Essex River Cruises & Charters

There are few better ways to understand Essex than from the water, and Essex River Cruises has been putting people on the river for over 20 years.

The public cruises run seven days a week from Mother’s Day weekend through mid-October aboard the Essex River Queen I and II, gliding past salt marsh farms, historic shipyard sites, barrier beaches, and the wildlife of the Great Marsh as a knowledgeable captain narrates the history and ecology of it all.

Specialty cruises run throughout the season: brew tastings, birdwatching mornings, coffee and muffin cruises, fall foliage trips, and sundown excursions. Private charters are available for groups of up to 95, including tidal beach clambakes on secluded beaches in Essex Bay. Book ahead in summer.

Note: Public cruises are seasonal, running Mother’s Day weekend through mid-October. Check the website for the current schedule, specialty cruise dates, and charter enquiries.