Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk now hosting Seal-Spotting and Birding Cruises

The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk has brought back its Seal-Spotting and Birding Cruises across the Long Island Sound.

The two-hour cruises seek out animals spending the winter in Long Island Sound ”“ including harbor seals, gray seals, buffleheads, mergansers, long-tailed ducks, and red-throated loons. Aquarium educators will identify these species for guests and discuss their natural histories.

The cruises are held on the aquarium”™s research vessel, RV Spirit of the Sound, the first in North America with hybrid-electric propulsion. The cruises will run through April 2, with dates and departure times determined by the low tide, and reservations are recommended through the aquarium”™s website ”“ tickets are $36 per person, or $32 per person for aquarium members.

“For anyone interested in learning more about our local ecosystem, our winter cruises are an excellent adventure,” said Captain Nicki Rosenfeld. “This time of year, we have the chance to see species we don”™t typically get to see in Long Island Sound. We”™ve already spotted long-tailed ducks and red-throated loons which travel here from as far as the Arctic Circle!”

Photo courtesy of Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk