To make your experience with Island Explorer Cruises successful and enjoyable please consider the following tips and recommendations, as well as guidelines and rules from our partners at DCR.

• Please give us an accurate head count. This allows us to include as many children and community groups as possible in the program as space is limited.

• Children must be at least 7 years of age.

• Bring your lunch. Lunch will not be provided.

• Wear comfortable shoes and clothing for the outdoors.

• Check the weather. Pay attention to the weather forecast. While we rarely cancel, your trip will be more enjoyable if you are dressed appropriately for rain, wind, or heat that may occur.

• Dress in layers and bring a jacket! The ocean air can feel cooler than temperatures on land.  A lightweight water-resistant jacket can come in handy; you never know what Mother Nature has in store.

• Bathing suits and towels. Spectacle features a lifeguarded swimming beach—plan accordingly!  If your group does not allow swimming, perhaps consider Georges Island. Swimming is not allowed anywhere on Georges.

• Stay on the trails. Observe all fences, signage, railings, and barriers indicating restricted areas.

• Don’t get sunburned! Wear sunscreen and bring a hat or visor. It’s harder to find shelter from the sun when you are on a boat and on an island.

• Bring trash bags. There are no public trash receptacles on the Harbor Islands— so please be prepared to “leave no trace” by bagging your lunch trash and bringing it back to the boat before continuing to explore the island.

• Bring and drink plenty of water. An active day in the hot sun can dehydrate you quickly. Please bring ample water for your group, and refill bottles at water stations on the boat and islands.

• Do a little research in preparation for your trip. We recommend these websites to start you on your way:

  • Click here for information about the Islands.

    Click here for curriculum materials and lesson plans.

• All groups need to staff themselves. We will provide the tools you will need to enjoy your day and organize the overall program, but you will need to be proportionately and appropriately staffed for your group size and requirements (1 adult to every 8 children).