TOURISM: North Shore wetlands cruises begin season Saturday

Summer doesn't officially begin until June 21, but Long Island's tourism season begins Saturday with the launch of the Ward Melville Heritage Organization's Discovery Wetlands Cruise, a 90-minute sightseeing tour of Suffolk's North Shore aboard a 35-foot pontoon boat.

The tour of the wetlands is so grand, said organization spokeswoman Marie Gilberti, that over the years couples have asked to hold marriage ceremonies aboard the boat. So far, she added, none have been held. But never say never.

The boat tours have been a staple of the spring, summer and fall on the Island since 1995, when the nonprofit organization teamed with Stony Brook University's school of marine and atmospheric sciences to offer views of both ecological and historic sites.

Boat tours start at the Boat Works Marina at Stony Brook Harbor and wend their way past sites where Native Americans first settled, the historic Gamecock Cottage, and the serpentine creek and nesting spots for waterfowl and other wildlife.

The trips run through Oct. 29. They cost $25 for adults, $22 for students and seniors, and $15 for children younger than 6. Reservations at 631-751-2244, or visit wmho.org for more information.