We celebrated the waning days of Summer by taking a wonderful Sunset Cruise onboard the R/V Sound Explorer, one of the many exciting cruises available from The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, Connecticut. With knowledgeable Captain Tanner at the helm and Julia as his personable and professional crew, passengers soaked up the beauty of the Norwalk Islands during the 90-minute cruise and were rewarded with a spectacular sunset.
Captain Tanner & Julia
To maximize the remaining days of Summer, on Saturday, September 20, 2025, we boarded The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk’s boat, the R/V Sound Explorer to experience their 90-minute Sunset Cruise. It was a beautiful, warm, and sunny night with clear skies, a day meant to be enjoyed by appreciating nature, especially from the water.
The cruise departed The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk Dock located at 70 Water Street at 5:30 pm, and over the course of the cruise, the sky deepened in color as we watched the Egrets, Seagulls, and Cormorants in flight.
Green’s Ledge Lighthouse
Along the way, we passed the Sheffield Island Lighthouse, located on the southern end of the Norwalk Islands. This lighthouse was deactivated in 1902 when it was replaced by the Green’s Ledge Lighthouse, which we also saw. It is interesting to note that Green’s Ledge Lighthouse was built in 1900 to replace Sheffield Island Lighthouse as it was better situated to warn approaching ships of the danger of rocks and shoals along Sheffield Island harbor and Norwalk harbor. Sheffield Island Lighthouse was purchased in 1986 by the Norwalk Seaport Association and in 1989 was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. We also could see the smokestacks at Northport on Long Island in the distance, with their distinctive white towers rimmed with red.
Sheffield Island Lighthouse
There is something especially peaceful yet exciting about being out on the water, and as we passed other boats as well as the stunning homes built along the shoreline, we appreciated their beauty. As it was a clear night, from our vantage point on the boat we could also see all the way to New York City with its iconic skyline.
New York Skyline
Sunsets are always magical whenever you take time to truly appreciate them, and as day gradually slipped into night, we were rewarded with a most spectacular and magnificent sunset that was remarkable with its intense shades of oranges, golds, and reds, that were reflected on the water and silhouetted buildings, bridges, and docks. The memory of that beautiful sunset onboard the R/V Sound Explorer will remain with us for a very long time.
If you are looking for a memorable water experience, do book a cruise from The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk. In addition to their Sunset Cruise, The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk also has Marine Life Encounter Cruises where passengers can experience marine life up close when the crew brings up samples in their plankton tow that often include a variety of fish, crabs, mollusks and more, and a fabulous Fireworks Cruise for the Fourth of July to experience fireworks from the water.
There is much to discover at The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk with their exceptional aquarium and educational exhibits, as well as their 4D Theatre, special programs throughout the year, and interesting, fun, and educational cruises.
Until our next adventure…
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk Hours: Open daily from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm. The Aquarium is only closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day, with early closures at 3:00 pm on Thanksgiving Eve and Christmas Eve.
Know Before Your Go – Sunset Cruise Information
Cruise passengers must be over 42 inches tall and if under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Cruises depart from their dock at 70 Water Street, a 7–10-minute walk from the main entrance of the Aquarium. Sunset cruises are 90-minutes.
Food and drink are not available for purchase on the boat. You may bring your own food and beverages in a small bag or soft sided cooler. Glass bottles are prohibited. There is a restroom onboard the boat.
Sunset Cruise Tickets: Adults and Children 3-12: $39.95 per person.
Join me on the next Sunset Cruise!
For more information on The Maritime Aquarium or one of their cruises, please visit their website: https://www.maritimeaquarium.org
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk
10 North Water Street
Norwalk, Connecticut 06854
United States
Telephone: +1203-852-0700
Website: https://www.maritimeaquarium.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maritime.aquarium
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/maritmeaquarium
Instagram: @maritimeaquarium
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