The 2023 Tour Season has ended. Check back in Spring 2024 for the next season of tours!
Rates
Non-Members (must be at least 6 years old): $50
FPRL Members (must be current members and at least 6 years old): $35 Children (ages 6-17): $25
Please note that no children under the age of 6 will be allowed on these tours
Duration
2 Hours
About
Take a tour of the historic 1871 Pomham Rocks Lighthouse. The last of five lighthouses situated on the Providence River, this lighthouse is still a working navigational light and has been beautifully restored both inside and out.
Recently, we celebrated the 150th anniversary of our first lighting on December 1, 1871. Part of this celebration was the return of our fourth-order Fresnel lens from the Custom House Maritime Museum in Newburyport, MA. Step into the parlor where you will see this absolutely stunning artifact of lighthouse history. Throughout the lighthouse you will be able to view many authentic artifacts including brass items that were used during the United States Lighthouse Establishment, Service and Coast Guard periods.
To get to Pomham Rocks Lighthouse, you will take a 15-minute boat ride to the island from the Edgewood Yacht Club in Cranston and sail across the Bay to the lighthouse. Our tours will also give a nod to the other lighthouses that lit the way for mariners since the nineteenth century at the northern end of the Bay.
There are numerous display boards throughout the lighthouse from which you will learn about the history of the local lighthouses and the keepers. After touring the historic interior, there is an optional climb to the lantern room where you will enjoy beautiful views of Narragansett Bay and the working port of Providence. With luck you will experience one of the huge tankers going by, seemingly so close you could almost touch it!
Our knowledgeable docents will also be available to answer any questions you may have and perhaps tell you a story or two. During the last half hour of the visit our gift shop (that is located in the former oil room) will be open for business. We accept cash, checks, or credit cards.
Please plan to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time
We do our best to depart on time for each tour, please do your best to allow for this extra time when planning your trip.
If you took a tour with us last year, please note that the location of our launch has changed. The boat is now docked at the Edgewood Yacht Club in Cranston.
What to Bring
- Camera
- Sunscreen
- Water and/or snack
What not to bring
- Coolers
- Luggage
- Strollers
- Very large bags
- Alcohol
What to wear
Please dress for the weather. It can often be up to 10 degrees cooler out on the water, so we recommend a light jacket or sweater on cooler days. Be sure to dress comfortably and have rubber-soled shoes on your feet.
What not to wear
Please note that visiting Pomham Rocks includes uneven grounds and stairs or steps inside and out, as well as a ladder from the watch room to the lantern room.
- Backless shoes, including flip-flops or sandals
- High heels
- Slippery soled shoes
What about the weather?
Since our boat has a canopy, we run tours rain or shine. However, if there are small craft warnings or thunderstorms predicted, the trip may be canceled at the captain’s discretion. Our guests’ safety is at the top of our list, and in the event that we need to cancel, you may either reschedule the tour (if one is available) or receive a full refund. Please be sure to monitor your email the night before as well as the morning of the tour in case of foul weather.
Restrictions
- All passengers must be at least 6 years of age.
- Each child (6-12) must be accompanied by an adult (e.g. 2 children, 2 adults; 3 children, 3 adults, etc.)
- We discourage last-minute guests due to the fact that our boat capacity (excluding captain, first mate and two docents) allows for 15 passengers. Our boat capacity is strictly enforced and there can be no exceptions according to US Coast Guard regulations. Please book online to be assured of a seat.
- Due to the location, we are not handicap-accessible. Passengers must be capable of negotiating the boat ramp, terrain, and stairs without assistance.
- Pomham Rocks Lighthouse is only accessible to the public through escorted, guided boat tours provided by the Friends of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse (FPRL). No private boats, canoes or kayaks are permitted.
- No smoking allowed on the boat, inside the lighthouse, or anywhere on the property.
- No food or drink permitted inside the lighthouse.
- We have a Carry In, Carry Out policy (includes any form of trash: bottles, cans, paper, wrappers, etc.)
- All visitors to the island must stay within the fenced-in area due to the dangerous terrain on the perimeter of the island.
- There will be no access to the gallery (the outer balcony surrounding the lantern room).
- Only three visitors will be allowed in the lantern room at one time, always under the supervision of a docent.
Cancelation Policy
All tickets are non-refundable, except in the event of a weather cancellation. Cruises run in light rain and other moderate weather conditions, but may be cancelled in the event of severe or unsafe weather conditions or unmet minimum ticket sales. Cancellations are made by the Captain within 24 hours of the tour so be sure to check any email updates the night before and the morning of the tour. If we cancel the tour, you will have the opportunity to reschedule or receive a refund.
In the event that you need to cancel, we ask that you let us know at least 72 hours before the tour in order to free up available seating. You will also have the opportunity to reschedule to another available tour date, but it must be done at least 72 hours in advance. Please note that NO REFUNDS will be available at any time unless we cancel the tour. No-shows will be charged the full price.
