Photo of Andrew K.

A fun summer activity in Branford! The online ticket ordering process was really easy. It was much better than having to buy tickets in person. The islands are really beautiful!! They are all unique. I wish I could afford to live on them! My only real critique is that I would love more signage to point towards the boat and boarding area. I got confused walking there.

thimble islands tour branford ct

"Thimble Island Cruise". At the Stony Creek Dock; a young lady in the crew, directed us onto Captain Mike's boat. They are a family owned and run company that have been doing these tours for many years. The boat had two decks to sit and view for the trip and we took the upper. The Navy flag with 13 stars flies atop. The captain gave us a detailed tour and answered questions as he maneuvered the boat in the waters, and we saw various small islands of which 25 of over 300, have people on them today. Years ago, people lived there on the island full time with all sorts of uses, including mining for the Pink Granite in the area. 1938 a hurricane did massive damage to the islands in this area. But now it's a place for summer rentals only. Some islands have fresh water running underneath the bay. Others get water from the shore and some use holding tanks that get rainwater from the roof. Battery, generator, backup generators and solar are also used for electrical power. The piped in fresh water and electricity are all shut down in the Fall, except for one island that has Formal gardens and plants viewed from the outside but not open to the public. Outer Island is operated under the US Fish and Wildlife service. It is the only public island to allow visitor to land on the beach where a ferry boat will bring you out and pick you up. One of the more interesting stories of how an island got its name went like this. A couple married and went to one of the islands for their honeymoon. The mother-in-law rowed out to make sure they got there safely. The newlyweds were ok and stayed with her until she fell asleep. They took the boat and left her there. Thus, the island was named Mother-in-law's island and the name has stuck ever since. We even heard of the haunting of Captain Kidd, and his fellow pirates, in 1695 they haunted the gallows dock, Yo ho ho and a bottle of rum. On top of this island he could see most of Long Island Sound. Captain Kidd plumaged every boat that passed and he took gold and silver. He was said to have buried his treasure on one of the islands with claims of gold doubloons being found some years later. So there really is something of interest for everyone. It is a nice fair weather trip to add to your list to take.

thimble islands tour branford ct

See all photos from Mindy M. for Thimble Islands Cruise

Photo of Ify O.

This was a fun and cheap thing to do if you have a free hour. Who doesn't love a boat ride? We had a group of 6 for the cruise and there was no real way to make a reservation you just show up to the dock. Didn't like that once we got to the place there wasn't a clear sign of where to meet and when we finally found the meeting area the times written on the board were a bit confusing. The ride itself was a lot of fun. The people on our cruise were entertaining and the captain told a few funny jokes and interesting stories about the islands we passed by. Very beautiful and not something I expected to experience during my visit to New Haven. Highly recommend as a one time deal. Only $13 and totally worth the experience!

thimble islands tour branford ct

See all photos from Ify O. for Thimble Islands Cruise

Photo of Susan J.

Today a family group of seven went to take a cruise. My brother in law and sister in law arrived at 2:30 and stood in line as you can't pre purchase your tickets! We were taking the 4:00 They spoke to the dock master who assured them that they could hold a place in line as we were all arriving from various destinations. When the last two arrived one man was so irritate that we felt uncomfortable getting in line with our family members that had gotten there first! Consequently 4 of us left and 3 took the tour! This all could have been avoid d by pre paying . You arrive to buy a ticket and you get one. Over 200 people were in line with one broken down boat, not everyone would get on. We were so disappointed that a family event was destroyed. Needs much better organization!

Photo of Namrata C.

Cruise may be a strong word, but this is a fun way to spend 45m on a boat around the thimble islands! There can be an impressive line, and I'm not sure waiting 30-40m would be worth it for me, but be prepared to wait on the weekend! Also- bring cash ($13 a person as of August 2019) because they don't take card.

Photo of Lisa D.

The Thimble Island Cruise can be a fun and an enjoyable activity to do while on vacation. It is amazing to check out the beautiful homes built on these tiny islands. The cruise enjoyment itself really depends on who your captain is. A couple years ago we did the cruise and really enjoyed the narration. Our most recent cruise however we had young lady with a cadence in her voice that was so irritating we could not wait to get back to shore. When she was complaining about the kayakers or the seagulls she spoke normally but the rehearsed speech was delivered in such an intentionally phony way we thought perhaps somebody gave her bad advice on how to narrate the cruise. Also the diesel smell from this boat we were on was overwhelming so our group was not as happy as previous experiences. The waiting by lining up on the dock was not an easy process for the seniors. It would be better handled if there is a way to purchase tickets and wait in the shade until your assigned boat arrives.

