Osprey Cruises:

Cruise quietly from RiverQuest's home berth in Essex at The Connecticut River Museum to view many Osprey nests located in various areas along the lower Connecticut River. Osprey's return from their southern wintering homes that are primarily in South and Central America 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 scheduled 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). 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 Daily Cruise or on a  Sunset Cruise         

Group Cruise: schedule your own: Please e-mail us at Contact Us or call RiverQuest at 860-662-0577.

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 and historian will guide a hiking tour on the island pointing out wildlife, plant life, geology and will 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 a lunch or a snack for the cruise back to Essex.

CRUISE DATES: October 25th, 9am to 12:30ish. Sponsored by the Connecticut Audubon. Please call 860-767-0660 or Contact Us. 

Group Cruise: Schedule your own group cruise: Contact Us or call RiverQuest at  860-662-0577 for information.

Selden Creek Navigation:

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?

Group Cruise:  Schedule your own group.

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

Lighthouse Viewing:

We have been cruising south to view the lighthouses on many of our Sunset/Evening Cruises. RiverQuest will leave Essex and cruise south down the Connecticut River to 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, wind and wave permitting, go around the edge of the jetty into Long Island Sound and see the late Katherine Hepburn's beautiful beach home.

Swallow Spectacle:

Through September into October, tens of thousands of birds congregate in the lower Connecticut River Valley on their migration route south. One flock of birds, primarily comprised of tree swallows, come nightly to an island to roost. It is speculated that these birds fly in from as far as 25 miles away. As many as half a million may come in at dusk where they converge just before sunset over the island, often creating a “ballet” in the sky and eventually forming a “funnel” or "rain", where just after sunset, they settle down into a communal roost in the Phragmites (a type of reed) for the night. A naturalist will be onboard to explain this phenomenon, 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 DATES:  

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

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

Cruise length is approximately two hours.                   Price: $35 per person.

Group Cruise: Schedule your own: Please e-mail us at Contact Us or call RiverQuest at 860-662-0577 for price.

     The sky is FULL of Tree Swallows

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. These 1-1/2 hour Foliage Cruises will leave the same time as our regular Daily Cruises but, on this cruise we will also view the beautiful changing foliage on the many varieties of trees along the lower Connecticut River.

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. **Out of towners** The Gris, as the locals call it, is a great place to get a room for 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.