The Maritime Aquarium in nearby Norwalk, Connecticut has re-opened and has plenty of new things to see and do both at the Aquarium and also outside on the water. Outside cruises include:
- Norwalk Islands Cruises at 1:15 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays: Enjoy a 90-minute guided cruise onto Long Island Sound aboard the Aquarium’s unique hybrid-electric research vessel. Educators will discuss the histories of the islands and Norwalk’s three lighthouses, while also pointing out birds and other natural sights. COVID precautions include reduced capacity, physical distancing and required face masks. Cost: $31.50 ($26.50 for Aquarium members). No food or drink permitted onboard. (Water provided.) Advance reservations required: (203) 852-0700, ext. 2206, or www.maritimeaquarium.org.
- Evening cruises at 6:30 p.m. each Thursday, Friday & Saturday through Sept. 5. Enjoy casual 90-minute outings onto Long Island Sound aboard the Aquarium’s unique hybrid-electric research vessel. Educators will point out sights but there’s no structured presentation. Norwalk Islands Cruises Thursdays, TGIF Cruises Fridays, and Sunset Cruise Saturdays. Cost: $31.50 ($26.50 for Aquarium members). COVID precautions include reduced capacity, physical distancing and required face masks. Advance reservations required: (203) 852-0700, ext. 2206, or www.maritimeaquarium.org.
- Reserve tickets now for Birding Cruise on Sun., Aug 16 at 8:30 a.m. This special cruise aboard the Aquarium’s quiet hybrid-electric research vessel offers birdwatchers close access to the Norwalk islands to look for migratory and resident species of birds, including osprey, oystercatchers, terns, egrets, herons and more. Bring your own binoculars. 2 hours, 15 minutes. Cost: $41.50 ($36.50 for Aquarium members). COVID precautions include reduced capacity, physical distancing and required face masks. Advance reservations required: (203) 852-0700, ext. 2206, or www.maritimeaquarium.org.
Inside the Aquarium, they are featuring a special exhibit called “Living Lights” which is open through December. This cool new exhibit features fascinating creatures that have the unique ability to glow in the dark, through fluorescence or a natural process called bioluminescence. Displayed animals include flashlight fish, porcupine fish, chain catsharks, crystal jellyfish, a scorpion and more. Free with admission.
Online Programs for Families: “Fish Tales,” “All About Sea Turtles,” “Shark Safari” and other similar educational programs available for live streaming each week. There is a suggested donation to watch these programs. All require advance reservations to receive the needed link. Details at www.maritimeaquarium.org/virtual-programs. The Aquarium has also announced that three of the live-streaming educational animal programs will be available with closed captioning in Spanish and English on Aug. 11, 12 and 13. Closed captioning will be added to these live programs on Zoom: “All About Sea Turtles” on Tues., Aug. 11 at 2 p.m.; “All About Seals” on Wed., Aug. 12 at 11 a.m.; and “Shark Safari” on Thurs., Aug. 13 at 2 p.m. In addition, during each 45-minute session, a Spanish-speaking Aquarium educator will be on hand to translate comments and questions.
Aquarium admission is $26.95 adults; $24.95 seniors (age 65+); and $19.95 children (ages 3-12).