Photo of Valerie R.

Good time aboard the Volsunga IV with Captain Bob! My husband had never been to the Thimble Islands so on a day off we went down to take the 45 minute cruise. It was an enjoyable cruise with good narration.

thimble islands tour branford ct

I took this tour with Captain Bob years ago, but this time a young woman gave the tour. She has a totally bizarre speaking style, as has been commented on by another reviewer- it's slow and monotonous in a sing-songy way, and at first, we weren't sure how we'd tolerate it for 45 minutes. But we got used to it, she told all the good stories, and she proved a source of odd entertainment. If I take someone on the tour again, I'd wait the extra 45 minutes to do Captain Dave's tour, think, but this was a perfectly solid tour and a pleasant boat ride.

Photo of Kim K.

Awesome time.. the weather was perfect staff was friendly and pleasant! Cruise was 45 minutes and told a story which was awesome..

Photo of Jessica L.

Very disappointed after driving an hour and arriving with ample time only to find out that the boat had been tied to the dock all day and none of its staff had been seen, ergo the Volsunga was not taking any tours. Their website, of course, did not reflect any change in schedule. The other tours operating from the dock are equally disorganized and poor at communicating departures, boat capacity, etc. my recommendation is to skip the whole thing unless you have hours to wait in line in the sun with no clue as to when or whether you will get on a tour.

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The Thimble Islands: A Guide To CT’s Most Unique Attraction

seagull perched on a post near the Thimble Islands of CT

They all shared an affinity for a small slip of Connecticut known as the Thimble Islands .

Unsuspecting travelers can easily miss the chance to explore one of the most unique Connecticut attractions. And yet those in the know can tell you what to do on the Thimble Islands.

That is, if they wanted to welcome you into their fold.

Read on for our guide to what is without question one of the most exclusive and unique of Connecticut’s many attractions .

A Brief History of the Thimble Islands

The Thimble Islands is the largest group of islands in Connecticut.

Anywhere from a hundred to 365 islands make-up the archipelago , depending on whether you count outcroppings like:

  • Small rocks

Located off of the Stony Creek area of the town of Branford, CT , the islands were named after the abundance of thimbleberries that grew wild here.

Before Europeans arrived, the Mattabesek Indians used the islands as summer camping grounds. Their name for the archipelago was Kuttomquosh, “the beautiful sea rocks.”

The Thimble Islands in the Colonial Era

Adrian Block, a Dutch explorer, was the first European to discover the islands in 1614. And yet it was not until 1716 that colonists claimed land grants of the islands. Colonial owners occupied the last of the islands by 1773.

During the colonial period, local farmers treated the islands as a source of seaweed, for fertilizer.

That said, commercial fishing remained a major form of commerce until World War I.

Oyster connoisseurs celebrate Stony Creek oysters, pulled from these waters.

The Thimble Islands as Connecticut’s most exclusive resort destination

By the mid-1800s, the islands became a tourist attraction with steamboat excursions and a hotel.

On his Pot Island property, local resident William Bryan built the Thimble Island Hotel in 1846. Bryan drew both tourists and treasure hunters by exploiting the legend that Captain Kidd buried his treasure on the islands. Within a month, day-trippers flocked to the steamer Hero for tours of the islands. Bryan expanded his hotel the following summer, adding two bowling alleys, boating, swimming, and fishing. The railroad that ran between New Haven and New London in the 1850s made the trip convenient for those living in nearby cities. The islands became a popular resort area offering a respite from busy city life.

Within a few decades, people were building homes and cottages on the highly desirable shores of the islands.

Changes were most notable following the war, including laying:

  • Water pipes
  • Electricity
  • And telephone cables

The Thimble Islands continue to provide a safe haven for weary people looking for a place to escape. Provided no winter storms or hurricanes are headed their way, anyway.

