Annual Harbor Bird Cruise Scheduled for Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Hingham residents can get a tour of Boston’s most beautiful winter wildlife creatures on Monday on a harbor cruise.

Monday will be the 3rd annual "Winter Wildlife Cruise," which will depart from the Quincy Shipyard at 10:00 a.m., returning at 2:30 p.m. or leaving the Long Wharf in Boston at 11:00 a.m., returning at 2:00 p.m.

The Wildlife Cruise takes guests out on the harbor  with experienced park rangers and bird experts who will offer information about the observed wildlife and their habitats. An ongoing slide show will also be onboard to assist guests in identifying the various species of wildlife.  

According to Boston's Best Cruises Communication Director Melissa Lewis guests are encouraged to bring binoculars and a camera to explore Boston’s winter birds.  Nature enthusiasts who attend will see  snowy owls, Harlequin Ducks and Sandpipers.  Lewis said the event is for all ages and passengers will stay on the boat for the entire cruise.

The cruise will travel through the outer Boston Harbor Islands to Hingham Bay and the Weir River estuary.

Boston's Best Cruises triple-decker ferry offers plenty of outside viewing space as well as two heated indoor cabins, and a fully stocked galley with chili, chowder, snacks, coffee and hot chocolate.

Tickets for the "Winter Wildlife Cruise" are $14-$20. Last year's successful Group Incentive program - groups purchase 10 or more tickets in advance and get $4.00 back per ticket the day of the trip - is continuing this year as well. Group reservations may be made at (617) 770-0040 x102. Information or regular ticket purchases may be found at www.bostonsbestcruises.com, www.bostonharborislands.org or by calling Boston's Best Cruises at (617) 770-0040.