The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Take a cruise with RiverQuest
HADDAM — A First Friday Sunset Cruise is sailing Friday, the first public cruise for RiverQuest since March 15. Daytime cruises are also being offered on select days in September and October.
Cruise sizes are limited; day and evening cruises are expected to be added.
Daytime sightseeting cruises take guests along the Connecticut River. The cost is $30 per person and all reservations must be made online.
RiverQuest is following COVID-19 restrictions. All guests must wear masks and maintain social distancing. Crew members are cleaning and sanitizing all seating areas, touch-points and the bathroom between every trip. Hand sanitizer is available.
Guests may bring their own individual food and drinks, and can also bring binoculars if they wish. To book a cruise, email captainmark@ctriverquest .com.
RiverQuest is also offering its annual Tree Swallow Sunset Cruises. They begin at 5:30 p.m. and will be held Sept. 2-4, Sept. 7 and Sept. 9-11. Cruise times then change to 5 p.m. on Sept. 14-19, Sept. 21-25, and Sept. 28-30. Tickets are $50 and seating is limited; online reservations are required. Cruises are three to three and a half hours. Guests may bring their own food and drinks. No one under 12 is permitted.
“For the past 17 years RiverQuest has brought many people on a very intimate cruise to a special spot on the Connecticut River where hundreds of thousands of tree swallows gather,” according to a statement. “After spending the day miles away, the tree swallows return to this spot each night to sleep in the reeds. They gather around sunset and perform aerial ballets forming an amazing display of art, coordination and cooperation. An onboard naturalist will educate all on the tree swallow phenomenon and other wildlife we see on our journey.”
To book a cruise, email captainmark@ctriverquest .com.
RiverQuest/Connecticut River Expeditions is located at Eagle Landing State Park, Route 82, Marine Park, Haddam.