This happy great-grandmother just had a fantastic helicopter tour of Graves Light with NowCityTours.com.
The best way to see Graves Light is by boat or helicopter.
Graves Light and the surrounding Graves Ledge rock formation are private property. The lighthouse is a private home.
The owners welcome boaters, kayakers, divers and others to enjoy viewing the lighthouse up-close, but from the safety of the water.
Flying drones or other unmanned aerial vehicles over and around Graves Ledge/Graves Light is forbidden. See restrictions here.
The ledges are dangerous. Stay away from them.
Lots of reputable dive tours can take you to explore around Graves Ledge. Our favorite is Boston Scuba (www.bostonscuba.com) with Captain Jim.
It is also very difficult and dangerous to attempt to land a boat on Graves Ledge. The sea swells are dangerous and can smash a boat on the rocks or crush and sink a boat under the dock.
There are NO PUBLIC AMENITIES on Graves Ledge or at the lighthouse:
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- No publicly accessible dock
- No electricity
- No fresh water
- No food
- No fuel
- No plumbing
- No sanitary facilities
- No dependable cell phone coverage
- No two-way radio
- No first aid
Cellular phone service can be irregular, weak, or nonexistent, depending on the carrier, so do not depend on reliable cell phone service while around The Graves. Check your mobile phone provider’s coverage map for details: AT&T (we receive a strong signal on an iPhone, but signals vary), Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon. On the map search function, use the Zip Code for Winthrop: 02152.
We painted signs on the base of Graves Light to warn unauthorized visitors that they are trespassing.
The owners assume no responsibility for anyone not authorized to be on Graves Ledge. Unauthorized visitors to Graves Ledge are illegally on the property and will be treated as trespassers.
Drone imagery over and around Graves Ledge and Graves Light is forbidden without the written consent of the owners. Unauthorized drones may be intercepted or otherwise disabled.
Although Graves Light is privately owned, it remains an active US Coast Guard aid to navigation. The US Department of Homeland Security considers Graves Light to be part of the nation’s transportation critical infrastructure, and certain access restricted under federal law. Trespassing may be considered a violation of federal law.
But that doesn’t mean that we don’t want the public to enjoy the the view from the air or water.
Presently the lighthouse is closed to visitors. We plan to change that, but it will take a while.
I grew up in Quincy, have our home in Squantum, and spend a lot of time on the harbor in a small boat or kayak. I learned about your project in the recent Globe article and think what you are doing is wonderful. I wondered what was going on at Graves Light! If you ever need volunteer labor, let me know.
Best Regards,
Rob Sheridan
I grew up in Quincy and spend a lot of time on the harbor in a small boat or kayak. I learned about your project in the recent Globe article and think what you are doing is wonderful. I wondered what was going on at Graves Light! If you ever need volunteer labor, let me know.
Best Regards,
Rob Sheridan
Just watched the PBS coverage. Very cool! Can’t wait to see it finished and happy to see you have a website dedicated to the site progress and history. Maybe someday I’ll get a chance to see it in person. Cheers!
My husband’s family believes that his great-grandfather, Frank Morse, was the architect for Graves Light, or at least worked on the plans in some capacity. We are very excited about the renovations, and would love to visit when you are ready for visitors.
Jeanne Masterman
I was station on graves light in 1965 1966 I now live in florida in the villages Was one of my best experiences while in the Coast guard we work out of lifeboat station in hull mass Point alleton two weeks on one week off
My grandfather, Harry Whin was an assitant keeper on Graves 100 years ago. I never got to see this great structure in person but very much enjoyed a program about the lighthouse a few months ago. When I was a youngster he told me of horrendous storms while he was stationed there. I remember him also telling me stories of a “flying santa” who dropped presents to lighthouse keepers but this was well after my grandpa was a keeper.
Every day and evening I see Graves Lighthouse directly across the water, four miles from my home in Nahant. I follow your blog and have friends who have helped you in your preservation work. Congratulations to you for bringing back to life Boston’s ocean treasure.
Anne Bromer
I was the assistant keeper at Boston Light 1969 -1971 good to see Graves again , many visits there over my tour at
Boston Light
I’m currently a USCG auxiliary member
Good luck
Visited the Graves many times when in the Guard with the ATON group in the late 70’s. One of my favorite lighthouses to visit.
dearb dave and lynn. the new book on the Portland disaster is out and avail on amazon it’s called AND THE SEA SHALL HAVE THEM ALL it has 35 photos,and olny costs $20.00 on amazon i kept the price low so more folks could afford it. since last april, i’ve lost 37 pounds keep up the fantastick work art milmore
i was stationed at the graves 1972 nice light that was just before they automated it we cleaned the brass off one year but was told we hads to paint it a gain it blinded the planes passing over head they use it as a marker lol
Hello. I have a delightful early 20 century oil painting of graves light. In the style of an iconic Marblehead painter. I’m trying to sell it.
And after reading about you. And the adventure that you embarked on with Graves Light I would like you to see it and sell it to you.
Thank you for your interest and willingness to save lighthouses.
Nick
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