Essex Heritage, a non-profit providing numerous programs preserving and enhancing Essex County’s historic, natural, and cultural sites, is excited to launch the second season of escorted, guided boat tours aboard landing craft, Naumkeag, to Bakers Island Light Station. Tours for up to 18 passengers begin June 18 and run through Labor Day. Located on a private island with no public access, Bakers Island Light Station is only accessible to the public through these tours with Essex Heritage.
Bakers Island is located at the mouth of the harbor in Salem, Massachusetts. A lighthouse was built on the island in 1820–on the site of an even earlier one–to help sailing ships get into Salem Harbor (which was once one of the most famous, richest, and busiest seaports in the United States). This Bakers Island Lighthouse is still in use today–its beacon shines out to sea but with modern day technology, there are no longer any lighthouse keepers needed to keep the light shining. The deed to historic Bakers Island Light Station was transferred on August 27, 2014 from the United States government to Essex Heritage.
“We are thrilled to open the Light Station to the public for a second summer and welcome new volunteer light keepers, Brenda and Bill Simmons” ” said Annie C. Harris, Essex Heritage CEO. “We are in the process of planning special trips and experiences – think wild edibles & native species, and yoga at the light – because we are dedicated to maintaining the property and to opening it up for public enjoyment and education”
Boat Trips with Essex Heritage to Bakers Island Light Station Aboard Naumkeag
Essex Heritage will be hosting escorted, guided boat tours aboard landing craft, Naumkeag, to Bakers Island Light Station, for up to 18 passengers, June 18 through Labor Day. Bakers Island Light Station is ONLY accessible to the public through these tours with Essex Heritage – and the trip to the light station aboard Naumkeag is sure to be an adventure!
Naumkeag is a large, open boat with a bow front that drops down so passengers can walk directly onto the stone beach (not landing at a dock). After landing, a guide will lead passengers on a tour around the 10-acre light station property. The lighthouse cannot be climbed, but passengers can expect to see amazing panoramic views of the coast from Gloucester to Boston!
The trip to the light station will take approximately 2 hours–to get to the island, to go ashore, and to return – and there are some restrictions on who can go: all passengers must be at least 4 years old and capable of negotiating the boat ramp and the rugged island terrain without any assistance. There is more information about “What You Need to Know Before You Go” on Essex Heritage’s website: www.EssexHeritage.org/boat
Boat Tour Schedule and Tickets
Naumkeag goes to Bakers Island Light Station 3 days a week, 3 times a day, from June 18 through September 7. The tour is two-hours long, offered Friday through Sunday, departure times at 11 AM, 2 PM and 4:15 PM. Departures will leave from the Salem Ferry dock (at 10 Blaney Street, Salem MA, 01970).
Tickets cost $35 for adults; $32 for ages 4-16 years-old. Tickets will be available for purchase online at www.EssexHeritage.org/boat, and at the National Park Service Visitor Center (2 New Liberty St, Salem).
Visit www.EssexHeritage.org/Bakers to learn more about Bakers Island Light Station.