Following is a description of the Special Cruises we plan to offer on RiverQuest in 2008

Osprey Cruise

Cruise quietly from RiverQuest's home berth in Essex at The Connecticut River Museum to view many Osprey nests located along the lower Connecticut River. Osprey's return from their South and Central America wintering homes around March 20th. They rebuild their nests on the many nesting platforms, day markers and trees along the river. Come aboard one of RiverQuest's cruises and watch the progress as the Ospreys rebuild their nests and begin nesting (early April), to the chicks as they evolve from newly hatched chicks (Mid-May), to adolescent chicks/fledglings (early July), flying proudly with their new found power of flight (August). We will see the immature birds and their parents until the end of September when they head south. A naturalist will be on board each cruise to educate you on the Osprey and any other bird/wildlife we may see on our journey. 

CRUISE DATE:  Just come aboard one of our regularly scheduled cruises, Daily Cruise or on a  Sunset Cruise.                                 

Selden Island Exploration

RiverQuest will leave Essex and cruise north up the Connecticut River to Selden Island where passengers will disembark onto this 610 acre island, the largest island in the state of Connecticut. In the late 1800’s, a huge granite quarry, that primarily supplied paving stones to New York City and Philadelphia, operated on Selden Island. A naturalist/historian will guide a hiking tour on the island pointing out wildlife, plant life and geology and explain the fascinating stone quarrying history of the island. At the "top" of the island we will pause so that you can enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the Connecticut River. The hike portion of the trip lasts about two hours (this includes stopping at points of interest) and is fairly strenuous, dress appropriately. There will be complimentary coffee and tea. Bring lunch or a snack for the cruise back.

CRUISE DATE:  October 25th, 9am to 12:30ish. Sponsored by the Connecticut Audubon. Please call       

                      860-767-0660 or Contact Us.  

Selden Island Circumnavigation

Selden Creek borders Selden Island, an island that is an untouched, pristine 610 acre Connecticut State Park, located in the town of Lyme. RiverQuest will cruise north up the Connecticut River from Essex into Selden Creek for a circumnavigation of Selden Island. While slowly cruising through this serene, peaceful creek, a naturalist/historian will point out flora and fauna and discuss the geology and history of the island and the bordering mainland. Cruising through the creek today is not much different than it was several hundred years ago. Enjoy the magic of the area. Look for bald eagles and other bird/wildlife. There will be a complimentary continental breakfast including coffee and tea.

CRUISE DATE: September? October?  Contact Us        

Swallow Spectacle

                        Swallows collecting                                                    Tree Swallow

Through September into October, tens of thousands of birds congregate in the lower Connecticut River Valley on their migration route. One flock of birds, primarily comprised of Tree Swallows (there may also be Barn Swallows and Purple Martins), come nightly to an island in to roost. It is speculated that these birds fly in from as far as 25 miles away and come in numbers as high as 250,000+. At dusk they converge near and over the island, often creating a “ballet” in the sky and eventually forming a “funnel” or "rain" just after sunset as they settle down into a communal roost in the Phragmites for the night. A naturalist will be onboard to educate us on this phenomena, answer questions and to point out other wildlife we may see. Bring a picnic basket, your favorite beverage and your binoculars and enjoy the evening as we wait for the Swallows. Cruise length is approximately two hours. Price: $35 per person.

CRUISE DATES:  September 7, 10, 14 and 17 departure at 5:30pm.

                       September 21, 26 and October 1, 4 and 5 departure at 5:00pm.

GROUP CRUISES: Schedule your own as a fundraiser or as a great evening with friends.                                 

                   Please e-mail us at Contact Us or call RiverQuest at 860-662-0577 for price.

Eagle Cruises                           During the months of February and March

Come aboard RiverQuest enjoy winter and very early spring while experiencing the beauty and solitude of the lower Connecticut River, home to dozens of migrating Bald Eagles, occasional Golden Eagles and Harbor Seals!

A naturalist will talk about eagle biology and ecology, and point out other wintering birds and wildlife that may be seen on our cruise. Including:

• Hawk species: Red Tailed, Red Shouldered, Rough Legged and Cooper.

• Duck species: Common and Hooded Mergansers, Black, Wood, Ruddy, Scaup, Ring neck, etc.

• Also: Great Cormorants, Grebes, Tundra Swan and many other species of bird and wildlife.

RiverQuest has a fully enclosed heated cabin, enough to take the chill off, but, dress warm because you will want to be outside for most of the journey observing our wintering wildlife up close.

 

Bring a snack with you or enjoy lunch before or after the cruise at the Griswoldinn.com. or Theblackseal.net.

On Sunday, the Griswold Inn offers a delicious Hunt Breakfast. Hours 10am to 2pm.

**Out of towners**, the Gris, as the locals call it, is a wonderful place to stay the night.

Call 860-767-1776 for Brunch and/or room reservations and information.

 

Aboard RiverQuest there will be complimentary coffee and tea.

Cruises will start the first weekend in February through the third weekend in March.            

Due to the popularity of our Eagle Cruises, Reservations are suggested. 

 

Please e-mail us at Contact Us or call RiverQuest at 860-662-0577.

 

2008 Price:

Cost is $40 all passengers, which includes complimentary coffee and tea.

 

                

           Female and Male Bald Eagle                                   Harbor Seal on Ice Flow

Lynde Point Lighthouse Tour

RiverQuest will leave Essex and cruise south down the Connecticut River to view The Lynde Point Lighthouse and Saybrook Outer Light, both located in Old Saybrook. We will learn about the history of these lighthouses and the lighthouses that once were, including the Cornfield Lightship. We will also "peek" around the edge of the jetty into Long Island Sound and see the late Katherine Hepburn's home located in the Fenwick section of Old Saybrook.

CRUISE DATE: Sometimes on Sunset Cruise

Fall Lunch Cruise

Late fall is a wonderful time to explore and ponder the Connecticut River’s surrounding landscape. A naturalist and historian will provide geological and historical narration throughout the trip. If desired, this cruise will include a gourmet boxed lunch from a local Essex establishment.

Foliage Cruises

Join us aboard RiverQuest for our Fall Foliage Cruises. Foliage Cruises will leave the same time as our regular Daily Cruises (1.5 hour, at 1:00pm and 3:00pm weekends, 1:00pm weekdays), but, on this cruise we will also view the beautiful changing foliage on the many varieties of trees along the lower Connecticut River.