Lighthouse Cruise
By Holly L’Hommedieu
North Dumpling Light, North Dumpling Island, New York.
One hot, humid September day, I did what any Long Islander does: head to the water to beat the heat!
Orient Point, New York. Ledge Lighthouse, New London, Connecticut. New London Harbor Light, Connecticut
I have always been fond of the little lighthouse out in Orient Point, New York, and my friend and I were able to reserve a spot on the Cross Sound Lighthouse Tour leaving from the dock in Orient Point. You can also catch a lighthouse cruise with Cross Sound leaving from New London, Connecticut.
Plum Island Lighthouse, New York. Race Rock Light, Race Rock Reef, New York. Gardiners Point Island Light (ruins), New York.
With my love for photography and lighthouses, it all came together. We grabbed our cameras and took the beautiful drive out to Orient, located at the end of the North Fork of Long Island. This is an area of the island that for the most part still looks the way it did 40 years ago.
The cruise was approximately four hours long on a high-speed vessel. With the wind out on the Sound, the day felt much cooler. As the vessel reaches each lighthouse destination, the boat circles around the structure to give guests the opportunity to take photos from all angles. A guide provides a detailed history of each lighthouse.
Little Gull Island Lighthouse, New York.
At the end of the day, we learned so much history hidden on the Long Island Sound related to these beacons on the water. It’s a worthwhile trip for any Long Islander or traveler who has the chance to visit and learn a very interesting part of nautical history.
The Cross Sound Lighthouse Tour supports the New London Maritime Society to help preserve lighthouses all around Long Island. Learn about cruises from Orient Point and New London at longislandferry.com.
All photos by Holly L’Hommedieu.
Learn more about lighthouses
See some of our favorite lighthouses, learn about life as a lightkeeper, make a lighthouse-themed craft, and more. Articles ›
This article appeared in Beachcombing Volume 37: July/August 2023.
