PUBLIC CRUISES
SEAL WATCH CRUISES
Join us for a guided tour of Long Island and Fishers Island Sounds aboard the Enviro-Lab Research Vessel. We will visit multiple locations for Seal watching as you learn about these unique travelers, the Harbor Seals, on their migratory journey from Maine. The Enviro-Lab has plenty of space on deck for optimal viewing and is equipped with heated cabins and a "vessel" type restroom.
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2026 Seal Watch Schedule
Sunday, March 1st
Sunday, March 15th
Saturday, March 28th
Sunday, March 29th
Saturday, April 11th
Sunday, April 26th
1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
OCEANOGRAPHIC CRUISES
Explore the sea life in Long Island Sound and learn how to use a wide range of oceanographic equipment as part of our "hands-on" flagship environmental monitoring program aboard the Enviro-Lab Research Vessel. Participation is expected!
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2025 Oceanographic Cruise Schedule
Tuesday, July 1st
Tuesday, July 8th
Thursday, July 17th
Thursday, August 7th
Tuesday, August 12th
1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Check back soon for the 2026 Oceanographic Cruise Schedule!
Project Oceanology Public Cruises – Know Before You Go!
Registration
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Advanced online registration required. No walk‑ons accepted. Need help registering? Contact us during office hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30am–4:00pm.
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Registration deadlines:
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Weekday cruises: registration closes at noon the day before.
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Weekend cruises: registration closes at noon on Friday.
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Ticket Price: Adult $45 / Military (Active or Retired with Valid ID) $40 / Child (Ages 6-12) $30
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Waitlist: If you are on the waitlist and a spot becomes available, we will contact you.
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If you are not contacted within 24 hours of the cruise, please consider that confirmation the cruise remains full. Please do not arrive at Project Oceanology without confirmation.
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Safety Requirements
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Passengers must be at least 6 years old
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Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
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U.S. Coast Guard–approved lifejackets are available for all passengers and required to be worn by all children under 13 years old
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No smoking, vaping on board
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Please review the Mobility & Boarding requirements before registering
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⚓ Tip: Let kids know ahead of time about wearing a lifejacket and the ladder so they’re prepared – it makes boarding smoother and less stressful for everyone!
Mobility & Boarding our vessel
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Check-in takes place in our building which is a 3 - 5 minute walk to the dock where our vessel is located. For Seal Watches, there is a slideshow presentation on the 2nd floor after check-in (Elevator accessible).
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Boarding the research vessel requires stepping directly from the dock onto the boat. There is no gangway, ramp, or stair access. Disembarking the vessel requires stepping over the threshold onto the dock
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Depending on the tide, passengers may need to climb up or down a short vertical ladder to safely board or disembark
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Passengers must be physically able to perform this maneuver with minimal assistance
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Wheelchairs and other mobility devices cannot be accommodated on the research vessel
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Those who may have difficulty with boarding should notify Project Oceanology in advance for guidance
Check-In
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Cruise parking is in Lot D (closest parking lot to our building).
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Check‑in begins 15 minutes before the cruise. Our facility will be closed until check‑in begins.
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Arriving earlier? You’re welcome to explore the UCONN campus.
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Restrooms are available during check‑in.
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A small restroom (“head”) is also available on board.
How to dress/What to bring
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Cruises operate in a variety of weather conditions so please check the weather and dress accordingly
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Closed-toe, non-slip shoes are required (no flip-flops, sandals, or heels).
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Dress in layers – it can be cooler on the water. Don’t forget sunscreen, hats, and rain gear if needed.
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A water bottle (snacks and drinks are not provided)
Food/Beverage
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We do not offer snacks or beverages for purchase. No alcohol permitted. Please be mindful to carry out whatever you bring onboard, including trash.
Cancellation/Refund
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Cancellation: The Captain reserves the right to cancel or modify the cruise in the event of unsafe weather or sea state. Conditions on the Sound can change quickly and often vary from inland weather. You can expect notification of a weather cancellation 12 – 24 hours in advance of your scheduled cruise. We will notify you by email and text message (if you have provided that information). If Project Oceanology must cancel the cruise, you can reschedule your cruise date. Your cruise tickets will be good through the cruise season of the next year.
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Cruise tickets are non-refundable. If illness or another circumstance beyond your control occurs, please call to inquire about rescheduling to another cruise.
Gift Certificates
Want to purchase a cruise as a gift? Cruise vouchers and gift certificates can be purchased here.
