Experience a magical day on Appledore island, walking in the footsteps of famed poet Celia Thaxter, her dear friend Childe Hassam, and many other leading painters, poets, musicians, and literary and artistic minds of the 19th century. Learn about her famous garden from master gardener Terry Cook, the Island Garden Steward, and the process of diligently recreating the garden that Celia so lovingly tended and treasured as told to us in her book, “An Island Garden”, published in 1894 shortly before her death.
While you are on the island, you will also learn about the fascinating history of Appledore from the American Native, pre-Colonial times, through the 19th century resort hotel era, to modern day Appledore. You will gain some perspective on the Shoals Marine Lab, the oldest and largest undergraduate offshore educational facility for Marine Science of its kind in the world. Shoals is leading the way in teaching and exploring the world of sustainability and marine science, looking to the future and inspiring future generations of both artists and scientists. As we say at Shoals and on Appledore,”every day is a new day to learn and grow.” Please come and experience the magic of this little island that continues to enchant and inspire future generations in both the Arts and Sciences. It’s a magical place; come see for yourself.
Celia Thaxter's Garden Tour participants (32 per tour) will be transported to and from Appledore Island aboard the Research Vessel Gulf Challenger. Passengers should plan to meet the vessel at UNH's Judd Gregg Marine Research Complex adjacent to the U.S. Coast Guard Station in New Castle, NH. As a part of this unique tour, you will enjoy a fully-catered lunch in Shoals Marine Laboratory's dining facilities at Kiggins Commons, offering expansive water views and an open deck should you wish to dine en plein air!
Important information: This tour involves a 45-minute boat trip aboard a research vessel and requires extensive walking on uneven terrain. Please read the below information carefully before purchasing tickets. Feel free to check out our live webcam to see what the island terrain looks like.
If the date you wanted is full, consider booking an Appledore Island Walking Tour through New Hampshire Sea Grant instead.
Garden Tour dates are chosen to show the garden in its best light. Later dates may be available for the Appledore Island Walking Tours.
| Tour # | Garden Tour Date | Day of the Week | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | June 27 | Friday | Closed |
| 2 | June 28 | Saturday | Closed |
| 3 | July 5 | Saturday | Closed |
| 4 | July 11 | Friday | Closed |
| 5 | July 12 | Saturday | Closed |
| 6 | July 18 | Friday | Closed |
| 7 | July 19 | Saturday | Closed |
| 8 | July 25 | Friday | Closed |
| 9 | July 26 | Saturday | Closed |
| 10 | August 1 | Friday | Closed |
| 11 | August 2 | Saturday | Closed |
Price $130 for 2025 season
$130 per person (sorry, no group discounts available). All-inclusive package covers round-trip boat transportation, guided garden tours, and a catered lunch (includes beverages and dessert, served buffet style with vegetarian options available). FREE parking is available! You will receive trip confirmation details from SML after you register for a tour.
(603) 862-5346 mainland office, (603) 724-3404 island office (weekends)
shoals.lab@unh.edu
Times
- Plan to arrive at the UNH Pier between 8:00-8:30am for check-in and orientation.
- The trip will depart for Appledore Island promptly at 9:00am.
- Trip participants return to the pier in New Castle by 3:30pm.
Departure Location
- Cruises depart from UNH's Judd Gregg Marine Research Complex, which is next to the U.S. Coast Guard Station at Fort Point in New Castle, NH.
- Follow this link for directions to the dock in New Castle, NH where you will be boarding UNH's R/V Gulf Challenger.
- Parking at the dock is free but limited! If you are traveling in a group, please make every effort to carpool.
Required Release Forms
- After you register for your tour, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to required waivers and forms. These must be completed for each traveler prior to arriving at the island. The forms may also be found here.
- If you are unable to access these forms, please let us know.
Island Environment
Appledore Island is a rugged landscape with uneven, slightly steep and rocky paths. Access on/off the island is via a floating dock, a steep ramp, and a set of stairs. Participants must be in good physical condition and should be prepared to spend a majority of the day walking (approximately 2-3 miles). Toilet facilities are available at the dock in New Castle and on Appledore Island.
About the Vessel
Access to the vessel is via a steep floating ramp, and the slope of the ramp varies with the tide. Because the R/V Gulf Challenger is a working research vessel, it does not provide amenities commonly found on a regular passenger vessel. Participants should be prepared to stand for the duration of the trip to and from Appledore Island (~45 minutes one-way) and will have limited protection from sun, rain or sea spray. There is limited seating available in the vessel's cabin (below deck), and the cabin is only accessible via a steep set of stairs. Toilet facilities on the vessel, in addition to being small, are accessed via the steep set of stairs. Participants are encouraged to use the toilet facilities located at UNH's Judd Gregg Marine Research Complex prior to boarding the vessel.
Accommodations
Participants requiring special accommodations, such as the use of an American Sign Language interpreter or assistive listening device, should contact us at shoals.lab@unh.edu or 603-862-5346. A two-week notice for an interpreter is required. Due to the content of this tour, it is recommended that participants be 14 years or older.
Click here to view the gallery of our facilities and terrain. For your convenience, we have assembled a gallery of images showing the docks at UNH and SML, the deck and interior of the R/V Gulf Challenger, and the rocky Appledore landscape.
Please be advised that Garden Tours may be cancelled on short notice due to inclement weather or dangerous sea conditions. This decision could be made as late as the morning of the tour if conditions deteriorate. In the event of cancellation, a rain date tour or a full refund will be offered. Cancellation notices will be circulated via email, so please be sure the email you use to register is accurate. We make every effort to operate our tours as scheduled, but feel it is important to emphasize that Garden Tours are weather-dependent!
Those registered for a tour that is cancelled due to weather will be contacted about rain date options.
Should participants cancel their own reservation, refunds are as follows for cancellations received:
- At least 30 days before departure = 100% refund
- 29-15 days before departure = 50% refund
- Less than 15 days before departure = 0% refund
