Discover what lies beneath Long Island Sound or watch the sun set on the Sound during fun and memorable public cruises now available aboard the unique research vessel of the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk.

The Maritime Aquarium opens its 2021 cruise season this month with a series of weekend getaways. Choose from an exciting opportunity to meet marine life that lives below the surface or a relaxing tour where islands, lighthouses, and the evening sky are the stars.

Marine Life Encounter Cruises

On these unforgettable excursions, encounter an amazing variety of fish, crabs, molluscs and other creatures that hailed straight from the Long Island Sound. Spring excursions now start at 1:15 pm on Saturdays and Sundays through June 20th. They go out Wednesday through Sunday from June 23 to September 6 at 1:15 p.m.

These 2.5 hour cruises show what to many is a surprising variety of marine life just off our coast in Long Island Sound. Aquarium educators use participants to collect and examine animals from all levels of the water column: tiny fidgety plankton that has accumulated on the surface (and viewed through a video microscope on a large monitor); tiny crabs and worms grabbed by the muddy ground; and a multitude of fish, crabs, molluscs and always a few surprises in a trawl – sometimes even small sharks!

“Marine Life Encounter Cruises are a great, hands-on family adventure that goes beyond the aquarium experience,” said Dave Sigworth, spokesman for the aquarium. “The participants also contribute to local scientific research. Water chemistry and weather measurements are carried out. Details of the animals brought on board are included in the aquarium’s Long Island Sound Biodiversity Project, an important database of the physical and biological characteristics of the sound. “

Saturday sunset cruises

If relaxation is more your goal – as opposed to curling up – the Maritime Aquarium also starts its new season with evening cruises. During Saturday’s Sunset Cruises, aquarium educators will be on board to point out the sights of the sound. However, the 90-minute excursions are mostly relaxing boat trips, with the setting sun reflecting off the water.

Food and drinks can be brought on board in a small bag or cooler with soft sides and must be consumed on the outside decks. Glass bottles are prohibited.

Saturday Sunset Cruises departure times change when the sunset time changes. The first cruises will be on May 8th and 15th at 6.30pm. The times then change from May 22nd to July 31st at 7 p.m. with friends just a few steps away in the restaurants and nightspots of SoNo.

Similar relaxed evening cruises will be added in June for summer: Norwalk Islands cruises Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. and TGIF cruises Fridays at 6:30 p.m. They are also 90 minutes long.

All cruises take place on board the R / V Spirit of the Sound ™, a 64-foot catamaran that is the country’s first research vessel with quiet hybrid-electric propulsion. Cruises depart from the dock on North Water and Washington Streets, a short walk from the main aquarium entrance. (Use 4 North Water St. on your GPS for the boat launch parking lot.)

Participants must be at least 30 cm tall. Guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. The boat has an air-conditioned cabin, but participants should dress on deck for the weather. According to the COVID protocols, everyone on board must wear masks.

Capacity is limited so prior reservation is strongly recommended. Get prices and further details and reserve your tickets at www.maritimeaquarium.org.