That said, many of those who summer here occupy small summer cottages passed down from generation after generation. There are a total of 81 houses on the inhabited islands:

  • There is only one house on each of 14 of the islands. Rogers Island has a 27-room Tudor mansion, tennis and basketball courts, and a caretaker’s residence on its 7.75 acres.
  • Governor Island has 14 houses
  • Money Island, measuring 12 acres, is home to an entire village of 32 houses, a church, and a post office, all hidden among tall trees
  • And the rest have between two and six houses

Of the inhabited islands, only six islands get electric power delivered via underwater cables.

Things to do on the Thimble Islands: 9 Top Picks

With a bit of the archipelago’s history in hand, what is there to do on the Thimble Islands?

Quite a bit, provided you’re looking for a destination more akin to Maine than a location a short drive from New Haven and New York City, for that matter. Before you plan your day trip to one of most unique spots in Connecticut , check out the most popular activities.

Take a Cruise on the Sea Mist Thimble Islands Cruise

boat cruising at a high speed in Long Island Sound

After all, the only way to know you’re on an island is to see it from the water!

The Sea Mist is located at the Town Dock in Stony Creek Harbor. Their boat tours are the best way to see the wondrous line of islands.

You’ll hear lofty stories, both rumored and confirmed, that took place on the islands. Some of the most interesting include:

  • The possibility of Captain Kidd hiding his treasure here
  • Tom Thumb’s favored dating spot on Cut-In-Two Island

Some of the island names alone can provide entertainment for your cruise.

Meanwhile, the sheer opulence of other islands are a tribute to the pursuit of happiness.

Case in point: Rogers Island.

This 7.5-acre private island is the backdrop for an 8,746-square-foot Tudor mansion, with tennis and basketball courts, a caretaker’s residence, and a putting green that Jack Nicklaus designed himself.

And of course, there is Davis Island, the cherished summer spot of President Taft.

Take the Thimble Island Ferry to the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge

seabird on a stony beach in Connecticut

Southern Connecticut State University uses Outer Island for ecological research. And during the summer months, Outer Island is both open to the public and staffed with volunteers.

Here, you’ll discover why another name for the Thimbles are the pink granite islands. You can take in the majestic pink boulders and unusual cobblestone beach as well as spot birds and waterfowl who call the island home.

Get away from it all and spend quality time with nature, all while taking impressive selfies of yourself at one of the most beautiful spots on Earth.

Hop on the other Thimble Island ferry service, Volsunga IV , to hit-up this wildlife refuge.

Paddle Around the Thimble Islands

womans feet in her kayak as she kayaks around the Thimble Islands of Connecticut

If you’re feeling particularly sporty, a perfect way to explore the islands is by kayak. You can spend a few hours taking a leisurely 4-mile paddle so relaxing it won’t feel like exercise at all.

Provided there’s no wind, at least.

Arms tired? Pull up at a quiet spot to take in the beauty of the area.

A few local outfitters for paddling and kayak rentals include:

  • Thimble Island Kayak Rental
  • Branford River Paddlesports

Visit Stony Creek Quarry

With so much pink granite around, it’s no surprise that in the mid-1860s a few thousand people made a living at the flourishing rock quarries. Here they toiled, removing the highly prized granite, processing and carving it to bring out its pink speckled beauty.

Architects viewed it as a highly durable material with a unique undulating veining that made it seem alive. The pink granite graces many American landmarks including:

  • The Statue of Liberty
  • The George Washington Bridge
  • Grand Central Station

The allure and hard work of the island quarries drew author Ayn Rand to the area when researching stone works for her book, The Fountainhead.

Lucrative offers for prime waterfront land were too tempting for many former quarry owners to pass up.

Stony Creek Quarry hosts the sole surviving quarry here today.

Stop By the Stony Creek Museum

Curious to learn more about the history of Stony Creek and the Thimble Islands?

Then while visiting Stony Creek Quarry, be sure to visit the Stony Creek Museum . It is the perfect way to finish your day with some well-rounded information about the quarry and insights into life in a quaint Connecticut coastal village.

Bask in the Sun on Stony Creek Beach

sunset over Long Island Sound

The beach might be tiny, but it’s a lovely spot to get your beach bunny groove on.

Don’t forget a book, mysterious sunglasses, a sexy broad-brimmed hat à la Katharine Hepburn, and some cool drinks on ice.

Some other great nearby Connecticut beaches include:

  • Jacobs Beach, in the town of Guilford, CT
  • Hammonasset Beach State Park, one of the absolute best things to do in Madison, Connecticut
  • Clinton Town Beach
  • Harvey’s Beach in Old Saybrook, Connecticut (Ms Hepburn’s favorite haunt)

Admire the Granite Detailing at Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library

A visit to the Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library provides the perfect opportunity to see why pink granite became such a high-demand architectural detail.

At risk of beating a dead horse about the local pink granite, it truly is lovely. And the library is a perfect refuge if it happens to rain during your visit.

Set in until the storm passes, curled up in a comfortable chair with a book, and you will have found your slice of heaven. You can also take a peek at the tiny, impressive art gallery in the foyer.

Buy a Thimble Island souvenir or two

I love punny business names as much as the next hipster.

If the name alone isn’t enough to get you to drive out to Taken For Granite , the unique souvenirs and thoughtful displays should do the trick.

And if you’re not up for a drive, Seaside Home and Gifts is worth a browse to find not just gifts, but housewares and clothes. A close neighbor to the Stony Creek Market you’re sure to find something for someone – even if just for yourself. Don’t forget to grab a slice of pizza at the market or enjoy one of the assorted dishes prepared fresh every day.

Hop on Over to Stony Creek Brewery

Craft beers are all the rage today, and the Branford River waterfront is home to the Stony Creek Brewery. There’s plenty to do to while away a few hours:

  • Sample artisanal beer at their indoor-outdoor taproom
  • Grab a bite at their cleverly planned rotating array of food trucks
  • Play games at their game pit

This top Connecticut brewery is a great place to end your Thimble Island day trip.

thimble islands tour branford ct

Keep exploring the Connecticut shoreline

sea foam on the beach in Connecticut

Keep planning your visit to the Connecticut shoreline, some excellent nearby points include:

  • Yale University and more attractions, activities, and things to do in New Haven, Connecticut
  • More charming Connecticut towns in New Haven County
  • Discover the best beaches in Connecticut
  • And find even more unique and quirky attractions in Connecticut, from Greenwich to Stonington, in our Connecticut Travel Guide

And for a local’s introduction to another exclusive section of Connecticut, explore our guide to things to do in Greenwich, Connecticut .

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The Thimble Islands – Little Islands with a Big History

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Thimble Islands archipelago in the Long Island Sound, Branford, Connecticut - Library of Congress, Prints and Photograph Division, The George F. Landegger Collection of Connecticut Photographs in the Carol M. Highsmith's America

The Thimble Islands are a chain of 365 islands in Stony Creek Harbor off the southeast coast of Branford in Long Island Sound. This archipelago was first recorded as “Thimble Islands” in Branford town records in 1739 but earlier maps show them named the “Hundred Islands.” Legends say that the islands were named for thimbleberries, a relative of our native black raspberries, but are seldom found in the area. Dutch explorer, Adrian Block was the first European to discover the islands in 1614, although the Mattabesek Indians knew them well and referred to them as Kuttomquosh, “the beautiful sea rocks.” The sizes of the islands vary greatly from acres wide down to small rocks jutting up from the sea, and the majority can only be seen during times of low tide. Today, the inhabited islands are home to local residents, small businesses, and remain steeped in folklore and history.

Photograph of the Thimble Island House on Pot Island, 1888, Stony Creek, CT - Branford Historical Society

Photograph of the Thimble Island House on Pot Island, 1888, Stony Creek, CT – Branford Historical Society

Early History of the Thimble Islands

In the early 18th century, the islands had little to no value to local residents. The terrain proved inhospitable to farming, being too rocky and too small for sufficient crops. Additionally, most were too small to inhabit. They were, however, good spots for fishing, oystering, and seaweed harvesting. By the late 18th century the town of Branford distributed the entire chain of islands to residents descended from the original Branford settlement.

Interest in the islands began to change in the mid-1800s. In 1846, local resident William Bryan built the Thimble Island Hotel on his Pot Island land. Bryan attracted tourists and treasure hunters alike by taking advantage of the legend that Captain Kidd buried his treasure on the islands. Within a month, day-trippers piled onto the steamer Hero for tours to and around the islands. By the next summer Bryan expanded his hotel, offering two bowling alleys, boating, swimming, and fishing. During the 1850s, the railroad running between New Haven and New London made the trip easy for those living in nearby cities, and the islands became a popular resort area offering a respite from busy city life.

