Why Taking a Sunset Cruise with the Seaport Association Is A Good Idea

While most of us admire the sunset from the shoreline, taking in the sunset on the water is an extraordinary experience that can be done close to home, right in Norwalk, Connecticut.  It's nice to know that you can do something unique that is close by and easy to get to without planning a big fancy getaway. Imagine breathing in the fresh ocean air and feeling the tingle of the salt on your face as you slowly cruise past the islands situated right off the coast of Norwalk in Long Island Sound. There is a feeling of serenity watching seabirds glide as oystermen pull up their catch for the day as you cruise past Norwalk's necklace of islands.

Taking a two-hour sunset cruise with the Seaport Association through Norwalk Harbor is always a good idea because there is no better or more affordable way to experience Norwalk Harbor than on board the Seaport's vessel. 

The two-hour sunset cruise is offered by the Seaport Association Wednesdays - Sunday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. through September 17th.  Passengers are encouraged to BYOB, plastic cups, openers, and snacks, to add to the fun. There is comfortable seating in a covered and uncovered deck area on the vessel that holds only 49 passengers, so it is never too crowded. For sunset cruise tickets go to http://www.seaport.org

After welcoming passengers aboard, the journey begins as the vessel slowly wends its way through Norwalk Harbor, passing many islands. Some of them have idyllic names like Tavern Island, once owned by the famous Broadway playwright Billy Rose,  Chimmon Island, the largest island in the Norwalk Chain of Islands, and Shea Island, named in honor of native Pfc. Daniel Shea, Medal of Honor recipient for his bravery in the Vietnam War.  

Highlights of the sunset cruise include passing Sheffield Island Lighthouse, built in 1868, and two rare sparkplug Lighthouses, Peck Ledge built in 1906, and Greens Ledge built in 1902. As the vessel returns to the dock, passengers watch as the city of Norwalk begins to light up, and just in time for dinner, with many restaurants steps away from the Seaport Dock.

Best of all, a sunset cruise is therapeutic because it reminds us that taking a break from the daily grind is a good thing to do. It gives passengers the opportunity to soak up the last rays of the sun while reflecting on the accomplishments of the day, and everything that we have to be grateful for. 

Sunset Cruise Schedule & Parking 

The boat leaves from the dock on 4 North Water Street at 6:30 p.m., and returns at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday – Sunday evenings, June through September. The Seaport Dock is adjacent to the Stroffolino Bridge at the corner of Washington and North Water Streets. Parking is available in the adjacent lot or at the Maritime Center Parking Garage. For tickets visit http://www.seaport.org or call 203-838-9444. Sunset cruises are $35 per person. The boat sails promptly as scheduled so it is best to arrive at the dock 30 minutes before departure to facilitate the boarding process.