Reaching the southernmost point in Connecticut is not an easy task but if you’re up for an adventure this is one you won’t forget. Great Captain Island is located about one mile off the coast of Greenwich. It is the farthest south you can go in Connecticut and still be on land. Unless you own your own boat, the window of opportunity to reach this offshore gem is slim, the tides and the season have to be just right. But if you plan ahead, the journey to this unspoiled treasure is well worth it.
The 17.2-acre Great Captain Island is owned by the Town of Greenwich. It is preserved in its natural state with many species of birds calling this isolated spot their home. Visitors can enjoy a trail system on the island as well as a sandy beach on the western side.
Reach this southernmost spot only by boat. A public ferry runs during the summer months (June through September) and can be caught from the landing at Roger Sherman Park. Ferry Service varies with the tides, only venturing out at high tide and the few hours on either side of it.
Enjoy the crescent-shaped beaches along the shoreline. A swimming and picnic area with grills, tables, and restrooms are on the western side of the island.
On the opposite end, you'll find Great Captain Island Light, a stunning 19th-century lighthouse. Restored in 2009 and relit in 2012, this lighthouse is no longer a navigational aid, but is on the National Register of Historic Places. Also seek out the 9/11 Memorial that commemorates "the 23 people who lived in Greenwich, or had a connection to the town."
Great Captain Island almost wasn't a part of Connecticut. For nearly a century, both the Nutmeg State and New York laid claim to this tiny offshore spot. In 1879, the dispute was resolved and the island became Connecticut's southernmost point.
Reach the furthest southern spot by walking directly south of the ferry dock that juts out into the Long Island Sound. Reach the tip of the island with the water lapping at your feet and you can lay claim to the prize of visiting as far south as you can go in our tiny state.
Watch the tide charts and the calendar. Then plan a visit to this island treasure where the natural beauty and wildlife is a hypnotizing wonder. Great Captain Island is open from 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. year-round.
Have you ever visited Great Captain Island? If you like island hopping but can’t afford the airfare, this Connecticut gem is just a short ferry ride away.
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