The Cross Sound Ferry is introducing a new way to explore Long Island’s historic lighthouses this summer.
Beginning in June, the company will offer lighthouse cruises from its Orient Point dock. The two-hour tours take passengers to view six lighthouses and other points of interest. Highlights include Bug Light and North Dumpling Light, which supposedly helped signal to liquor smugglers during Prohibition.
“It’s a unique way to get out on the water,” said Stan Mickus, director of public affairs and marketing at Cross Sound Ferry. “You have the opportunity to get up close and learn the compelling histories of these lighthouses.”
The Long Island Lights Cruise takes passengers out toward Plum Gut for an afternoon aboard the ferry service’s high-speed SeaJet. The modern catamaran is equipped with two enclosed air-conditioned decks and a spacious outdoor deck for viewing the scenery.
Expert narrator and past East End Seaport Museum president Ted Webb of Orient will clue tour-goers in on the history and little known facts about each site.
The new tours are the company’s first lighthouse cruises to depart from Orient Point. Since 2015, Cross Sound Ferry has been operating two other lighthouse tours from its terminal in New London, Connecticut.
“There is a tremendous amount of interest in these lighthouse tours… We figured, why not open it up to the Long Island side as well?” Mickus said.
The two New London packages are The Classic Lighthouse Cruise that takes passengers to nine lighthouses and The Lights and Sights Cruise that tours waterfronts from Watch Hill, Rhode Island to Fishers Island. Long Islanders who purchase tickets for these tours will receive a free ride from Orient to New London.
The Long Island Lights Cruise will run Thursdays through Sundays from June 28 to Sept. 3. All cruises depart at 1:45 p.m. from the Cross Sound Ferry dock at 41270 Main Road in Orient. Reservations are strongly recommended.
For more details call (631) 323-2525 or visit longislandferry.com.
