May 15, 2023 Submitted by Meghan Sullivan
Boston Harbor Now, in conjunction with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), the National Parks of Boston, and Boston Harbor City Cruises, announced expanded South Shore access opportunities to Peddocks Island for the 2023 Park season. Ferry service will be available seven days a week from June 15 through September 4.
“DCR is committed to providing communities across the Commonwealth with access to our green spaces,” said DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo. “Expanding ferry service from the South Shore will allow more families to experience all the beauty and history Peddocks Island has to offer this summer.”
The increased public ferry service will provide park visitors from the South Shore with better access opportunities to Peddocks Island during the season. Ferries will be available seven days a week with six trips per day between Hingham and Peddocks Island.
“With increased ferry service directly from Higham to Peddocks Island, park visitors from the South Shore community will now have even more chances to access their island parks,” stated Kathy Abbott, President and CEO of Boston Harbor Now the Boston Harbor Islands’ National and State Park’s nonprofit partner. “We are thrilled to host visitors from the South Shore who have never been to the islands before, as well as park guests who are returning.”
The increased access aligns with reservations opening for the upcoming camping season on Peddocks Island. Guests can now reserve a campsite to enjoy a night under the stars at Boston Harbor’s second-largest island, featuring wooded campsites, miles of trails, historic Fort Andrews, and scenic beaches. Camping reservations are available for a tent site or one of eleven yurts featuring bunk beds as well as electricity that can accommodate up to six people.
Campground facility upgrades on Peddocks have also just been completed. The island now features three gender-neutral, accessible showers for public use. Island visitors can now enjoy a hot shower in private rooms that include a toilet and sink. These multifunctional rooms provide an extra level of comfort to campers and other guests while they enjoy their stay on Peddocks Island.
Guests camping on Peddocks are encouraged to book their roundtrip ferry tickets at the same time as they reserve their campsite. Reservations for Peddocks Island will open to the public on April 19, 2023, and can be booked online through the Reserve America website.
“Peddocks Island – with 38 miles of shoreline, historic Fort Andrews, and a wealth of naturalresources to enjoy – is an incredible place for a day trip or overnight getaway. The expandedferry service from Hingham provides a vital connection between Peddocks and the South Shore,” said National Parks of Boston Superintendent Michael Creasey. “Increasing water transit options and making sure schedules and access points are easy and convenient isparamount to our commitment to building a more equitable transportation system.”
For more information regarding ferry schedules, island camping, and accessibility, visit https://www.bostonharborislands.org/