Norwalk|Local Event
2026 Norwalk Harbor Bird Watching Tour
Sun, sea breeze and beautiful wildlife make a perfect combination and that's just what the Seaport offers up in its bird-watching tour.
Norwalk Islands - Bird Watching Tour
Sun, sea breeze and beautiful wildlife make a perfect combination and that's just what the Norwalk Seaport Association offers up in its bird-watching tour.
The dock is located at 90 Water Street, Norwalk CT
Boats sail promptly as scheduled, plan on arriving 30 minutes prior to your scheduled departure. There is no parking at our dock, only limited handicapped spaces. Parking is available at adjacent lots www.parknorwalk.org. The closest paid lot to our dock is the one on Haviland Street.
The 45-foot Capt. M. C. Schlegel catamaran will take participants on an up close, two and a half hour cruise of the Norwalk Islands.
You will visit a variety of birds at a safe distance, nest sites and nesting colonies of Ospreys, Egrets, American Oystercatchers, Herons, Terns, Gulls, Cormorants and many more.
Every trip is a different experience with nature providing all the excitement!
Passengers on this eco-styled guided bird cruise are being led by birding enthusiast, James Leone, who has been birding for six-plus years. Leone is extremely knowledgeable about the identification status and distribution of birds in Connecticut and, specifically in Long Island Sound. "I am looking forward to helping people spot as many birds as they can and sharing my knowledge about their habitat, needs, and importance to the eco-system. I have identified 330 species of birds in Connecticut, and 300 birds in Fairfield County alone," says Leone. It is exciting to be out on the water this time of year because you never know what will fly by - which makes every cruise different and exciting at the same time," Leone added. In addition to birding in Connecticut, Leone has birded in Thailand and Costa Rica as well as all over the United States, spotting more than 1,200 birds. He has attended the prestigious birding program at Arizona's Camp Chiricahua, where he developed a greater understanding of birds and their habitat, which he will be sharing with the lucky passengers on this cruise.
A special highlight of this cruise is the chance to spot birds at the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge on Sheffield Island. Because of the shape of the boat, you can really get close to the shoreline. Here you will see a variety of habitats that support nesting and wading birds. This spot is known for its small population of herring and great black-backed gulls that nest along Sheffield Island's rocky shoreline.
When making reservations, leave contact information that will be available for day of trip. It is important to provide an email during registration. If this event is cancelled due to inclement weather, we will contact you VIA EMAIL.
Ticketing fees applied to all reservations.
Tickets cannot be changed or refunded unless there is a weather cancellation.
All passengers need a ticket regardless of age. We are required to abide by strict U.S. Coast Guard passenger counts.
Cooler's/Carry-On/Packages MUST fit beneath the seats per USCG Regulations, no exceptions allowed. Coolers cannot exceed 18"(H) x 18' (D) x 24" (W)
🐦 Top 5 Questions – 2026 Norwalk Harbor Bird Watching Tour
- What time should I arrive?
Arrive 15–20 minutes early to check in and get settled. The boat leaves promptly at 7:30 AM from 90 Water Street, Norwalk, CT—don’t miss the start of the adventure! - How long is the tour?
Expect 2–2.5 hours of beautiful harbor views, birdwatching, and wildlife spotting. Perfect for a relaxed morning on the water. - What birds will I see?
Spot ospreys, herons, egrets, gulls, terns, and more! Our knowledgeable guides point out birds and share tips, making it fun for beginners and seasoned birders alike. - What should I bring?
Bring binoculars or a camera, dress in layers, wear comfortable shoes, and consider sunscreen. Light snacks and non-alcoholic drinks are welcome. - What if the weather isn’t ideal?
Safety first! If the tour is canceled due to weather, you’ll get rescheduling options or a full refund. Otherwise, tickets are non-refundable—so we recommend booking early to secure your spot.