Summer, 2021 Get Ready to Cruise to Sheffield Island Starting Memorial Day Weekend

The Norwalk Seaport Association is once again offering cruises to Sheffield Island and Sheffield Island Lighthouse this summer. “In the summer of 2020, out of an abundance of caution, we decided not to offer cruises to the island,” said Mike Reilly, President of the Seaport Association. “In 2021, with a robust vaccine program and restrictions loosening up, we decided to offer cruises that stop at Sheffield Island. This in-person experience is outdoors that makes it easy to social distance. We know people really missed going to the island last year, so this summer we decided to get back into the swing of things by providing our passengers with our wonderful Sheffield Island experience.” 

If you are a bird lover with a checklist of bird species that you want to see on Long Island Sound, don’t miss the Norwalk Seaport Association’s specially guided bird cruises on Saturday, May 22, and Sunday, May 23. The vessel will depart at 10 a.m. and return at 12:30 p.m. Bird cruises are also being offered on Sunday, June 6, 13, and 20; with the vessel departing at 8 a.m. and returning at 10:30 a.m. The beauty of the bird cruises is that each one is a unique adventure because you can’t anticipate what bird species you will see on each excursion. For tickets click here.

This year, the first Sunset cruise of the season will be on Wednesday, May 26 beginning at 6:30 p.m. Sunset Cruises will be offered Wednesdays – Sunday through September. There is something so special about seeing the sunset on Long Island Sound as you glide through Norwalk Harbor passing lighthouses and oysters boats while sipping a glass of wine. The Seaport’s vessel is roomy and comfortable with plenty of space to enjoy the fresh air of the Sound. Passengers are encouraged to BYOB and snacks, making this sunset cruise the perfect way to enjoy the summer of 2021. To reserve a spot click here. If you miss this weekend’s Sunset Cruises, no worries, the Seaport Association is offering them June – September, Wednesday through Sunday at 6:30 p.m. 

The fun continues with a series of cruises stopping at Sheffield Island on Saturday, May 29, at 11 a.m. and at 3 p.m., Sunday, May 30, at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., and Monday, May 31, at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. The cruise includes an on-the-water adventure to Sheffield Island, a tour of the historic 151-year-old lighthouse, time to picnic in a beautifully situated wooden pavilion, look for shells on the beach, and to walk along the Nature Trail that is part of the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge. If the day is clear, the New York City skyline can be seen. An added bonus is the new telescope installed by the Seaport Association that is free to use and affords fabulous views of the Connecticut coastline. The cruise experience is approximately three hours long. 

All reservations must be made online in advance; masks are required while traveling on the Ferry. To make a reservation, click here https://www.eventbrite.com/o/norwalk-seaport-association-32255433505 The boat leaves from the Sheffield Island Dock located at the corner of North Street and Washington Street in South Norwalk. Parking is available in the parking lot and at the adjacent Norwalk Maritime Center Garage. Be sure to wear comfortable, close-toed shoes and bring your mask. 

The fun continues all summer long with cruises to Sheffield Island on Tuesday & Wednesday at 11 a.m. in July and August, on Thursday and Friday at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. in July and August, and on Saturday and Sundays, May through September at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Sunset cruises will be offered May - September, Wednesday through Sunday at 6:30 p.m. The Seaport is also offering private charters. For complete information visit the Seaport's website or call 203-838-9444. 

About the Seaport Association 

The Norwalk Seaport Association was founded in 1978 by a group of local citizens who had the vision to revitalize South Norwalk and preserve Norwalk’s maritime heritage. The Seaport Association offers a cultural, environmental, and historical journey to the Norwalk Islands. The Sheffield Island Lighthouse and the Light Keeper’s Cottage provide a unique historical and educational venue that strives to increase awareness, appreciation, and consideration for the environment and how the preservation of historic buildings contributes to our quality of life. The combination of the Lighthouse and the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge offers an unparalleled opportunity to educate children of all ages and adults about the importance of preserving Long Island Sound, our environment, and our maritime heritage.