What to do and see in Portsmouth, New Hampshire (NH): The Best Boat Tours & Water Sports

May 5, 2022 Nicolette Lion

Don your walking shoes, breathe in the ocean air and set out to discover this picturesque maritime town. You can join one of several organized walking tours or explore on your own. Portsmouth is filled with old homes and museums, and you'll have your pick of fascinating historic sites. Climb aboard the USS Albacore, a retired U.S. Navy submarine offering tours and exhibits. View an 18th-century garden, striking stairway and period furniture at the Moffatt Ladd House, the home of William Whipple, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, or follow a costumed guide through the John Paul Jones House, home of the Revolutionary War naval hero. For a broader look at the city's history, visit Strawbery Banke Museum, where over 40 buildings have been assembled to depict Portsmouth life from 1695 to 1950, complete with costumed actors. If you know architecture, Portsmouth's array of Colonial, Federalist and Neo-classical styles will dazzle you. Weary of walking? Sit down for a meal at one of Portsmouth's fine eateries or relax on a narrated harbor or whale-watching cruise.
Restaurants in Portsmouth

1. Gundalow Company

Excellent
83%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 191 reviews

Gundalow Company

Sail aboard the Piscataqua, a traditional reproduction of the flat-bottom gundalow barges that were once prevalent along local waterways. Educational, informative and fun, a sail is a great way to explore the sights and sounds of the Piscataqua River. Morning, afternoon, and sunset sails run Memorial Day through Columbus Day, and we offer weekly specialty sails featuring music, guest speakers, local tastings, and more. Private charters are also available.

2. Seven Rivers Paddling

Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 10 reviews

Seven Rivers Paddling

Our mission is to provide quality paddling instruction for children, adults, families, and mixed age groups using cutting edge experiential teaching techniques, in hopes to foster a deep love and life long attachment to paddle sports.

3. Shoals Fly Fishing and Light Tackle

Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 3 reviews

Shoals Fly Fishing and Light Tackle

Fly fishing and Light Tackle fishing from a 23 ft center console located at the Wentworth Marina in New Castle NH. Your Guide and Captain Peter Whelan is a licensed Coast Guard Captain and Registered Maine Tidewater Guide with over 25 years on the water.Kids and families are welcome ---fly fishing instruction is available. We also do river tours in the Piscataqua River and the coastline

4. Portsmouth Harbor Cruises

Excellent
70%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 276 reviews

Portsmouth Harbor Cruises

Discover the Piscataqua's Heritage on Portsmouth's Original Harbor Cruise. Join us aboard the Heritage for an intimate cruise through the Seacoast's most picturesque waterways. Operating May through October.

5. Vintage Fish Company

Vintage Fish Company

We fishermen all have them. The ones we’ve caught and the ones that got away. But fishing brings forth many other stories. And when you’re fishing for Bluefin Tuna miles from shore—breathing salt air, getting ready for battle, reading the charts and searching the sea—you realize something: Life, above all, is an endless adventure. For me, that adventure is best lived on the open ocean, which is why I venture offshore as often as life allows.

6. The Charter Doctor

The Charter Doctor

Captain Mark caught his first Giant Bluefin Tuna off of Gloucester, Massachusetts in 1977. His passion for fishing began that day, and he has fished the New England waters ever since. Captain Mark has caught Bluefin weighing over 1000 pounds, and also held the state record in 2001. You will be in good hands as Captain Mark is a U.S. Coast Guard licensed 50 ton Captain.

7. Peirce Island Boat Launch

Excellent
50%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
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4.5 based on 2 reviews

8. Portsmouth Kayak Adventures

Excellent
46%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
0%
Terrible
11%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 35 reviews

Portsmouth Kayak Adventures

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