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Anchors Aweigh! Charter Your Own Cruise!
These popular programs offer memorable hands-on lessons on the water. 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.
Marine Life Study Cruise:
Offered Sept. - early Nov. and April -June.
Departing at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.
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. Capacity: 31. Cost: $550.
Ask about the pre-cruise activity guide when you make your reservation.
Winter Creature Cruise:
Offered late Nov. - April
Dates and departure times are tide-dependent.
Study winter biodiversity, including waterfowl and plankton, as you seek out some of the growing number of 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! Capacity: 25. Cost: $350.
About Study Cruises:
Cruises can occur in rain, cold and wind, and are canceled only if conditions are dangerous. Please dress accordingly!
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. See the Aquarium web site for more details.
Booking Your Cruise:
To book your group’s cruise, please call the Aquarium’s Reservations Department at 203-852-0700 ext. 2206 during regular business hours; or eMail reservations@maritimeaquarium.org Cruises are also available for individuals.
Watch a video of our RVO cruise! Click here to view.
Biodiversity Database
What is Biodiversity? Biodiversity refers to the number of different species found in a specific area or habitat. The TMA biodiversity database is a compilation of information (data) that is recorded from the various field programs going on at TMA. This includes visits to the seashore, coastal studies, and the R/V Oceanic. The data is made available so that scientists, teachers, students and the public can have access to this information for use for scientific and academic purposes. It is also a record of the biotic and abiotic factors in Long Island Sound that affect the biodiversity and a means of documenting change.
