5 Long Island boating excursions to take this summer
Whale watcher aboard the Atlantic Pearl keeping a look out for whale and bottle noise dolphin in the open seas during Capt. Lou Fleet voyage out of Freeport. Credit: Newsday/J. Conrad Williams Jr.
Living on an island provides a special luxury: there are bodies of water all around — from the Long Island Sound to the sea to rivers and protected zones to marvel and appreciate. A day cruise is the perfect way to explore wildlife or take in the scenic views this summer. Here are some of the local vessels to charter for those who want to travel the seas:
American Beauty Cruises and Charters
Operating out of Sag Harbor, you can get tickets in advance for a ride aboard the American Beauty II, or just head to the village’s Long Wharf where Captain Don Heckman waits for those who might spontaneously like to take a cruise. Two-hour sunset cruises cost $45 ($30 ages 5-12, four and younger are free), while 90-minute nature cruises are $30 ($20 ages 5-12); public cruises run Thursdays through Mondays until October. Private charters can also be arranged for any day.
INFO Long Wharf in Sag Harbor; 631-725-0397; americanbeautycruises.com
Discovery Wetlands Cruises
Discovery Wetland offers 90-minute tours that provide potential views of the birds and other resident animals in the area. A naturalist leads the tour that also passes by several striking mansions. The vessel can carry as many as 27 passengers at a time, reservations are recommended and walk-ons are permitted when seats are available. Call ahead to RSVP; $40 ages 7 and older, $30 ages 3-6, $7 ages 2 and younger. Walk-ons are cash only; $45 ages 7 and up, $35 ages 3-6, $10 ages 2 and younger. Cruises are dependent on the high tide and go once daily, weather-permitting.
INFO Located inside Stony Brook Marine Services: 51 Shore Rd., Stony Brook; 631-751-2244, wmho.org
Moon Chaser
This 65-foot vessel can carry as many as 200 people and has an enclosed main deck and full bar. Live bands play on various days through Sept. 3 as part of the boat’s “Bay Jam” series ($54). The Moon Chaser also participates in a dinner cruise that travels to Flynn’s restaurant and tavern on Fire Island in Ocean Bay Park (through Sept. 5; Tuesdays through Thursdays, plus select dates); $16 a person to ride, $50 for dinner at Flynn’s. Guided 90-minute tours of both the bay and the Fire Island shore are yet another option; the trips take place most Thursdays through Aug. 25; rates are $20, kids 12 and younger are $16 (but one child can ride free per paying adult).
INFO Captree State Park, Babylon; 631-265-1848, themoonchaser.com
Captain Lou Fleet
Known for its fishing charters, the fleet is making trips for fluke and black sea bass, as well as special outings for other targeted fish; prices vary per run. Whale-watching cruises (liwhaleandsealwatching.com) are also a summer option for those aged three and older, held most Wednesdays and weekends through Aug. 31 before mostly Saturdays and Sundays through Nov. 1 with rates at $65, $49 for children 12 and younger. The fleet’s Nautical Mile Cruises (nauticalmilecruises.com) are another way to get out on the water, with two-hour scenic cruises ($47) off the South Shore of Nassau County and two-hour “Moonlight Cruises” ($43) that pass Jones Beach; both give those aboard access to DJ dancing and a cash bar.
INFO 31 Woodcleft Ave., Freeport; 516-623-9867
Layla Sailing
For a yacht ride around Peconic Bay while laying back on beanbags, Capt. Liz Gillooly leads up to six passengers on private sailings from Greenport that explore the waters around Shelter Island. Options include shorter morning and sunset sails (from $700) besides traditional half-day charters. Guests may bring their own snacks and drinks.
INFO 1410 Manhanset Ave., Dock H4, Greenport; 631-319-0161, laylasailing.com
