Where to go seal watching on Long Island
Seals are seen relaxing on shore during the Captain Lou Fleet seal watching cruise. Credit: Corey Sipkin
Long Island's coastal waters are a favorite hangout for harbor seals through winter until about May. Here are a few worthwhile seal walks and cruises where you can catch sight of the pudgy pinnipeds.
CRESLI SEAL WALKS
Cupsogue Beach County Park, at the Western end of Dune Road, Westhampton Beach
Join a staff member from the Coastal Research and Education Society of Long Island to observe, count, photograph and learn about harbor seals. Credit: Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation
- Tour departs from the area near the fence at the Western end of the parking lot. The walk is about 1.2 miles round trip and takes about 90 minutes; weather permitting. Meet 15 minutes before departure. The path is not suitable for strollers. Online reservations are required. There are no bathroom facilities available at this park during winter.
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Season Through early April
- Fee Suggested donation: $5, $3 younger than 18.
- More info 631-319-6003, cresli.org
CRESLI SEAL CRUISES
Stony Brook Marine Station, 8 Little Neck Rd., Southampton
- A CRESLI scientist leads a two-hour expedition to view, photograph and gather information about the diversity and distribution of the seals on the Riverhead Peconic around Shinnecock Bay. Meet and board 30 minutes before the listed departure at the dock area of the Stony Brook Marine Station. Spaces are limited and registration is required.
- Season 10 a.m. Dec. 13, 9 a.m. Jan. 11, 3 p.m. Jan. 25, noon Jan. 31, noon Feb. 15, noon March 15, 10 a.m. March 28
- Fee $40.
- More info 631-319-6003, cresli.org
FREEPORT WATER TAXI & TOURS
211 Woodcleft Ave., Freeport
- A two-hour seal-watching and ecotour on a 44-foot enclosed boat departs weekends at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. Reservations required.
- Season March-April
- Fee $35, $25 ages 5-10, free 4 and younger.
- More info 516-521-7744, freeportwatertaxi.com
GUIDED SEAL WALKS
Montauk Point State Park, 2000 Montauk Hwy., Montauk
Join a park naturalist for a beach walk to observe seals in their natural habitat at Montauk Point State Park. Credit: Gordon M. Grant
- Meet at the park office in the lower lot next to the playground for this 2-mile round-trip hike to see seals and learn about their habits, behaviors and population trends.
- Season Weekends 1 to 3 p.m. or 2 to 4 p.m. through April 19. (Times change based on the tide)
- Fee $4 ages 3 and older. Reservations required; call to schedule. Dress warmly.
- More info 631-668-5000, parks.ny.gov
GUIDED SEAL WALKS
Jones Beach State Park, 2400 Ocean Pkwy., Wantagh
Nature lovers on a seal walk at Sloop Channel at Jones Beach State Park. Credit: Jeff Bachner
- Meet at the Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center to learn about seals and follow an educator in their vehicle to the seal-watching location at Jones Beach for a guided walk.
- Season January-March
- Fee $4 ages 3 and older. Reservations required. Visit jonesbeachenc.org for program sign-ups.
- More info 516-809-8222, parks.ny.gov
AMSEAS SEAL WATCHING
Stony Brook Southampton Marine Station, 8 Little Neck Rd., Southampton
- Learn about the different species of seals that inhabit the waters around Long Island. View these animals in their natural environment and learn how we can all help to conserve the marine environment. This is an open-weather cruise, so please dress warmly. Boarding for the cruise starts 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Please arrive on time as the cruise will depart promptly. The cruise will last about 2 hours.
- Season Through mid-April
- Fee $40 per person
- More info 631-317-0030, amseas.org/sealcruises
Complied by LaToya Rodriguez
