Maritime Aquarium Lighthouse Cruises Sat., July 2 and Sat., July 23
Venture out on Sat., July 2 and Sat., July 23 for rare close-up looks at historic lighthouses on Long Island Sound during Maritime Aquarium Lighthouse Cruises, a new boat offering at The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk. Participants aboard the Aquarium’s unique new hybrid-electric research vessel R/V Spirit of the Sound™ have two lighthouse-cruise options:
• Central Long Island Sound Lighthouse Cruise on Sat., July 2 – A cruise that will make close passes by five 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 5-hour cruise departs at 10 a.m. Tickets are $70 ($60 for Aquarium members).
• Western Long Island Sound Lighthouse Cruise on Sat., July 23 – A cruise that offers good looks at eight lighthouses: 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 Sands Point, Stepping Stones and Eaton Neck lights. That 6.5-hour hour cruise leaves the Aquarium at 9 a.m. Tickets are $75 ($65 for Aquarium members). Aquarium educators will offer histories and anecdotes about the lighthouses, and also – when they’re in view – point out waterfowl. Binoculars will be provided, but bring a camera! R/V Spirit of the Sound has a climate-controlled cabin but, because the best viewing is outside on the deck, participants should dress for the weather. Space is limited so advance reservations are strongly recommended.
Get tickets at www.maritimeaquarium.org or call (203) 852-0700, ext. 2206.
Maritime Aquarium Sunset Cruises Sat., July 16 (adults only) and Fri., July 15 & 22 (family)
Enjoy a relaxing happy-hour boat tour out to the Norwalk islands as twilight paints the western sky during Sunset Cruises offered July 15, 16 & 22 by The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk. These 2.5-hour cruises depart at 6:30 p.m. aboard the Aquarium’s unique new research vessel, R/V Spirit of the Sound™. They’re timed to include the setting sun and – providing cooperation beyond the Aquarium’s control – a dazzling western sky reflecting on the water. Maritime Aquarium educators will be onboard to point out sights and wildlife. Adults-Only Sunset Cruise – The cruise on Sat., July 16 is open to anyone age 21 or older. Cost of $49.95 includes a signature cocktail. Additional drinks will be available for purchase onboard. Light fare also is available by pre-order.
Family Sunset Cruise
These cruises on Fri., July 15 and Fri., July 22 are open to all, including children. But note that participants must be at least 42 inches tall to come aboard. Tickets are $29.95. Space is limited on all cruises, so advance reservations are strongly recommended. Book your tickets by calling (203) 852-0700, ext. 2206, or go to www.maritimeaquarium.org.
Share a boat ride with an amazing variety of fish, crabs, mollusks and other creatures brought up right out of Long Island Sound right before your eyes during a new season of Marine Life Study Cruises with The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk.
The 2016 public outings occur on daily June 20-Labor Day aboard the R/V Spirit of the Sound™, a 64-foot catamaran that is the country’s only research vessel with hybrid-electric propulsion. Most depart at 1 p.m., but there are exceptions. See the Aquarium’s website for a specific day’s schedule.
The Aquarium’s Marine Life Study Cruises reveal what is, to many, a surprising diversity of marine life just off our shores in Long Island Sound. Aquarium educators put participants to work in collecting and examining animals from all levels of the water column: tiny wriggly plankton gathered at the surface (and viewed on a large monitor via a videomicroscope), little crabs and worms grabbed from the muddy bottom, and a variety of fish, crabs, squid, mollusks and surprises brought up in R/V Spirit of the Sound’s trawl net.
Tickets are $29.95, or $24.95 for Aquarium members. Participants must be at least 42 inches tall to board. All guests under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Advance reservations are strongly recommended. Walk-up tickets will be sold, space permitting. The cruises depart from the dock outside the Aquarium’s IMAX movie theater. Purchase tickets or get more details at www.maritimeaquarium.org or (203) 852- 0700, ext. 2206.
Fireworks Cruises Departing at 7 p.m. June 30 and July 2-4
Enjoy a unique water view of municipal holiday displays – times two, thanks to reflections on the surface – when you cruise out aboard a Fireworks Cruise with The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk. These new offerings will take place June 30 and July 2-4 aboard the Aquarium’s cool new hybrid-electric research vessel, R/V Spirit of the Sound™. Departure each night is at 7 p.m. from the Aquarium dock, with expected return of approximately 11 p.m. Avoid the crowds and traffic for a perfect pyrotechnical panorama at sea.
Firework displays to be viewed are: • June 30 – Westport’s Compo Beach
• July 2 – Fairfield’s Penfield/Jennings Beach.
• July 3 – Stamford’s Cummings Beach Park.
• July 4 – Norwalk’s Calf Pasture Beach Capacity for each cruise is 30 passengers.
All passengers must be 42 inches tall to come aboard. Small soft-sided coolers are allowed, but alcoholic beverages and glass bottles are prohibited. Tickets are $50 per person. Advance reservations are strongly suggested. Call (203) 852-0700, ext. 2206, or go online to www.maritimeaquarium.org.