Norwalk Seaport Association Is Ready to Cruise Summer 2023

Norwalk Seaport Association's cruise to Sheffield Island Lighthouse off the coast of Norwalk is one of Connecticut's most popular seasonal activities. It gives passengers the thrill of an on-the-water adventure passing a myriad of islands in Long Island Sound only seen from the water, the chance to tour a historic lighthouse on Sheffield Island, and time to explore a private island and nature sanctuary.

Our 2023 Cruise and Event Schedule is as follows 

Docktails and Oysters @ Norm Bloom and Sons – June 3 

Birding Cruises run Sundays from May 28- June 18  

Weekend Cruises to Sheffield Island run May 27 -Aug 27 

Weekday Cruises to Sheffield Island run June 27 -Aug 31  

Sunset Harbor Cruises run May 24 -Sept 17 

 Clambakes on Sheffield Island are offered on Tuesdays. July 11- Aug 29 

 Pirates Weekend – July 22 and 23

Sheffield Island – Picture Perfect & Picnic Ready 

Family Fun on Sheffield Island

Many visitors comment on how beautifully the island is maintained and how it enhances the experience of visiting. There is a large timber frame pavilion with picnic tables that face the water, shell-strewn pathways through the Nature Preserve colorful island-inspired flowers and landscaping, an antique telescope; wildlife, marine life, ecosystem interpretative signage along the seawalls, and large shade trees, making it an ideal picnic spot. 

Clambakes and picnics in our Pavilion

The volunteers of the Norwalk Seaport Association take great pride in cleaning up Sheffield Island each spring, making it picture-perfect for visitors. Linda Cappello, a Trustee on the Board of Trustees of the Norwalk Seaport Association organizes these spring pilgrimages annually. "It is my passion. I have cruised the waters of Long Island Sound and the Norwalk Islands for as long as I can remember. My father introduced me to the Sound when I was a child, and I have loved it ever since! If I could live on the Island I would! As for our volunteers, we always welcome help, just contact us. Being a Seaport Volunteer offers a unique reward unique for a good cause, especially if they have a love for Norwalk's maritime history and Long Island Sound,” Cappello concluded. 

A big thank you to all our volunteers!

Island maintenance doesn't end in the spring. Throughout the summer season, there are many chores to attend to from mowing the lawn, to maintaining the shells on the pathways, and cleaning the lighthouse itself, to name a few of what it takes to keep the island ready for visitors. 

For Tickets and More Information 

 For tickets and more information http://www.seaport.org. The vessel leaves from the Seaport Dock on 4 North Water Street in Norwalk. The dock is adjacent to the Stroffolino Bridge at the corner of Washington and North Water Streets in South Norwalk. Parking is available at the adjacent lot or at the Maritime Center Parking Garage across the street from the dock. Tickets are available online in advance by clicking here. 

Cruising is fun any time of day!

About the Norwalk 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.