Save The Bay’s Nature Cruises resume in Westerly on October 13

Save The Bay’s Nature Cruises resume in Westerly on October 13

WESTERLY, R.I. – Sept. 24, 2018 – The inaugural Save The Bay Nature Cruise of the 2018-2019 season will depart from Viking Marina in Westerly, R.I. on Saturday, Oct. 13 at 11 a.m. The 90-minute tour cruises down the Pawcatuck River into Little Narragansett Bay. From the deck of the M/V Elizabeth Morris, riders can enjoy the autumnal landscape while on the lookout for a variety of local wildlife, such as great blue herons, red-tailed hawks, ospreys and, of course, harbor seals. Westerly tours will be held every Saturday, Oct.13-Dec. 29; on Monday, Nov. 12; and daily from Dec. 27-31.

Harbor Seals in Pawcatuck River
During cooler months, seals migrate south to Rhode Island. Save The Bay’s Nature Cruises offer wildlife lovers the chance to observe these playful creatures in their natural habitat.

“Fall is a gorgeous time of year to take a boat trip down the Pawcatuck River and see all it has to offer,” said Save The Bay Director of Education Bridget Prescott. “Not only are the colors at their best, but the opportunity to observe local wildlife—like seals bobbing around in the water or migrating birds—is at an all-time high, making this beautiful setting perfect for learning about and enjoying our local ecosystem.”

Tours on Oct. 27, Nov. 17 and Dec. 27 will include guest presentations by Mystic Aquarium specialists Dr. Allison Tuttle, vice president of biological programs; Janelle Schuh, animal rescue program manager; and Sarah Callan, assistant manager of animal rescue program. During their presentations, Mystic Aquarium special guests will join Save The Bay staff to present insights about seal biology and behavior to tour attendees.

“Partnerships like the one we enjoy with Save the Bay are integral to us at Mystic Aquarium as we strive to inspire others to care for and protect our ocean planet,” said Tuttle. “It is important for people to see marine animals thriving in the ocean environment so they not only gain a better understanding of the various species and their habitat, but also feel empowered to take action in their protection.”

For over 15 years, Save The Bay has offered seal tours from October through April—when harbor seals migrate south into local waters for food. Save The Bay’s partially-covered, 30+ passenger vessels and binoculars allow visitors to observe winter seals in their natural habitat. During the tours, Save The Bay marine experts provide expert narration of Rhode Island’s official state marine mammal.

While Westerly tours begin on Oct. 13, Newport’s one-hour seal tours will begin Nov. 10 out of Bowen’s Wharf and continue through April 25, 2019. Two-hour seal and lighthouse tours, also in Newport, will run Nov. 17-April 28. Tickets, gift certificates and more information are available at 401-203-SEAL(7325) or savebay.org/seals.

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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.