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Maritime Aquarium Resumes Seal-Watching Cruises In Norwalk

NORWALK, Conn. -- The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is hosting a new season of seal-watching cruises. 

The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is hosting a new season of seal-watching cruises starting Saturday, Dec. 28.

Photo Credit: Courtesy Maritime Aquarium

The cruises start at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28, 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 29, and 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11. During the cruises, Maritime Aquarium educators are scheduled to talk about the seals’ natural histories and use artifacts to discuss seal anatomy.

"These invigorating outings aboard the research vessel Oceanic occur many weekends from late December through late March," a press release said. "That’s when the seals come down from northern waters, which serve as their summer breeding and pupping areas."

The Aquarium’s cruises seek out the seals to observe them near the Norwalk Islands as they “haul out” to rest on rocks exposed at low tide, representatives said. 

“You don’t have to drive way up to Maine or Cape Cod to see seals. Our cruises let you get close to them right here in Connecticut,” said Cathy Hagadorn, vessel manager of the Oceanic. “As exciting as it is to see the seals that are exhibited inside the Aquarium, it’s truly a memorable experience to see them out in Long Island Sound. That experience also reminds us how important the Sound is as a habitat for our marine-mammal friends.”

Tickets for a Maritime Aquarium Seal-Watching Cruise are $22.95 or $17.95 for Aquarium members. Weekday charters for school groups are available. Advance ticket purchases are strongly recommended. Residents can get advance tickets by calling 203-852-0700, Ext. 2206. For the full 2013-14 Seal-Watching Cruise schedule, visit The Maritime Aquarium website

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