Photograph of the steamer Margaret which serviced the Thimble Islands - Branford Historical Society

Photograph of the steamer Margaret which serviced the Thimble Islands – Branford Historical Society

Advertisement from New Haven's Columbian Register, July 8, 1865, for the steamer "Alice E. Preston" excursions to the Thimble Islands. Only a $1.00 for a round trip.

Advertisement from New Haven’s Columbian Register , July 8, 1865, for the steamer “Alice E. Preston” excursions to the Thimble Islands. Only a $1.00 for a round trip.

The area’s resort industry declined during the Civil War , but by the war’s end, tourism once again boomed. Residents built private summer cottages, hotels, and guesthouses and welcomed tourists from near and far. Large steamers upped their schedules and ferried people to the islands multiple times a day. By the close of the 19th century, Stony Creek Harbor filled with yachts, attracting a wealthy public from New York City and New Haven. At the start of the 20th century, the islands became more privatized. Local landowners and their families built private summer homes, although the numerous ferries continued to bring tourists to and from the islands.

1938 Hurricane Destroys Island Homes

In September 1938, a hurricane hit without warning. (Although the islands had underwater telephone lines, weather warnings did not yet exist.) The hurricane badly damaged the island properties and stranded residents. The storm swept entire residences into sea, and seven people lost their lives. The hurricane, along with the impending Great Depression, forever altered the bustling, busy islands. Hotels did not reopen and ferry service dwindled. By the 1940s, the Thimble Islands became a quiet community, for those few who could still afford it.

These days the Thimble Islands remain a quiet summer community, although recently they have witnessed a resurgence in tourism. Of the over 365 islands, only 23 are inhabited, and only six islands have electrical power brought through underwater cables. There are a total of 81 houses on the inhabited islands and they range from small summer cottages that run on generators to huge mansions complete with caretaker’s quarters and basketball courts. These properties are included in the Stony Creek-Thimble islands Historic District listed in 1988 on the National Register of Historic Places. Famous Americans also call or have called the Thimble Islands home. General Tom Thumb , of P. T. Barnum fame, once lived on the islands, and for two years in the 1900s, President William Taft had a summer home on Davis Island.

Photograph of Thimble Island's Harbor, 1888, Stony Creek, CT - Branford Historical Society

Photograph of Thimble Island’s Harbor, 1888, Stony Creek, CT – Branford Historical Society

The islands, although predominantly used for residential purposes, today serve a number of other purposes. Yale University owns Horse Island and it is part of Yale’s Peabody Museum of Natural History’s Ecological Laboratory, and Bear Island has a granite quarry which, in the past, exported stone to build Grant’s Tomb, the base of the Statue of Liberty, and the Lincoln Memorial. There is also a water taxi that transports people to and from the islands. As recently as the 1970s, the wealthy Svenningsen family purchased their first Thimble Islands property, West Crib. Christine Svenningsen now owns approximately half of the populated Thimble-Island properties.

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You are here, a glimpse of the thimble islands.

by Archibald Hanna

The largest group of islands in Connecticut is Branford’s Thimble Islands. Tour boat captains have been heard to claim that there are “three hundred and sixty five of them-one for every day of the year.” But even counting every rock that shows above low tide the count will hardly reach more than a hundred, thirty of which are inhabited in summer. They take their name from the “thimbleberries” or black raspberries which once grew wild on them.

The Stony Creek area, in which the Thimbles lie, seems to have been a favorite summer camping ground for the Mattabesec Indians. It was not until the fifth division in 1716 that the colonists made land grants of the islands. Since Branford was a farming community, the islands had little value except as a source for seaweed, used as fertilizer. The larger islands could be used in the summer pasture for sheep. Consequently, it was not until 1773 that the last of the islands were handed over to individual owners.

In the 1840’s tremendous changes, social and economic, were taking place as the nation was becoming industrialized. Money and leisure were becoming available to large numbers of people. In the summer of 1846 a steamboat excursion from New Haven to “Kidd Island” in the Thimbles was advertised as “a fine opportunity for those fond of fishing and for invalids to enjoy fresh sea air.” Earlier that same year William Bryan of Branford had built a hotel on pot Island, which he renamed for the famous pirate Captain Kidd, promoting, if not creating the legend of possible buried treasure.

