Winthrop to Harbor Islands - easiest route?

[flesner]

Does anyone have suggestions for the easiest/safest way to get from Winthrop to any of the Harbor Islands? Is it possible to get there at a level 1+/2-? (The channel by Deer Island is too difficult for the people going.)

Thanks!

Carolyn

[bazzert]

Does anyone have suggestions for the easiest/safest way to get from Winthrop to any of the Harbor Islands? Is it possible to get there at a level 1+/2-? (The channel by Deer Island is too difficult for the people going.)

Thanks!

Carolyn

Hi Carolyn,

Welcome to the NSPN. From the north there is no way to get to the harbor islands without crossing the channel.

From South Boston beaches it's about a mile to Spectacle and another to Thomson and Long islands. On summer weekend days there is a lot of boat traffic so be careful.

Barry.

[flesner]

Hi Barry,

Thanks!

I'm actually most worried about the current right by Deer Island. Does it get better closer to Boston Harbor? I'm also thinking about going out and around.

Carolyn

Hi Carolyn,

Welcome to the NSPN. From the north there is no way to get to the harbor islands without crossing the channel.

From South Boston beaches it's about a mile to Spectacle and another to Thomson and Long islands. On summer weekend days there is a lot of boat traffic so be careful.

Barry.

[bob budd]

The challenge from Winthrop is crossing the one or two channels (junction of two channels approximately due south of Deer Island) between you and the islands. The currents crossing the channel are not significant, though the conditions and traffic can be. This is the time of year when the conditions tend to be the mildest and recent trips seem to indicate that fuel prices have reduced boat traffic to a very manageable quantity. If you're worried about the mouth or outer harbour you could launch from City Point.