The spring air is warming, the marine animals are returing and so The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is beginning its full summer slate of public cruise programs aboard its cool new hybrid-electric research vessel.
The following cruises onto Long Island Sound are available in May aboard The Maritime Aquarium’s R/V Spirit of the Sound™, the only research vessel in the country with quiet “green” hybrid-electric propulsion:
• “Central Long Island Sound Lighthouse Cruise” on Sat., May 14 – This cruise will make passes by five historic beacons: Peck Ledge, Greens Ledge and Sheffield Island lighthouses in Norwalk, and also Penfield Reef Lighthouse in Fairfield and Stratford Shoal (Middle Ground) Light. The 4.5-hour cruise departs at 10 a.m. Tickets for a Central Long Island Sound Lighthouse Cruise are $70 ($60 for Aquarium members).
• “Marine Life Study Cruises” 2016 season begins Sat., May 14 – Examine a variety of fish, crabs, mollusks and other creatures brought up out of the Sound right before your eyes during these memorable 2.5-hour cruises. Participants also help find tiny crabs, worms and other animals hidden in the muddy bottom, and view plankton using a videomicroscope linked to the boat’s giant-screen monitor. “Marine Life Study Cruises” will occur on weekends from May 14-June 19, and then run daily July 1 through Labor Day. Most cruises depart at 1 p.m., but some outings at 10 a.m. and 2 and 4 p.m. will occur. See the Aquarium’s website for specific dates and times. Tickets are $29.95 ($24.95 for members).
• “Adults-Only Sunset Cruise” on Sat., May 21 – Enjoy a fun relaxing tour out to the Norwalk islands timed to include the setting sun. Aquarium educators will point out sights and wildlife, but this cruise stresses de-stressing while twilight paints the western sky. The 2.5-hour cruise departs at 5 p.m. and is for ages 21 and older. Tickets are $49.95 and include a signature cocktail. Additional drinks will be available for purchase. Light fare is available by pre-order by noon on Wed., May 18.
• “Western Long Island Sound Lighthouse Cruise” on Sat., May 28 – This cruise will make close passes by Greens Ledge and Sheffield Island lighthouses in Norwalk, Harbor Ledge in Stamford, Great Captain Island of Greenwich, Execution Rocks off New Rochelle, and Long Island’s Stepping Stones, Sands Point and Eatons Neck lights. All but the Sands Point Lighthouse are on the National Register of Historic Places. The 6.5-hour cruise departs at 9 a.m. Tickets are $75 (or $65 for Aquarium members).
On all cruises, binoculars will be provided. But bring your camera!
All participants must be at least 42 inches tall to board. Those under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
R/V Spirit of the Sound has a climate-controlled cabin but participants should dress for time outside on deck, where the best viewing occurs.
Advance reservations are strongly suggested for all Aquarium cruises. Reserve your tickets online – and see the full spring and summer schedule for R/V Spirit of the Sound – at maritimeaquarium.org. Or call (203) 852-0700, ext. 2206.
R/V Spirit of the Sound also is available on Sun., May 8 for a single-party charter to view the America’s Cup races from on the water in New York harbor. Cost is $8,000 for as many as 50 guests and includes the afternoon America’s Cup races and an optional New York harbor tour. Get more details by calling (203) 852-0700, ext. 2262.