twin lights on thatcher's island

Book your launch ride ahead on the Thacher Island website, so you don't miss the unique experience of exploring the twin-lighthouses island a mile off shore from Rockport. Climb the North Lighthouse or stroll the tree shaded bower of Anne's Way to the south end of this little slice of heaven. Then return the east or west shore path. Bring whatever you might need ( like water or a snack) and be prepared to carry out you water bottles and bags. There are no 'amenities' which is why it's unspoiled.

Great place to explore! Short boat trip from Rockport Harbor. Can climb to the top of the lighthouses and you can see Ireland!! Watch out for the Seagulls!!!

We kayaked out from Rockport's T Warf for our first open ocean kayak adventure to visit friends Gary and Diane who were volunteering as light house keepers. We were a bit nervous about the kayaking but the weather and sea conditions were perfect. We made it out in about 50 minutes which we understand is pretty quick. The scenery along the coast is great as well as the view approaching the island and the twin lighthouses. Gary and Diane toured the entire island with us as well as the trek to the top of the lighthouse. It is a strenuous climb of 156 steps but the view is worth the effort. We recommend you read up on the history of the island prior to your visit as we had done. It has a very interesting past. There is a museum on the island. It is reachable by boat of=r kayak. There is also a shuttle on Wed. and Sat. that must be reserved ahead. There is a $5 fee per person.

If you are going to visit Rockport in the summer, make sure you call and make reservations for this tour well in advance. I called 2 weeks before my trip and there was only one available spot. There were two boats going to the island on a Wednesday morning, 9 and 9:45. When I called for the reservation, I had asked for them to call me if another spot became available, and the day before they called with an opening. The fee is $20.00 and well worth the cost. We left at 9 and returned around 12. It takes about 1/2 hour round trip traveling to and from the island. The rest of the time you are free to climb the North Tower and then tour the island and small museum. You are provided with a map, but the paths are well marked. It was a beautiful place and a great way to spend the morning.

I was not able to actually go out to the island, but was able to get some great photos from the coast. Since there was no parking in the area I was at, I drove up some side streets to get a good angle. I will definitely be back, and will go out to the island next time.

If you can get to the coast from one of the beaches then this is a very atmospheric sight at sunrise.

Two working lighthouses. Lighthouse, Keepers houses, trails, all fscilities well cared for by the Thacher Island Association. Years of hard work by volunteers has produced a wonderful asset for the town and for future generations.

I painted the Twin Lights at Thatcher's Island not once, but twice, because I could not get enough of the salty air, pure blue skies and crashing surf. Can I say "Heaven?"

The correct name of the island is Thacher NOT Thatcher Island! It also has a web site:ThacherIsland.org. The best place to view it from land is Loblolly Cove. (It is also the closest point to the island.

Haven't actually ventured out to Thatcher Island, but our house looks right out to the twin lighthouses and they are spectacular to look at day and night, clear and foggy. Be sure to snap a few pics here.

If Bass Rocks had been open, we would have elected to stay and photograph Twin Sisters directly from an ocean front room. Next time!

Visit the Thatcher Island website to get details on launch reservations. Donations. The launch leaves the Rockport Harbor/next to Sandy Bay Yatch Club. A fun ride to the Island. Your visit will be about 2 hours. Bring your own beverages and food, they offer none. Island walking maps are available with history. Make sure you visit the little museum. The climb to the top of the North light is worth it. Don't forget your camera. Remember sunscreen, hat, good walking shoes with socks, bug off, ---terrain is not flat but walkways are maintained. If you Kayak it makes a great full day trip from Back Beach area. Camping is available but you need to call ahead. AGAIN- no water on Island. (There are port-a-potty-privy available.)

This is well worth the trip and your donation is for a good cause. All donations go towards the upkeep of the property. The keepers, the people who do the restoration and the boat captains and helpers are all volunteers. You have to book this trip well in advance but if they are booked when your trip is scheduled keep calling, they do get cancellations. You go over in a small boat (next year they will have a new larger one). There is nothing on the island but wildlife, the lighthouses and the keepers houses. Once there you are on your own with the map but it is easy to get around. The views are spectacular especially if you climb to the top of the lighthouse. It is is well worth it if you are in ok shape and don't mind heights. The sea gulls are worth watching and there are lots of them. Don't miss the museum in the back of the keepers house. You are only there for about 2 hours. Take your camera and wear good walking shoes as you walk over stone or grassy paths. If you get a chance engage one of the keepers in conversation. Their time on the island is interesting.