Visit Inside Race Rock Lighthouse

For the first time in three years, the New London Maritime Society is offering a limited number of trips to visit inside Race Rock Lighthouse.

There will be four trips on Wednesday, August 26,and also four trips on Saturday, August 29, departing from Silver Eel Cove on Fishers Island, NY, next to the Fishers Island Ferry dock.

Trips depart on the hour at 9:00, 10:00, and 11:00 AM, and 12:00 noon.

For each departure we estimate you will return in 1 hour 45 minutes.

NB: We are hoping to add a Saturday trip later this year.

Getting to Fishers Island

Passengers coming from the mainland will take the Fishers Island Ferry https://www.fiferry.com/ from downtown New London. The ferry leaves from the foot of State Street, across the railroad tracks and to the right, behind the New London Amtrak station.

You only need to buy a passenger ticket. Appropriate boats leave New London at 7 and 10 AM -- the trip takes 45 minutes. Boats leave Fishers at 11:15 AM and 3:15 PM. You only need to buy one one-way ticket. Hold on to it for your return. Seniors 65+ are $22.

The Race Rock Experience

Space is very limited. Each Race Rock trip is limited to six passengers.

To reach Race Rock Light Station, we take a landing craft out to the lighthouse. Once there, you'll have approximately 45 minutes to explore Race Rock Light before returning to Fishers Island.

Landing at Race Rock requires some physical dexterity. You don't have to be a Ninja, but you will need to balance on the edge of the boat and climb directly up a ladder to reach the lighthouse platform.

Everyone must sign a waiver of liability before boarding.

All passengers must wear a life jacket, provided by us, while in transit. Appropriate footwear is also required: deck shoes or sneakers only—no sandals or flip-flops.

Weather & Safety

Trips are weather-dependent. Wind conditions can change quickly, and there is always the possibility of a last-minute cancellation. Our captain makes the final decision, and your safety is our primary concern.

Please check your email before leaving for the dock for any last-minute changes or cancellations. If the tour is canceled because of weather, we will notify you by email.

If you want to take a chance on a last-minute opening, please call 203-444-2884.

About Race Rock Light Station

Race Rock Light Station is a remarkable feat of 19th-century engineering. The lighthouse consists of a two-and-one-half-story Gothic Revival-style granite masonry keeper's dwelling with an integral three-and-one-half-story tower. The 67-foot-high tower has an octagonal cast-iron lantern and gallery surrounded by a wrought-iron railing. The station also contains six brick-lined rooms in the basement and dwelling.

Construction of Race Rock Light was an engineering feat directed over seven years by New London's own Captain T. A. Scott. The lighthouse was first lit in 1878. For 139 years, Race Rock's red lantern and foghorn guided mariners through the roiling currents at the Race.

In 2013, Race Rock Light Station was entrusted to the New London Maritime Society by the federal government through the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act.

Race Rock Light Station (1878), along with New London Harbor Light (established 1760; current tower 1801) and Ledge Light (1909) at the mouth of the Thames River, forms a pathway of beacons leading from the Atlantic Ocean to the historic port of New London. All three lights are now owned by the New London Maritime Society.

Proceeds from these tours support the restoration and preservation of our local lighthouses.

Tour Prices

Adults: $135
NLMS Members: $110

Your ticket also includes:

Free admission to the Custom House Maritime Museum ($10 value)
10% discount in the Museum Shop

Tickets are non-refundable unless there is a weather cancellation. All tours are weather-dependent, so please check your email inbox before departing for the dock.

Important Information

Food and drink, except for water, are not permitted on the boat.
For safety reasons, no alcoholic beverages are permitted.
Appropriate footwear is required: deck shoes or sneakers. No sandals or flip-flops.
All passengers must wear a life jacket while in transit.
All passengers must sign a waiver of liability before boarding.
Please check your email before the trip for weather updates and any last-minute changes or cancellations.

Please make your reservation immediately—space is limited!

Go to nlmaritimesociety.org to learn more.

See you at the Custom House!

And thank you for your support of our historic lighthouses.

Contact the host of Step on to Race Rock. Visit inside the lighthouse!