Guest Author - Jeanne Daigle

To get a good view of all the lighthouses around Rockport and Gloucester, Massachusetts - a lighthouse cruise is in order. The Cape Ann Lighthouse Cruise gives you a close-up view of six lighthouses - Annisquam Lighthouse, Thacher Island Twin Lights, Eastern Point Lighthouse, Ten Pound Lighthouse, and the Straitsmouth Lighthouse. The last two lighthouses are hard to see from the shoreline. The cruise lasts about 2 and 1/2 hours. It is recommended that you make reservations for the cruise at 978.283.1979 or email info@capeannharbortours.com.

The cruise schedule is:
May - Saturday & Sunday only 2:30pm
Mid-June to Labor Day: Daily, 2:30 p.m.
Fall 2008: Saturdays and Sundays, 2:30 p.m.

Tickets:
Adults: $27
Children (3-12): $15
Seniors (60 and over): $24
Infants under 3: Free


Here are some of the lighthouses you’ll see on the cruise.


The Annisquam Lighthouse

The Annisquam Lighthouse is located in Rockport, Massachusetts. You can view this lighthouse from the shore. From Route 127 in Gloucestor, turn onto Lane Rd. Take a left onto Elizabeth Road followed by another left onto Wigwam Road and a right onto Lighthouse Road. There is a small parking lot and a set of stairs down to the beach where you can view the lighthouse. The lightkeeper's house is private property, so be sure you don't disturb the residents.

The lighthouse was established in 1801 and automated in 1974. The lighthouse stands 41 feet high.

The Thacher Island Twin Lights

The Thacher Island Twin Lights are also located in Rockport, Massachusetts. You can view these two lighthouses from the shore. A good place to view these lights is near Turk's Head Motor Inn on Route 127A. Turn onto Penzance Road and onto Old Penzance Road. This turns into a dirt road, just continue down that until you reach a parking lot. Walk up one of the side paths on the right side of the parking and you will have a good view of the Thacher Island Twin Lights.
The lighthouse was established in 1771. The north light was deactivated 1932 and relighted as a private aid in 1989. The south light was automated 1980. The lighthouse stands 124 feet high.

Eastern Point Light

The Eastern Point Light is in Gloucestor, Massachusetts. You can get to this lighthouse by Route 127 and turning south on East Main Street. Take a right onto Eastern Point Blvd and continue all the way to the lighthouse. Never mind the "Private Way" signs - you CAN go to the lighthouse. Don't go inside the fenced off area however, it is Coast Guard property. There is a parking lot. You may find the parking lot is completely full since a lot of people go fishing off the breakwater.

The lighthouse was established in 1832 and automated in 1986. The lighthouse stands 36 feet high.