Public Access

Visit Thompson Island!

Open House- October 2, 2022

2022 marks the 25th anniversary of the Boston Harbor Islands National Park. Thompson Island is a proud founding member of the Park and is helping to celebrate this milestone with an Open House. On Sunday, October 2nd 2022 all areas of the island will be open and available for guests to explore.

The ferry will depart the EDIC Berth 10 dock in the Seaport at 12 noon. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early. The ferry ride takes 30 minutes. This is a rain or shine event. Please note that some guests must be outside for the duration of the ferry ride.

Once on the island there will be tours led by National Park Service naturalists, campus tours, history discussions and light refreshments. Most of all it is a day to walk and explore.

The ferry will depart the island promptly at 3:30pm. Once again, please arrive early for the departure.

There is no cost to visit the island. There is a $5.00 ticketing fee for those attendees 3 and older. Everyone must have a ticket; please buy a free ticket for anyone under 3.

*All adult ticket-holders must provide proof of being fully vaccinated (age 12 and up), and show an ID or proof of residence to board the UPA Ferry. Ticket holders 18 and up will also need to complete an app-based COVID symptom and contact screening process (Clear to Go). A responsible adult must complete Clear to Go for any accompanying minors in their party.

Reserve Tickets

Unescorted Public Access

We are pleased to offer unescorted public access every Saturday and Sunday May 7-October 9, 2022. Guest access is available via our public ferry.

• The Saturday ferry will depart from our dock in South Boston on at 9 a.m. and return at 12:30 p.m.
• The Sunday ferry will depart from our dock in South Boston on at 12 p.m. and return at 3:30 p.m.

Roundtrip tickets can be reserved up to 30 days in advance:

• Adults: $20.00 
• Seniors, Military (active and retired), and Children ages 12-17: $10.00
• Children ages 11 and under: Free

No unreserved walk-ons please.

Upon arrival, guests will be welcomed by a Thompson Island staff member, who will provide a brief orientation. On Saturdays, the National Park Service will offer a guided walk of the Island’s many habitats and ecosystems including beaches, salt marsh, shrub scrub, meadows, and forest.

Detailed information about visiting the Thompson Island, including directions to our ferry dock, can be found on our Visit page.

Reserve Tickets