Q: Can I hold a catered event on the islands for my group? Vendors currently offer full-service catered events on three islands, including clambakes and picnics. For events on Spectacle and Georges Islands contact the Summer Shack Catering at 617-669-8552. For events on Thompson Island contact Thompson Island Conference Center at 617-328-3900, ext. 107 or 110; or Summer Shack Catering on Georges and Spectacle Islands (617-669-8552).

Q: May visitors bring alcohol on the islands? Visitors who would like to hold an event with alcohol should arrange a private event with Thompson Island Conference Center (617-328-3900, ext.107 or 110) or Summer Shack Catering on Georges and Spectacle Islands (617-669-8552). Otherwise, alcohol is not allowed in the park.

Q: Are there telephones on the islands? There are no public phones, but there is cell phone reception available in areas within the park.

Q: Is there lodging in the park? Campsites are provided by the park. Groups interested in having a conference or retreat at Thompson Island Outward Bound Education Center can stay in a newly renovated hotel-style dormitory or in tents. Visitor accommodations are abundant in the greater Boston area. Contact the Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau (www.bostonusa.com) for information about 250 hotels, B&Bs, and guest houses in the region. Call 888-SEE-BOSTON (888-733-2678).

Q: Are the islands accessible to people with physical disabilities? The boats serving the islands are accessible to people with disabilities, however none of the islands meet those requirements. The park is working to rectify this situation. A few islands can be available to people with disabilities: Georges Island offers paved and fairly level paths and Peddocks has paved paths in the area of Fort Andrews. Grape, Bumpkin, and Lovells islands have trails of dirt or grass that are not suitable for people with disabilities.

Q: Are there rain shelters on the islands? Georges Island offers covered picnic areas,  covered areas within Fort Warren, and a tented event site (for a fee) with Summer Shack Catering. There are also a few shelters on Spectacle Island, as well as a tented event site (for a fee) with Summer Shack Catering. Thompson Island Outward Bound offers two tented event sites and a wooden pavilion (for a fee) if you are interested in having a group event. Other islands do not have large structures with adequate rain protection.