How long is the tour?

The cruise lasts approximately 75 minutes.

Are there restroom facilities on board?

There is no bathroom on the boat—plan accordingly before boarding.

How much do tickets cost?

Adults (18+) $35; Children (4–17) $5; Infants (0–3) ride free.

When does the Special Topic Tour run?

This Special Topic Tour has limited dates this season, for example Sunday, July 5, 2026 and Saturday, August 1, 2026—reserve early.

Who can I contact with questions?

For questions or accessibility information call (860) 407-5655.

Eelgrass and Estuaries: Thames River Eelgrass Boat Tour from New London

Q: Where does this tour depart?

This boat tour departs from Fort Trumbull State Park in New London, Connecticut; arrive 15 minutes early to check in.

Board a community-minded research boat at Fort Trumbull State Park in New London, Connecticut, and set off into the Thames River and the eastern reaches of Long Island Sound for a focused 75-minute exploration of eelgrass meadows and coastal coves. Underwater eelgrass—dense beds of the seagrass Zostera marina—anchors the local food web, stabilizes shorelines, filters water, and stores blue carbon; this tour makes those ecological functions visible through guided observation and accessible science. Coastal cliffs give way to low marshy edges and sheltered harbor basins where the grass rises and falls with the tide, creating patches of emerald in otherwise brown, silty channels. Guided by coastal scientist Jamie Vaudrey, Ph.D., Research Coordinator for the Connecticut National Estuarine Research Reserve and Associate Research Professor at the University of Connecticut, the outing blends clear explanation with close-up views of living habitat. The trip departs from Fort Trumbull State Park and cruises east, pausing at scenic coves and classic boating hotspots to discuss fisheries connections, shoreline management choices, and threats such as nutrient run-off and climate-driven warming. Guides point out shorebirds on mudflats, osprey patrols overhead, and occasional harbor seals bobbing near channel mouths. This is a Special Topic Tour that runs only a few dates each season—book early. The experience is family-friendly but geared for curious adults who want actionable knowledge: how eelgrass supports juvenile fish, why its decline matters to local fisheries, and what restoration or protection looks like. Practical details are straightforward: plan to bring snacks and non-glass drinks, arrive 15 minutes early to check in, and note there’s no bathroom on the boat. Ticket proceeds support the Thames River Heritage Park Foundation and unlock Ride & Save discounts at local partners like Avery Copp House and Custom House Maritime Museum, reinforcing this tour’s role in New London and Groton’s conservation economy. For photographers, low-angle shots from the bow capture tidal patterns and intertidal vegetation; for listeners, the scientist’s context transforms a pleasant harbor cruise into an on-water field lesson. Whether you’re a coastal resident, visiting family, or an ecotourist, this condensed, expert-led trip is one of the region’s clearest, most effective introductions to how an often-overlooked underwater meadow underpins the health of Long Island Sound. Seats are limited to these special-topic sailings—scheduled this season on Sunday, July 5, 2026, and Saturday, August 1, 2026—so reserve your spot through the Thames River Heritage Park booking link. Tickets are affordably priced (Adults $35; Children 4–17 $5; Infants 0–3 free), and 100% of profit benefits Thames River Heritage Park Foundation. Wear windproof layers, bring binoculars, and consider a jacket for spray. Questions about accessibility can be directed to (860) 407-5655; arrive early to find the meeting point at Fort Trumbull State Park.

Difficulty

easy.

Duration

75 minutes.

Fitness level

Light; requires the ability to board a small vessel, sit for the duration, and climb a short gangway.

Wildlife

Osprey
Harbor seal

History

The Thames River corridor includes naval and maritime heritage sites and is supported by the Thames River Heritage Park Foundation, which connects over 20 local heritage institutions.

Conservation

Eelgrass is a critical habitat that improves water quality and stores carbon; ticket proceeds from this tour directly benefit local conservation through Thames River Heritage Park Foundation.

Thames River Heritage Park is a New London, Connecticut organization that preserves and interprets the history, culture, and natural resources of the Thames River estuary. The organization offers a curated series of guided 75-minute boat tours and talks that connect passengers with regional stories, including maritime history, Indigenous heritage, African American experiences, Gilded Age estates, Revolutionary War events, and local folklore. Tours feature collaborations with recognized local experts and institutions: UConn faculty, members of the Mohegan Tribe, Connecticut Sea Grant scientists, historians from the New London County Historical Society, and local authors. Many programs explicitly support area heritage sites and nonprofit partners through ticket revenue. Departing from locations such as Fort Trumbull State Park, the tours navigate landmarks like Pine Island, Bushy Point, Bluff Point, and riverbanks that witnessed significant historical events. The schedule includes specialized programs — for example, guided conversations about emancipation and abolition; profiles of notable women of the Thames; natural-history excursions; a haunted-harbor ghost tour; and focused narratives on Benedict Arnold’s 1781 burning of New London. Most offerings emphasize education, community engagement, and place-based interpretation tailored to adults, families, and history enthusiasts. Thames River Heritage Park emphasizes transparent partnerships, local scholarship, and stewardship of the river corridor. Tickets and public programs make regional history accessible while reinvesting in heritage organizations. Visitors can expect knowledgeable narration, close river access to shoreline sites, and an opportunity to support ongoing preservation and interpretation of New London’s maritime landscape. Seasonal schedules vary; check the foundation calendar for details and updates.

Base locationNew London, Connecticut

Tours offered26+

Specialtyboat-charters

StewardshipLeave No Trace