Water taxis being readied for service on the Thames beginning June 10
New London — In one of the large sheds at Crocker's Boatyard, Jacalyn Dietrich found boxes filled with 80 bright orange life jackets, spotlights, life rings, a folding ladder, American flags, a signaling kit and other equipment for the two water taxis that soon will start ferrying passengers across the Thames River.
“It’s like Christmas,” Dietrich, who will run the service with her husband, David, starting June 10, said as she looked through the boxes Wednesday.
Outside the shed, the two surplus Navy vessels that will be used for the service were parked beside the marina's waterfront as workmen were readying them for launch.
The Voluntown couple stopped by the boatyard Wednesday morning to check on the boats after meeting with members of the group organizing the Thames River Heritage Park.
The water taxi service connecting park sites on both the Groton and New London sides of the Thames is a key component of the park.
During the meeting, James Butler, executive director of the Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments — the fiduciary agent for the park while it’s being developed — said about $38,600 has been spent on the boats so far, including redoing the fiberglass exteriors, engine work, painting and the equipment purchases.
The City of Groton owns the boats. It obtained them from the Navy for $1 each.
Butler said another $19,200 worth of work will be done to get the boats into seaworthy condition.
Dietrich said once the boats are launched, the Coast Guard must inspect them and certify them for service.
She and other members of the crew hired for the services also must undergo training.
“The first trip will be from Fort Trumbull,” she said.
The services will run hourly from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from June 10 to Sept. 18, taking up to 40 passengers at a time in a clockwise loop between Fort Trumbull State Park, City Pier downtown and Fort Griswold in Groton.
In the future, the park planners hope to add a fourth stop at the Nautilus museum.
Dietrich said she anticipates running one boat at a time on most weekends, but will add the second as needed.
During the week, the vessels will be available for tours and private excursions.
“We’d like to promote private charters for businesses,” she said. “People could take a break and bring a picnic lunch.”
Special trips for the Sailfest fireworks on July 9 also are planned.
A launch party for the water taxis is being planned for July 3.
In preparation for the start of service, the park planning group is planning to distribute throughout the region a newly printed map and guide for the park that includes the water taxi schedule.
“This is the summer of the water taxi, when we try to develop ridership,” Chris Cox, chairman of the park transition team, said.
Tickets for the water taxi will be available for purchase at the three dock locations, with cash or credit cards accepted.
Military discounts and season passes also will be available.
Water taxi fares:
Round trip: $10 for adults, $5 for children and active military members
Ride all day: $15 for adults, $10 for children and active military members
Ride all weekend: $20 for adults, $15 for children and active military members
Ride all holiday weekend: $25 for adults, $20 for children and active military members
Season pass: $50
For more information about the Thames River Heritage Park, visit
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