During the next few years steamboat excursions became more frequent, stopping not only in the Thimbles but also at other shore points. The completion of the New Haven and New London railroad in 1852 brought Stony Creek within easy reach of the city. Other hotels and boarding houses opened, not only on the islands but on shore, and guests lengthened their stay to days, and even weeks. By the 1870’s people were building their own summer cottages on the shore and on the islands.

It was not only vacationers who were attracted to the Thimbles. Lobstermen and commercial fishermen found a profitable harvest in their waters, but it was oysters that produced the real bonanza. The islands provided sheltered waters and the freshwater streams entering from the mainland produced the exact temperatures and salinity the shellfish needed. Stony Creek oysters became highly prized by connoisseurs. The roughly 25 years from 1890 to the outbreak of World War I were a golden age for the Thimbles. The town was finally persuaded to build a public dock for the convenience of the islanders. This was the great era of yachting. Long Island Sound offered room enough for an extended cruise without the dangers of open ocean and plenty of snug harbors in which to end the day. The Thimbles were a favorite anchorage and on one August day in 1910 no less than 50 yachts from three New York clubs anchored there.

Since WWI, changes have come to the islands. There is no longer a hotel on any of them; water pipes and telephone cables have been laid; there are fewer sailboats, more motor boats and water skiers instead of rowing races. Islands change hands, but many of the same families come back year after year, one generation succeeding another. The ferry and tour boats that leave the town dock have different names and different captains, but as you go from island to island you will be told many of the same stories of people and events that were told nearly 50 years ago.

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Last Updated: Thu, 06/20/2019 - 12:10pm

Thimble Islands

thimble islands tour branford ct

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IMAGES

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COMMENTS

  1. Sea Mist

    Captain Kidd sailed here in 1665…you can still feel his presence today. Join Captains Mike, Justin, Bryan and the crew of the Sea Mist as you tour the famous Thimble Islands off the coast of Branford, Connecticut. For nearly sixty years, 1000s of seafarers have enjoyed tours and charters of the Long Island Sound with Thimble Island Cruise.

  2. Thimble Islands, CT

    Located off the coast of Stony Creek village (in the city of Branford, CT), the Thimble Islands are an archipelago of 25 small rocky, wooded islands topped with Victorian-era summer cottages (replete with ginger bread trimming). ... Boat Tour / Cruise. Volsunga IV. 4 Indian Point Rd, Branford, CT. 203-481-3345 [email protected] https://www ...

  3. Thimble Islands

    Outstanding tour. Many thanks to the Captain and crew of the Sea Mist for wonderful trip. I was lucky enough to be the first passenger for the summer season. I would definitely recommend a Thimble Islands Tour for anyone staying on the CT shoreline. To elaborate onthe questions below:Tours last 45 mins but they start boarding 15 mins before ...

  4. Captain Dave's Thimble Island Cruises

    Get to know Branford, CT. Aug 2021 • Friends. ... since he spent much of his childhood and teenage years in The Thimble Islands. I highly recommend this tour. Read more. Written September 8, 2020 ... a small museum, a few shops and restaurants, not much. The Thimble Islands cruises are the primary destination points for Stoney Creek. The ...

  5. Volsunga IV Thimble Island Cruise

    Volsunga IV makes 45-minute tours of the Thimble Islands daily. Captain provides lively narration of history and pirate legends. Available for private charter, groups. ... Branford, CT 06405 United States. Map & Directions. Contact (203) 481-3345. email. visit website. While You're in the Neighborhood. Restaurants. Hotels. Attractions.

  6. The Islander -Thimble Island Tours

    The Islander -Thimble Island Tours, 30 Indian Point Rd, Stoney Creek Dock, Branford, CT 06405: See 10 customer reviews, rated 4.3 stars. Browse 23 photos and find hours, menu, phone number and more.

  7. Thimble Islands Cruises Aboard Sea Mist

    68 reviews and 107 photos of Thimble Islands Cruises Aboard Sea Mist "I guess the quality of your Thimble Island tour will depend on several factors: one being good weather, and another being on the right boat. ... Branford, CT 06405. Mon. 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Tue. Closed. Wed. 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Thu. 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Fri. 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM ...

