From sandy beaches to wine country and all the lighthouses in between, join Cross Sound Ferry to explore the best of Connecticut’s coastal connections.

Lighthouse Cruises

Want a brilliant way to spend a couple of hours? Cross Sound Ferry’s narrated lighthouse cruises from New London aboard the high-speed SEA JET bring you up close to lighthouses, historic forts and ritzy mansions in just over two hours. Recently awarded “Best Cruise” by Yankee Magazine for 2016, Cross Sound Ferry’s lighthouse cruises offer something for the whole family. Local experts will fill you in on the historical information and historical lore at each stop, meanwhile passengers enjoy the beauty and excitement of the local maritime culture. Choose from two cruises: the Classic Cruise or Lights & Sights. The Classic Cruise offers great views of nine lighthouses and forts from New London to Long Island. And, for 2016 Cross Sound Ferry added Lights & Sights – a new cruise that includes eight lighthouses but also takes an architectural turn paralleling the mainland coast out of New London Harbor to explore mansions and other marvels along the opulent waterfronts of Watch Hill, Rhode Island and Fishers Island.

Cruises take place aboard the SEA JET, which offers spacious, airplane-style seating, complete climate controlled cabins and a state-of-the-art ride control system. Passengers can enjoy the tour from inside cabins or seek a little more adventure on the outside deck above board. If conditions allow, passengers are invited onto the bow at each stop for an unprecedented view.

The 2016 season runs through November; call 860-444-4620 or visit www.lighthouse.cruises for more info.

Block Island

With white sand beaches, dramatic cliffs, bike routes and romantic restaurants, Block Island is just a little more than one-hour away with Block Island Express. The 160-foot catamaran vessel is equipped with two air conditioned passenger cabins, an outside passenger deck and onboard food and beverage service that includes craft beers and creative cocktails. Shopping, seaside restaurants and a warm spot in the sand are just a short walk away or you can bring your bike and grab a map for one great adventure.

Block Island Express service runs through September 25. Visit www.goblockisland.com for a complete schedule.

Long Island Wine Country

Cross Sound Ferry’s fleet of ferries provide year-round transportation across the Long Island Sound to the North Fork of Long Island straight to the heart of Long Island Wine Country—where sea-salted air, bucolic vistas and the fresh flavors of local food, wine and beer makers await you. A day trip or weekend getaway takes little effort and the adventure begins in New London when the ferry sets sail for the 90-minute voyage. Passengers are invited to soak up the sun on the outdoor decks or seek refreshment inside the climate controlled passenger cabins, which offer a full deli menu, bar service and satellite television.

Long Island’s wine region encompasses nearly 3,000 acres of vinefera grapes spread out along the North Fork and upon arrival, the first of more than 50 wine tasting rooms is just eight-miles away from the ferry terminal. There are approximately 30 different varieties of grapes grown on Long Island and the region is easy to navigate with many picturesque villages, expansive seascapes, and irresistible farm stands along the way.

Cross Sound Ferry is a daily service offering up to 31 daily departures to and from Long Island. Visit www.longislandferry.com for a full schedule.