ST. ANDREWS BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Hands-on science on the Bay of Fundy: a research cruise from St. Andrews
A 3.5-hour Huntsman-led voyage aboard the research vessel Fundy Spray where participants collect live samples, gather oceanographic data and examine findings in a lab — useful for planning a single immersive day of field science.
Hands-on science on the Bay of Fundy: a research cruise from St. Andrews.
From the wharves of St. Andrews, the Huntsman Marine Science Centre invites visitors aboard the Fundy Spray for a compact, education-focused expedition into one of the world’s most productive coastal seas. Over the course of the outing you’ll take part in setting plankton nets and deploying an invertebrate drag to sample mid-water and seafloor life, then return ashore to investigate those captures under microscopes in a mobile lab, all framed by Huntsman educators.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Field science, not just sightseeing
This experience mirrors Huntsman education programming: guests help set plankton nets and lower an invertebrate drag to collect live animals and oceanographic data used to assess local environmental change.
Exploring the Bay of Fundy’s productive waters
The cruise focuses on mid-water and seafloor communities in the Bay of Fundy, giving direct exposure to the base of local marine food chains through hands-on sampling.
From net to microscope
After the vessel returns to shore, the program continues in a mobile lab where educators guide participants in examining collected specimens under microscopes to better understand what was found at sea.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
The itinerary compresses active fieldwork and hands-on analysis into a single morning or afternoon: a short group introduction at the Huntsman facility, a walk down St. Andrews Market Wharf to board the Fundy Spray, roughly two hours at sea deploying nets and drags with educators, then a return to shore to sort and study the catch in the mobile lab.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this program suits — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The full experience runs 3.5 hours and includes the vessel voyage plus the onshore lab session. The included full-day admission pass to the Huntsman Fundy Discovery Aquarium can be used during aquarium hours (9:30am–4:30pm).
Meet at the Huntsman Marine Experiences building at 6 King Street, St. Andrews; please arrive 10 minutes before the tour start. The group will walk down St. Andrews Market Wharf to board the Fundy Spray.
A 15% member discount is available; discounts cannot be combined. The program includes a full-day aquarium admission pass.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Citizen Scientist Marine Cruise?
The experience lasts 3.5 hours.
Where do I meet for the tour?
The meeting point is the Huntsman Marine Experiences building at 6 King Street in St. Andrews; please arrive 10 minutes in advance.
What age is required to participate?
Participants must be at least 10 years old; all children must be accompanied by a paying adult (18+).
Is aquarium admission included?
Yes — the experience includes a full-day admission pass to the Huntsman Fundy Discovery Aquarium, usable during aquarium hours (9:30am–4:30pm).
Are there discounts available?
A 15% discount is offered for members; discounts cannot be combined.
What kind of activities will we do at sea?
Participants help set plankton nets and deploy an invertebrate drag to collect live animals and oceanographic data, guided by Huntsman educators.