Where to Watch Seals on Long Island
While on the hunt for epic adventures to take our family outdoors this winter, I came across an unexpected suggestion…seal watching. I didn’t believe it was possible to see seals here locally on Long Island. But, boy was I wrong…
In late January, we took the plunge and reserved our spots for a Saturday afternoon seal watching cruise out of Freeport, on Captain Lou’s Fleet. This was actually perfect because one of my goals for 2022 is to go on more family adventures. So, double check!! If I lost you, because sometimes that’s just how my mind works, check on personally watching seals (1), and check making it a family adventure (2).
Side note: yes, I am a total type A, and love to cross things off of my “to do list”. I will even write tasks on my to- do list after completing them, just for the pure satisfaction of immediately crossing said tasks off. Please, tell me I am not alone here?
SEAL WATCHING ON LONG ISLAND
There are a few places where you can watch seals right here on Long Island – Freeport, Montauk, and Westhampton. If you are looking for a seal watching cruise, then check out Freeport. If looking to travel by foot, then Montauk and Westhampton will be best for you. There were more opportunities pre-pandemic, and they seem to be slowly returning. For now, check the links below for a bit more information on how to plan your seal watching experience:
- Seal Walks at Cupsogue Beach County Park, Westhampton, New York
- Montauk State Park Seal Walks
- Seal Watching Cruise with Captain Lou Fleet, Freeport, New York
THE BEST TIME TO SEE SEALS ON LONG ISLAND
Keep in mind, seals migrate to Long Island in December and tend to head back up North in early April. So, make sure to plan your trip accordingly. Yes, it is often very cold here on Long Island during that time, even more so on the water. So, be prepared to wear your winter weather clothes (layer up) – winter coat, hats, gloves, scarves – you will need it! Some other items you should bring along with you are: a camera, binoculars, a light snack and water bottle. Or, hot chocolate!
Our Seal Watching Cruise
It was a brisk 27 degree day in late January when our little family of four jumped into the truck and headed west to Freeport. It had been quite some time since Justin and I visited the nautical mile, and to be honest, we like to keep those visits dedicated to the warmer months. And, we are not alone in that sentiment because many of the shops and restaurants were closed for the winter when we arrived.
Our ticket didn’t give us much information on where to meet or park, and Captain Lou’s Fleet is somewhat scattered at the dock. One sign at the office directed patrons down the street. But, when we arrived we encountered a deckhand setting up for an evening fishing cruise who re-directed us back where we started. So, definitely check in with the office before setting off on your own. And, parking is on the street, which is no issue during the winter, there were many available spots.
Seals in New York
Excitement was in the air when we boarded the boat. The captain and crew were friendly and welcoming, and the other passengers were eager to get underway too. After exploring the boat on our own, we caught a seat in the sun as we waited for more passengers to board, and the crew to ready the boat for the journey ahead.
As we pulled away from the dock, the girls raced toward the bow of the boat. The captain let us know that it would be a 30 minute ride to get to the seal watching spot. And, after a bit of time on the bow, we took the girls into the galley to warm up a bit.
In the galley, there is a snack bar where you can grab hot chocolate, soft pretzels and some quick and easy snacks to hold you over. I grabbed the soft pretzel (no salt), yum!
During that 30 minute ride we noticed some seals in the distance; they seem to roam close to shore and interestingly enough close to buoys as well. Believe it or not, it was not uncommon to see 3 or more seals together at a time.
One thing the girls wished was different? They didn’t get an up close view of the seals. Truthfully, on our excursion the seals never ventured very close to the boat. This is where bringing binoculars and a great camera come into play. Bring one or the other (or both!) with you, it’s a necessity.
Sadly, I did not bring my camera, and even though I charged my phone for the entire drive to Freeport…it died when we boarded. Argh! Then, we only had Justin’s iPhone 7 to rely on…basically flying blind at that point. So, while we didn’t catch photographs of many seals, we saw tons of them swimming in the harbor!
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Honestly, it was a surreal experience. But, I think it was more ideal for me than my 4 + 7 year old. There was even another kid on board that seemed more interested in the snack bar than the seals. So, I don’t think this is one for the kids but, it was an adventure! One I am happy we got to experience together. What do you think, would your kiddos enjoy a 2 hour seal watching cruise in 20 degree temps?
Watching the seals here on Long Island by charter boat was unbelievable. Our boat saw more than 20 seals on our trip out to the bay. And, that’s just something I couldn’t pass up. But does that mean our seal excursions are over?
No way! I just planned a seal walk for the family out in Westhampton! Stay tuned for an update to this post in the very near future…
