NORWALK, Conn. — The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk now offers outings on the R/V Spirit of the Sound at 1 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays until Labor Day.
“The fish, crabs, squid and other marine creatures that we bring up onto the boat will have to share top billing during this first season with R/V Spirit of the Sound,” said Tom Naiman, the aquarium’s education director, in a press release. “Participants will come away very impressed with the boat – for her unique hybrid propulsion and state-of-the-art navigation systems, but even more for her broad educational and research capabilities.”
Animals from different water levels of Long Island Sound are brought on board during each Marine Life Study Cruise. In addition to observing works, fish, crabs, sea stars and squid, participants get a magnified look at plankton through a video microscope and big-screen monitor. Participants also take measurements, sort through mud samples and assist with pulling in the trawl net and later returning the animals to the water.
“Seeing these animals come up out of the water has a tremendous impact in helping our guests understand the diversity of marine life just off our shores and in inspiring them to act as stewards of the Sound and the environment when they go home,” Naiman said in a press release. “Plus, it’s just plain fun. Who hasn’t been on a boat ride and wondered, ‘What’s down there?’ Well, we show you.”
The $2.7 million, 64-foot catamaran is the only in the country with hybrid-electric propulsion and is quieter than the aquarium’s former diesel-powered boat, according to a press release.
All participants must be at least 42 inches tall and passengers under the age of 21 must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets are $29.95, or $24.95 for members, and can be purchased online.
Triple combination tickets for the cruise, aquarium admission and an IMAX movie are $49.95 for adults, $47.95 for youths (13-17) and seniors and $42.95 for children 12 and under. Triple combination tickets are not available online. To purchase a triple combination ticket, call (203) 852-0700, ext. 2206, weekdays between 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Maritime Aquarium Launches New $2.7M Research Vessel
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