Save The Bay offering seal watch tours out of Fall River through April 10

As spring makes its entrance, Save The Bay is running its educational and scenic Seal Tours in Fall River, Mass., Saturday and Sundays through April 10. In 2015, Save The Bay piloted seal tours in Fall River to enough success to run a full season this year this year, making seal tours more accessible to community members in a critical Narragansett Bay watershed region, as Fall River is the second largest city on Narragansett Bay.

Departing from Borden Light Marina, guests will enjoy a 75-minute scenic boat ride across Mt. Hope Bay to Spar Island, and back down to the mouth of the Taunton River on the lookout for visiting winter harbor seals and early spring wildlife. Expert guides will point out our winter visitors and discuss the rich history and environmental issues of the region. With binoculars provided, visitors will likely see seals resting on rocks or coastlines, called “hauling out,” or “bottling” with their heads just above the water. Also, tours pass by several iconic sites and Islands in the Bay, such as Spar Island, where many more species of waterfowl and other aquatic animals can be seen.

“Visitors will get to see different kinds of winter birds along with the seals, as well as historical sites like Battleship Cove,” said Dan Blount, education specialist and boat captain. “We cover a lot of ground in the tour.” The seals, which can get up to six feet long and weigh hundreds of pounds, tend to gather in large numbers on Spar Island or along the rocks of the Taunton River.

Fall River Seal Tours are $17 for Save The Bay members, seniors and children aged 3-12, $22 for non-members, and free for children under 3 years. Tours will depart from Borden Light Marina on 1 Ferry Street, Fall River, Mass. Since space is limited, registration in advance is required at www.savebay.org/seals , or by calling 401-203-7325.

About Save The Bay: Founded in 1970, Save The Bay works to protect and improve Narragansett Bay and its watershed through advocacy, education, and restoration efforts. It envisions a fully swimmable, fishable, healthy Narragansett Bay, accessible to everyone and globally recognized as an environmental treasure.