Aquarium Cruises

The Maritime Aquarium offers two study cruise programs onto Long Island Sound. These are available to the public and also to schools/summer camps as charters.

Marine Life Study Cruise

Public schedule:
1 p.m. Saturdays May-June

1 p.m. daily in July & August

1 p.m. Saturdays in September & October

School/Camp charters:  9 a.m. & 1 p.m. weekdays April-October (only 9 a.m. July & August)

Study marine biodiversity from the water’s surface down to the bottom for a first-hand understanding of Long Island Sound's interdependent marine life. Students utilize such sampling techniques as a plankton tow, biodredge, mud grab and otter trawl that may bring up fish, crabs, lobsters, sea stars and more. A video microscope and touch tank onboard enhance observations. Passengers must be over 42" tall. Capacity: 29. Cost: $20.50 per person. ($18.50 for Aquarium members) Groups: $550.
Standards: CT: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 10; NY: all; NJ: all.

Purchase your tickets now!

Winter Creature Cruise

Offered annually from December through early April; dates & times are tide-dependent
Public schedule:  see list below
School/Group charters:  see list below

Study winter biodiversity, including waterfowl and plankton, as you seek out some of the seals that winter in Long Island Sound. Learn about the seals and get a broad picture of how the Sound's animal population changes in the winter -- which animals swim south, which bury in the mud and which have adapted to the cold. Dress very warmly!  Passengers must be over 42" tall. Capacity: 25. Cost: $20.50 per person. ($18.50 for Aquarium members) Groups: $350.
Standards: CT: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 10; NY: all; NJ: all.

Purchase your tickets now!

2013-14 Winter Creature Cruises Schedule

TBA

The Maritime Aquarium’s 40-foot research vessel, Oceanic, is inspected and approved by the U.S. Coast Guard.  Each cruise lasts about 2 1/2 hours.  Additional paid Aquarium admission is optional. Programs can be adapted to meet specific objectives and time frames.

Passengers must be over 42" tall.

Cruises can occur in rain, cold and wind, and are canceled only if conditions are dangerous. Please dress accordingly!

Teachers, ask about the pre-cruise activity guide when you make your reservation.  Need financial assistance? Download the Group Financial-aid Form and either email it or mail to: The Maritime Aquarium, 10 North Water Street, Norwalk, CT 06854; or fax it to: 203-852-8892.

Also, teachers:  for how these programs meet state science standards, click here.

All observations made on study cruises are recorded. This data is part of an ongoing student-based research project called the Long Island Sound Biodiversity Study. Details ...

Booking Your Cruise:

To reserve tickets for a public study cruise or to book a chartered outing, please call the Aquarium’s Reservations Department at 203-852-0700, ext. 2206, during regular business hours; or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Cruises.pdf