Norwalk, CT - There is nothing more refreshing than the cool, clean sea breeze flowing through your hair and the sun on your face while taking a cruise through the scenic Norwalk Harbor to a trio of Lighthouses with the Seaport Association.
This fascinating two-hour cruise begins with a leisurely cruise through the historic Norwalk Harbor. Passengers will hear the tale of how Native Americans shared the joy of eating oysters with early English settlers, a Norwalk specialty still enjoyed today. The harbor area has a rich history of commercial shipping with 18th c. sloops sailing to ports as far as the West Indies and, the engaging stories of Norwalk's waters that once teemed with pirates. In the 19th century, prominent manufacturing companies lined the banks of the channel including the Norwalk Lock Company and the Lockwood rolling and slitting mill that once churned out high-grade iron ore. Today, the channel serves water-dependent commerce and recreational marinas.
On this cruise, passengers will see two of only thirty-three remaining sparkplug lighthouses still in existence in the United States. Named sparkplug because of their unique shape and water-tight structure made of metal, Peck Ledge built-in 1906, and Greens Ledge constructed in 1902 are maritime gems that passengers will get the rare chance to view, up close. Legend has it that Greens Ledge was named after a pirate that sailed with the infamous Captain Kidd. It is said that he was executed and tied in chains to Greens Ledge as a warning to deter the dastardly deeds of marauding buccaneers. This is just one of many intriguing stories you will hear on this new cruise!
The grand finale of the harbor cruise is to pass by historic Sheffield Island Lighthouse, the undisputed icon of Connecticut’s maritime heritage. Located at the southern end of Norwalk’s necklace of islands the current Victorian styled lighthouse was built in 1868 of limestone masonry. It is a classic -- replete with a distinctive octagonal light tower in the gable that offers views of the Manhattan skyline. You will also see a wildlife refuge, cute light keepers cottage, and the new wooden pavilion that is available for rent and ideal for special events.
The real bonus of the new Seaport Association’s cruise is that it gets people out of the house, in the fresh air, and on the water. It is a chance to unwind and re-energize in the scenic beauty of Long Island Sound that extends in every direction.
Cruise Schedule and Details
Starting Saturday, June 20 the Seaport Association will run day time cruises at 12 noon and 3 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday through September. Sunset Cruises will be offered Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, at 6 p.m. through September. Weekday cruises begin on July 1, with daytime cruises offered Wednesday at 11:30 a.m., and on Thursday and Friday at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. The boat will not run on Monday and Tuesday.
All ticketing will be “contactless, or tickets click here or call 203-838-9444. Adult tickets are $30, children 12 and under $18, and a family pack for four passengers is $75. Sunset cruises are $30 per person. The boat sails promptly as scheduled so it is best to arrive at the dock 30 minutes before departure. The Association cannot accept cash or transaction at the Seaport Dock.
This year the Association is limiting the number of passengers to 25 people making social distancing a breeze in their comfortable vessel. All passengers are required to wear safety masks. In keeping with the most current safety and health protocols, the Association will offer hand sanitizer onboard and has established an extensive cleaning and hygiene regiment that goes above and beyond current regulations.
R