A new constellation emerges nightly over the Bannerman castle ruin on a mysterious island in the Hudson River, 50 miles north of New York City
Experience the magical transition of Constellation from the shifting light of twilight until the full dark of night. Includes a brief guided walk on the island and Constellation viewing from the water, aboard The Bannerman Castle Trust’s motor vessel, The Estuary Steward, the official tour boat for Constellation
Once we board the boat, our cruise to Bannerman Island is 30 minutes long. A Constellation Guide will greet you and, along the way, you’ll see beautiful Hudson River scenery while listening to the Constellation Audio Guide. When we arrive on the island, you will embark on a brief guided walking tour and learn about both Constellation and the history of the site. After the island tour, we’ll board the boat again for a breathtaking view of Constellation from the water, and experience the starry lights emerge one by one with the stars of the night sky. The stars emerge over 15 minutes and stay lit for 2 hours each evening. On our return trip to the dock, enjoy Constellation set against the spectacular views of the Hudson Highlands Fjord, which inspired the Hudson River School Painters.
Please wear comfortable shoes as there is some rough terrain on the walking tour portion of the experience. Strollers cannot be accommodated. All children, including babies, are required to have a ticket as all passengers need to have a seat according to Coast Guard regulations.
There is a 72-step climb from the dock to the start of the tour (there is a rest stop along the way). Please arrive 30 minutes early, as tours leave promptly at the assigned time and are dependent on sunset.
Constellation’s boat tours are now over. Thank you to all who joined us under these stars!
The tour departs from Beacon Institute’s floating dock at the Beacon Waterfront, Red Flynn Road, Beacon, NY 12508 and advance booking is required for all tours!
Driving directions to the boat dock:
From the north, take Route 9D south to Beekman Street (there is a sign for the Metro-North Railroad station) and turn right. Pass the first entrance to the Metro-North Railroad Station. The next street on the right is Red Flynn Drive, turn right. You will go over train tracks, and the road bears to the right and downhill. Pass Long Dock Park entrance on the left. The Beacon Institute Dock is just on the left, the first floating dock as you come into the harbor.
From the south, take Route 9D north to Beekman Street and turn left. Go past the entrance for Dia:Beacon on your left. The next street after Dia on the left is Red Flynn Drive, turn left. You will go over train tracks, and the road bears to the right and downhill. Pass Long Dock Park entrance on the left. The Beacon Institute Dock is just on the left, the first floating dock as you come into the harbor.
GPS coordinates of dock: 41.505213, -73.985474
Facing the Hudson River, the dock we leave from is the farthest dock on the left in the harbor. Look for a blue and white sign for Bannerman Island Tours on the left as you go down Red Flynn Road.
Parking is available after 6pm on either side of Red Flynn Road. Before 6pm, please pay to park at the metered spots in the adjacent Metro-North Train Station parking lot.
Tour lasts approximately 2 hours.
Adult tickets: $45. Artist-led tour adult tickets: $55
Children (11 and under): $40. Artist-led tour children’s tickets: $50
Constellation tours run on weekends through October 8, 2017.
Please read through all FAQ’s before booking your tour!
Refund/Rescheduling Policy:
Tickets are non-refundable, and cannot be rescheduled.
Once purchased, tickets cannot be refunded and cannot be rescheduled because your space is being guaranteed at the event.
Contact:
info@melissamcgillconstellation.com
What should I wear?
You should dress appropriately for the boat ride, including a jacket and hat, even during the summer months.
When should I arrive?
Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your departure time. We are unable to delay departure time, as the boat ride and viewing of Constellation is dependent on sunset times.
What Metro-North train should I take?
If you are arriving via Metro-North train, allow extra time to arrive at the dock in case of train delay. You must arrive 30 minutes prior to your departure time. We are unable to delay departure time, as the boat ride and viewing of Constellation is dependent on sunset times.
What Is Not Included?
Food and water is not provided. Limited refreshments are available for sale on the Estuary Steward.
Do I have to purchase tickets in advance?
Advance ticket purchase is required for this trip. To be sure you are able to purchase tickets for the cruise date & time you prefer, we suggest you purchase tickets early.
Is this activity good for kids?
Absolutely! There is a reduced price ticket for children ages 11 and under, and the tour is a great experience for the whole family to enjoy. All children, including babies, are required to have a ticket as all passengers need to have a seat according to Coast Guard regulations. There are 72 steps that you will ascend that link the dock to the beginning of the pathway, and keep in mind that the pathway is either dirt or stone. For this reason, strollers are not permitted, so any babies must be carried.
Can I bring food or drinks aboard the Estuary Steward?
You may bring food and non-alcoholic beverages on board. You can bring a beverage with you on the walking tour part of the trip, but may not picnic on the island.
What should I bring?
Definitely wear comfortable shoes as you will be on your feet for the duration of the tour of Pollepel Island.
Is there assigned seating aboard the Estuary Steward?
No, seats are available on a first come first serve basis, and there is seating available for all passengers.
Does the boat run in the rain?
Yes! The tour will run rain or shine. Don’t forget your rain gear or sweatshirt! In the event of severe weather we would have to cancel and you would be given the opportunity to reschedule for another cruise date.
Is smoking allowed on the Estuary Steward?
No, smoking is not allowed aboard the Estuary Steward or on Bannerman Island.
Will I get seasick?
Seasickness is very rare on river cruises since we experience almost no rocking. The vessel is very stable and we will only be about a half a mile offshore for the duration of the cruise.
Is the boat handicapped accessible?
No, the boat is not wheelchair accessible, nor is Bannerman Island, unfortunately.
Is there a restroom on board?
No, there are no restrooms on the boat, but the island does have porta-potties available. There are also restrooms in a building near the meeting spot so you can use the restroom before boarding.
Are there life jackets on board?
Yes, there are plenty of life jackets available on board; however, you will not be required to wear them.
We depart from Beacon Institute’s floating dock, Beacon Waterfront
Red Flynn Road Beacon NY 12508
Weather Policy
Activity takes place rain or shine.
The activity runs regardless of weather conditions. In the rare situation where the seller is forced to cancel the event, ticket-holders will be allowed to reschedule to another time (subject to availability).
Other Policies
There is a 72-step climb from the dock to the start of the tour. Be mindful that there is a climb during the tour that could be semi-strenuous for some.