Seal Watching Cruises Kick Off In Southampton

SOUTHAMPTON, NY — Annual seal-watching cruises are set to kick off in the Hamptons, beginning on Saturday, Feb. 8

Presented by the Atlantic Conservation Society, the cruises set off from the Stony Brook Marine Station, located at 8 Little Neck Road in Southampton. Along with partners from Group for the East End, participants will cruise around Shinnecock Bay in an open-air vessel to learn about seals in their natural environment; the experience is similar to the research cruises AMSEAS biologists participate in along the Atlantic Coast during the winter months, a release said.

“I recently returned from a gray seal pupping research trip on Muskeget Island, off Monomy and Cape Cod, with National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration's Fisheries Service Northeast Fisheries Science Center,” AMSEAS chief scientist Robert DiGiovanni said. “We usually take a small boat to the island to study these animals and this year had success with a larger research vessel. Despite the cold, it’s always exciting to see these animals in their natural habitat. Though our cruises in Shinnecock Bay are not as intense, it’s a very unique way for the public to experience these animals.”

Participants will learn about the different species of seals that inhabit the waters around Long Island and learn how all can all help to conserve the marine environment.

Because the event is an open weather cruise, participants are advised to dress warmly. Cruises will take place through April and last approximately two hours. Reservations are required and the cruise costs $30 per person. For dates and reservations, click here.