Hudson River Adventures

We took a Sunday tour leaving from Beacon, which allowed us to have lunch at the farmer's market right next to the train station and the dock. Everyone on staff for the Bannerman cruise were very friendly and knowledgeable about the island.

The tour of Bannerman Castle is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and something that should not be missed. No one should leave the Hudson Valley without having visited Bannerman Castle. The boat ride back and forth, on the Hudson River, to the island is lovely. I happened to go on the last trip for the season (October 31, 2010), and the weather proved to be quite cold and windy, so be sure to dress warmly, and in layers if you prefer to go late in the season. However, I must say going late in the season we were able to avoid all of the pesky summer insects you might have to endure, during the summer. Hiking in the cool weather is always the best time, to avoid insects. There are a number of stairs to climb, after getting off at the dock to get onto the island, however there were members of my group that were well into their eighties that made the trek just fine. The paths along the tour are definitely garden paths and not carriage paths, so if you are bring small children, it will be necessary for you to watch for them carefully. The view shed from the homestead at the top of the island, may well be the most beautiful one within the entire valley. And, the scenery is even more lovely with the fall colors covering the surrounding mountains, which is another perk for visiting in the fall. There is no access to water on the island, so I might suggest you bring a small bottle of water with you, if the weather is warm, however there are two porto-poties located on the dock. You might choose to avail yourselves of them before you climb the 76 steps to the top. The guides are an amazing source of knowledge about the island and its history. And, their dedication to maintaining and preserving the island and its remaining structures is truly an act of love on their behalf... Love of Bannerman's breathtaking structures, love of history, but most importantly their love of the beautiful Hudson Valley, and the amazing history it has to offer. If your looking for a day of fun, with friends, family, grandparents, go to Bannerman Castle and enjoy the lovely walk, the gardens (that are being restored by volunteers to the original beauty), and the peaceful breathtaking views that surround you on all sides. I hope you enjoy your time there as much as I did. I can't wait to go back in the Spring!

It was the last day the tour was given and the Fall Folliage took its last great bow. The sun was in and out with great clouds trying to upstage the the beautiful hills of the Hudson. Our tour guide was friendly and very knowledgable on the island history. In fact he said he had more stories than the time would allow. It was great fun.

Our tour guide, Gary, was very informative and provided a lot of history about Bannerman Castle. This a great tour for both adults and children.

Great place if you like hiking and history!

The whole trip was very enjoyable. It was a pleasant fall day. The boat ride trom the dock in Newburgh to the island was smooth. The walk around the castle and island was easy.. The tour guide was very knowledgeable on the history of Bannerman life. The video gave some history of the island's name.

There were only two in our group. The weather made the day in November it was sunny and warm. There were not many people on the boat as it was the end of the season on a week day. There were no children. All older reitred people. Eveyone was very friendly. Crew seemed confident but relaxed and very informative w/ the tour. Fun was has by all! MA

It was a beautiful day and the weather was perfect. The crew was helpful and knowlegeable. Would have enjoyed getting closer to the West Point Academy for a better view for pictures. Enjoyed the narration, but had to go inside to hear it.

Having lived in Beacon much of our lives we passed Bannermans Island so many times over so many years. We were always wishing we could see it up close. The boat ride there was very calm and scenic going in both directions. The crew was nothing but pleasant. Our guide on the island was very pleasant but not the best. He gave us alot of information but didn't feel as though he was very organized. I did learn things about the island I hadn't know esp the fact that the home was there and something about the Bannermans We are so happy that we finally were able to do this. I had no idea they had been giving tours for nine years! It would be wonderful if at least the main house could be restored to what it once was. Thanks again to everyone who helped to make this such a pleasant day. The folliage couldn't have been any better too.

The trip was beautiful with the changing leaves and the staff was very knowledgible. Everyone from the person who checked me in, the Captain, and those working on board were all very nice. Each one greated you when you arrived and wished you a good day as you left.

Boat left on time from Newburgh, boat was clean and snacks and drinks were available on board at reaonable prices. The staf was courteous and friendly. The tour of the island was well organized and informative, the views of the Hudson were very impressive from the island. we went there with 3 adults and 3 children and we all had a good time. I would certainly recommend this tour, especially since the castle might not survive too many more hard Hudson Valley Winters.

The island and ruins are fascinating and great fun. The staff and crew were very friendly and enthusiastic. Unfortunately our tour guide seemed like he'd read the book once, been on the tour once or twice, and that was the extent of his training. He kept pulling out black and white photocopies of different photographs to pass around and seemed very unsure of himself. He clearly hadn't been to the island in several months, so he wasn't even sure how to get around or which path to take. I'd still recommend the trip... but the tour guide was definitely a disappointment.

The Bannerman's Castle tour exceeded my expectations. Many have seen the castle from the train, but the rest of the island is just as interesting. The tour guide is excellent and enthusiastic, and the tour was well structured between different parts of the narrative and locations around the island. Highly recommended.

Bannerman's Castle has been within an hour drive for me for years, but I just got there to visit. It was an informative tour, with lots of information shared by the guide. Wish we could have gotten closer to the castle or seen one more side of it. Wearing hard hats seemed unnecessary as we were so far away from the crumbling castle, but you gotta follow the state rules and regulations. The boat was comfortable and the ride was smooth. Warm weather and fall colors enhanced the trip.

Absolutely fantastic tour guide!