What to Take On Our Harbor and Sheffield Island Cruises

One of the highlights of summer is getting out on Long Island Sound with the Norwalk Seaport Association. We offer a variety of on-the-water excursions from outer harbor cruises and sunset cruises to a journey to Sheffield Island Lighthouse where people can tour our ten-room historic lighthouse, have a picnic in our wooden pavilion, stroll along the beach, or hike in the adjoining Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge.

Here are six tips on what to bring on one of the Norwalk Seaport Association's cruises so that you make the most out of your excursion.

1) Get A Marine Navigation App

If you like to know where you are going there are many helpful marine navigation apps that give you real-time animated weather radar on a background map that is easy to zoom in and out of. Many include short-term and long-term weather forecasting. For a reliable free marine app, download the NOAA Marine Weather app.

2) BYOB On A Sunset Cruise

We allow BYOB on our vessel, many people have enjoyed a glass of wine or a beer on our sunset cruises. Remember to bring a bottle opener and plastic cups, glass is not allowed on the boat. Pack a picnic of cheese, crackers, and fresh fruit to enjoy onboard. 

3.) Enjoy A Picnic on Sheffield Island

Sheffield Island is the perfect place for a picnic!  Sheffield Island's beach offers so many scenic nooks and crannies to enjoy a feast! Remember to bring a blanket if you want to dine al fresco on our beach and bug spray, just in case. If you prefer,  you can have a picnic in our open-air wooden pavilion that has picnic tables with picture-perfect waterfront views. 

For your picnic basket, make sure that your food is prepared or cooked ahead of time. If you are not bringing disposable forks and spoons, make sure that your goodies are finger-friendly. A knife can be one of the handiest tools in a picnic basket because you can spread condiments, slice fruit, or cut sandwiches.  Cold, plastic bottled beverages are a great option, they quench your thirst and act as extra icepacks to keep your food chilled. 

 Tuck a trash bag into your basket so everything makes it to a trash can or home with you.

4) Don't Forget Your Camera

Taking a cruise with the Norwalk Seaport Association is not only a scenic adventure, it is a memory for a scrapbook or family photo album, so make sure your phone is charged up or, bring your camera. 

If you are sticking to your phone, you might consider packing a portable charger to make sure you never run out of battery power. The Anker Power Cor+ Mini is a lipstick-sized portable charger that is compatible with iPhone Xs/XR, Android Smartphones, and more. To check out this charger click here.

5.) Take A Pair of Binoculars

Bird watching is one of the most popular hobbies in the United States. On our cruises, passengers often see a number of birds and other wildlife that make Long Island Sound their home. If you want to get a good look at our avian friends, bring along a pair of binoculars. The best way to watch animals from a distance without disturbing them or to see the outline of Manhattan from our island is to use a pair of binoculars. If you forget your binoculars, no worries, our new telescope on the island is also available and free to use.

6.) Bring Your Sense of Curiosity & Fun

A visit to Sheffield Island is the opportunity to delve into Norwalk's maritime history by exploring our ten-room 153-year-old lighthouse. Learn about the importance of this lighthouse and about the lifestyle of the lighthouse keepers that lived here. If you are a Nature Lover, go on an eco-inspired walk in the adjoining Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge where you may spot seabirds and wildlife. Along the way, you will also see the ruins of a grand Spanish-inspired villa built on the island in the 1900s.

With these boating tips, we hope that you enjoy each bright sunny day and the on-the-water excursion that you have chosen. For tickets and more information click here.