Maritime Aquarium Launches New Research Vessel, Welcomes Visitors To LI Sound This Summer

NORWALK, CT — The Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk announced this week the official launch of its new research vessel, R/V Sound Explorer, just in time for the summer.

According to a news release provided by the aquarium, the vessel gives visitors the opportunity to learn about nature, wildlife and conservation in Long Island Sound onboard its "floating classroom," with public tours starting in June.

As part of the organization’s commitment to being "an aquarium without walls," the R/V Sound Explorer provides a vital new opportunity for marine education and research in Long Island Sound and supports hands-on learning for all, according to the aquarium.

The Marine Life Encounter Cruise invites visitors to learn about the biodiversity of the sound alongside aquarium scientists and educators, featuring a plankton tow that brings up fish, crabs, mollusks and more.

For those looking for a more casual cruise, the Sunset Cruise offers a unique perspective on the beauty of the Norwalk islands and surrounding wildlife. Private charters for school, scout, camp and other groups are also available, according to the aquarium.

"Our onboard education programs bring students and families right into the heart of our work," Maritime Aquarium CEO Jason Patlis said in a news release. "We are thrilled to offer our visitors an up-close-and-personal look at Long Island Sound to learn about how we are all connected to, and responsible for, this unique ecosystem."

The Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk has had a rich history on onboard programming since it opened in 1988. Over the past 22 years, aquarium vessels have hosted more than 85,000 passengers to celebrate the natural beauty and learn about the unique animal habitats of Long Island Sound, according to the aquarium.

The aquarium's other vessel, the R/V Spirit of the Sound, was the first-ever hybrid-electric, battery-powered research vessel in the U.S. when she launched in 2014 and is currently off-hire while being re-powered with a new system, according to the aquarium.

The Fowler Family, including Maritime Aquarium Board Chair Clay Fowler, generously supported the expansion of the aquarium's fleet to include the R/V Sound Explorer, according to the aquarium.

"We are so pleased to be able to offer our visitors onboard programming once again," Fowler said in a news release. "The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is committed to connecting people personally to Long Island Sound, so they can be awed by the beauty of this place and inspired to protect it."

Educational tours for school groups are already underway, with public tours on R/V Sound Explorer set to begin June 25. Passengers must be over 42 inches tall and accompanied by an adult if under 18 years old.

More details and tickets are available at www.maritimeaquarium.org.