  8. THIMBLE ISLANDS

    July 4, 2023, was the second time we took the Thimble Island Tour on the Sea Mist. Even though it rained, we were inside & dry, enjoying the tour. It is a lot of fun and very informative. You will learn a lot! ... North Branford, CT 36 contributions. Hi You may want to try this chain which has a site 10 min away .americas best value inn. Read ...

  9. Explore Branford's Thimble Islands and Stony Creek village

    Thimble Island Bed & Breakfast in Stony Creek , Branford, CT on June 26, 2023. Lisa Nichols for Hearst CT Media. A dreamy onshore getaway is the Thimble Islands Bed & Breakfast (28 West Point Road, 203-488-3693). Tucked at the end of West Point Road, the property has one room and one suite, each with a private bathroom.

  10. Thimble Island Cruise

    Private sailing trips around Fishers island from New London, CT. 6. On the Water. from. $650.00. per group (up to 4) Private Historic Yale Smart Phone Self Guided Walking Tour. 2.

  11. THIMBLE ISLAND CRUISE

    Thimble Island Cruise, Branford: See 120 reviews, articles, and 48 photos of Thimble Island Cruise, ranked No.8 on Tripadvisor among 8 attractions in Branford. ... Private sailing trips in the Thimble Islands, Branford, CT. 6. Swimming. from . C$893.48. per group (up to 4) 2022. Mystic Seaport Museum Adventure . 196. ... We took a tour of the ...

  12. Thimble Islands Cruise

    23 reviews and 42 photos of Thimble Islands Cruise "Rocks boats and great stories A great way to spend a summer day. Capt Bob was a character and knew just about everything there was to know about the Thimbles, including fastastic stories about the islands before the 1938 hurricane. ... Branford, CT 06405. Get directions. Mon. Closed. Tue. 11: ...

  13. Thimble Islands Ferry Service

    Office Phone: 203-889-8365 Mailing Address: 173 Maple St. Branford, CT 06405. Dock Phone: 203-483-6659 Dock Address: 4 Indian Point Rd. Branford, CT 06405. Email:[email protected].

  14. The Thimble Islands: A Guide To CT's Most Unique Attraction

    The Thimble Islands is the largest group of islands in Connecticut. Anywhere from a hundred to 365 islands make-up the archipelago, depending on whether you count outcroppings like: Ledges; Sand bars; Small rocks; Reefs . Located off of the Stony Creek area of the town of Branford, CT, the islands were named after the abundance of ...

  15. Thimble Islands

    Thimble Islands. The Thimble Islands is an archipelago consisting of small islands in Long Island Sound, located in and around the harbor of Stony Creek in the southeast corner of Branford, Connecticut. The islands are under the jurisdiction of the United States with security provided by the town of Branford police and the US Coast Guard.

  16. Bookings

    Tours Aboard The Sea Mist; Charters. Memorial; Private Charters; Nearby; Island Time Cruise; ... about Cruise The Branford River aboard ISLAND TIME. Bookings. 2024 With our new online booking system, we will book month to month. ... Thimble Islands Cruise PO Box 3138 Stony Creek,Ct. 06405 Phone 203-488-8905.

  17. The Thimble Islands

    The Thimble Islands are a chain of 365 islands in Stony Creek Harbor off the southeast coast of Branford in Long Island Sound. This archipelago was first recorded as "Thimble Islands" in Branford town records in 1739 but earlier maps show them named the "Hundred Islands."

  18. A Glimpse of the Thimble Islands

    The largest group of islands in Connecticut is Branford's Thimble Islands. Tour boat captains have been heard to claim that there are "three hundred and sixty five of them-one for every day of the year." But even counting every rock that shows above low tide the count will hardly reach more than a hundred, thirty of which are inhabited in ...

  19. THIMBLE ISLANDS: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

    Captain Emily on The Thimble Islander was a wonderful tour guide. She grew up on the islands and really knows her stuff. Great place to take your guests. Under $20 for a 45 minute boat ride around these unique islands. Visited July 2023. Travelled with family. Written 11 July 2023.

  20. 137 Leetes Island Rd Branford, CT 06405

    For Sale - 137 Leetes Island Rd, Branford, CT - $3,650,000. View details, map and photos of this single family property with 7 bedrooms and 1 total baths. MLS# 24004407.