Private Boat Cruises from Old Saybrook — Custom Trips with Captain Chip

Seabird Cruises brings private, customizable boat experiences to Old Saybrook, Connecticut and nearby ports including Fenwick and Essex. Specializing in small-group outings, Seabird Cruises offers five distinct trips: the Picnic Cruise, Half Day Cruise, Full Day Cruise, Sunset Cruise, and the Fall Tree Swallow Cruise to view the bird murmuration at Goose Island on the Connecticut River. Each cruise is guided by Captain Chip, with an emphasis on local navigation, safety, and tailored itineraries.

Trips and What to Expect

• Picnic Cruise — A three-hour private outing ideal for relaxation and waterfront dining. Guests bring their own food and drinks while Captain Chip sets the route.
• Sunset Cruise — A three-hour evening sail focused on sunset views and a calm atmosphere.
• Half Day Cruise — A five-hour excursion with options to swim, dine ashore, or shop in nearby coastal towns.
• Full Day Cruise — An eight-hour adventure offering extended time on the water with flexible stops and activities.
• Fall Tree Swallow Cruise — A 1.5-hour seasonal trip to Goose Island for viewing the swallows’ murmuration on the Connecticut River.

Each listed trip departs commonly from Fenwick, Old Saybrook, or Essex, Connecticut and includes the boat, captain, safety equipment, and basic essentials. Guests are encouraged to bring personal food and beverages and to communicate itinerary preferences before departure so Captain Chip can tailor the experience. Seabird Cruises adjusts plans for weather and river conditions and provides a safety briefing at the start of each voyage.

Customizable Private Cruises

Seabird Cruises focuses on private charters that allow groups to control pace, stops, and activities. Whether selecting a shorter Picnic or Sunset Cruise, or choosing a Half Day or Full Day Cruise for extended exploration, passengers can plan swims, shore visits, or simply relax aboard. The Fall Tree Swallow Cruise offers a concentrated wildlife-viewing opportunity timed for autumn evenings when swallows gather at Goose Island.

Booking and Practical Information

Reservations for Seabird Cruises are handled from Old Saybrook. Departure points and seasonal schedules are listed with booking details and confirmed during reservation. Availability varies by season, and the captain provides information on departure locations and expected durations. Safety briefings and appropriate safety equipment are standard for every trip.

Why Choose Seabird Cruises

Seabird Cruises combines local knowledge with customizable private charters on the Connecticut coastline and river. The range of trip lengths, from 1.5 to eight hours, lets groups select the right option for families, friends, or small private events. Clear descriptions of each trip—Picnic Cruise, Half Day Cruise, Full Day Cruise, Sunset Cruise, and Fall Tree Swallow Cruise—help guests choose the right experience.

For scenic sailing near Old Saybrook, Fenwick, and Essex, or for seasonal wildlife viewing at Goose Island on the Connecticut River, Seabird Cruises offers straightforward bookings, a local captain, and private boat charters that prioritize guest preferences and safety.

What to Bring

Guests should pack personal food and drinks, weather-appropriate clothing, sunscreen, and any necessary medication. For swims, bring towels and a change of clothes. Seabird Cruises supplies life jackets and basic safety gear.

Best Times to Book

Trip availability varies by season. The Fall Tree Swallow Cruise operates during the autumn months when swallows gather at Goose Island. Sunset, Picnic, Half Day, and Full Day Cruises are available in warmer months and may be scheduled year-round subject to weather. Prospective guests should consult the Seabird Cruises listing for current scheduling and to confirm departure ports.

Locations and Routes

Common departure locations include Fenwick, Old Saybrook, and Essex. Routes are planned by Captain Chip to showcase shoreline scenery, river vistas, and seasonal wildlife where applicable. Contact details accompany each reservation.