It is another hot summer day, but you don't want to go to the beach (too crowded) or a museum (too nice out). Perhaps you are looking for a boat cruise, but don't have time for a whale watch.

In this case, we recommend a serene boat trip along the winding, placid waters of the Cape Ann marine estuary. Just 30 miles north of Boston, in the picturesque harbor of Essex, an historic shipbuilding center, you will find Essex River Cruises, which offers five 90 minute trips aboard the Essex River Queen II each day.

What You Will See
As the Essex River Queen motors slowly down the Essex River, you will pass working boats and pleasure craft at rest at their moorings, eventually reaching the scenic tidelands and sand dunes at the river's mouth near Crane Beach. Peaceful fields and forests stretch uphill from the waving grasses and purple flowers at river's edge. The views are so unspoiled you might feel as though you are seeing this landscape as the 17th century colonists first saw it.

The journey offers something special for everyone. History buffs will welcome the tales of the shipbuilding heyday and stories about the farms and mansions that dot the river's edge. For birdwatchers, there are opportunities galore for seeing the sea birds that make this rich habitat their home. For the amateur geologist, it is possible to visualize ancient glaciers scraping away at the rocky landscape, leaving exposed bedrock along the rocky shore and hills that punctuate the otherwise uninterrupted horizon. And for you Hollywood types, the trip passes many islands, including Hogg Island, where The Crucible was filmed. All cruises are narrated, so sit back and enjoy the wind and water as you learn about the natural history, industry, and geography of the area.

Recommendations
The ship's deck is covered to protect you against sun or rain. In the green-head fly season (generally late July to early August), the deck is also fully enclosed with netting, but you still may wish to bring insect repellent, since a few of the critters always seem to find their way inside the netting.

We recommend that you bring a jacket or sweater since it can be chilly on the water even when it is hot on land. The access pier is a less than stationary floating dock, which is not suitable for wheelchairs or for those with difficulty in walking.

If you have time, stop by a few of the many antique shops in downtown Essex, or enjoy a seafood meal at Woodman's (Route 133 east of downtown), the place where the fried clam was reputedly invented.

Hours and Fees
Check the company's web site for hours and prices. You can also make reservations for your cruise online. Essex River Cruises schedules special cruises and arranges private charters for parties; see their web site or call 508-768-6981 for more information.

How to Get There
From Route 128 north, take Exit 14 (Route 113, north). Follow Route 113 about 3-1/2 miles to Essex center. Just past the intersection with Route 22, turn right on Spring Street, and then right on Dodge Street. The pier is at the end of the road. There is plenty of parking available.

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