Seal watching is becoming a popular winter-themed activity this year, with various groups organizing seal watching walks and cruises for families. With the increase in the amount of seals that have been visiting New York during migration, it is the perfect time to take the family to connect with wildlife.
Seals can be found along the harbor across Long Island and various other points in New York. Many places offer weekly activities up that last until April and sometimes May. If you are looking to explore a new nature adventure, check out these groups. Whether on a full-blown cruise around the harbor or a peaceful nature walk, families can enjoy nature and wildlife as they observe seals that have made New York their home for the winter.
American Princess Cruises
American Princess Cruises has weekend seal and bird watching cruises beginning February 1st on weekends and holidays. The cruises sail from Rockaway, Queens at 12 pm and the cruise runs approximately 2 hours. Adult tickets are $30 and tickets for kids ages 5 to 12 are $20. Check out the American Princess’ website for more information.
The Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation
The Riverhead Foundation located in Freeport, Long Island schedules special seal watching cruises on weekends from now until April. The boarding time is 12:30 pm and departure time is 1 pm. Tickets are $26 for adults and $22 for seniors and kids ages 3 to 12. Discounted group rates are also available for groups of 15 people or more. All proceeds benefit the New York State Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Rescue Program, which works to rescue and re-release endangered marine animals here in New York. Check out their website for more information.
NYC Audubon Winter EcoCruise
The New York City Water Taxi services also offers exclusive eco-crusies, where nature lovers can see both wildlife and some of New York’s most memorable sights. Departing from the South Street Seaport at noon, the cruise runs approximately two hours and there are various departure dates throughout February and March. Passengers will be able to look at seals, ducks, geese and a variety of other animals along the New York harbor. Tickets are $35 for adults and $25 for children. Check out the NY Water Taxi website for more information.
Coastal Research and Education Society of Long Island
The CRESLI schedules various nature walks on weeks from November through May. The walks are about 1.2 miles round-trip and take about 2 hours to compete, but they are suitable for children and families. Suggested contributions are $5 for adults and $3 for kids 18 and younger. There are also seasonal passes available for unlimited seal walks. Check the CRESLI website for more information.
New York State Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation
The New York State Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation society organizes several seal walks at different times and locations from now until the end of April. Registration is required prior to the walk and admission is $4 for adults and $3 for kids between the ages of 3 to 18 years old. One of these locations is Montauk Point State Park, where there are scheduled seal walks every weekend. There is also “Family Adventures: Seal Walk” events that take place in Jones Beach State Park and Theodore Roosevelt Nature Center with special activities and programs featuring seals and marine animals. For more information, go to nysparks.com.
