OYSTER BAY ECO TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Two Hours Aboard CHRISTEEN: Family Ecology & Wildlife Cruise through Oyster Bay National Wildlife Refuge
A two-hour, family-focused cruise aboard the Oyster Sloop CHRISTEEN led by Naturalists that pairs active sail handling with a hands-on touch tank in the Oyster Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
Two Hours Aboard CHRISTEEN: Family Ecology & Wildlife Cruise through Oyster Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
Embark from the historic Oyster Sloop CHRISTEEN for a compact, interpretive outing in Oyster Bay: guided Naturalists lead families through sail-handling duties and close-up encounters with local marine life in the protected channels of the Oyster Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Guided, family-centered interpretation
Knowledgeable Naturalists lead the cruise, delivering hands-on education tailored to families and facilitating the touch-tank sessions that introduce local species.
A 45-minute touch tank with local marine life
The on-board touch tank is a central feature of the cruise: an educator-led, roughly 45-minute session that starts with clams and oysters and finishes with horseshoe crabs to give participants direct contact with the harbor’s fauna.
Hands-on sailing aboard CHRISTEEN
Passengers are invited to help the crew hoist the sails aboard the Oyster Sloop CHRISTEEN, combining an active sailing experience with interpretive learning in the refuge.
What the day feels like
What the two-hour cruise feels like
The program moves with a deliberate, family-friendly rhythm: passengers board CHRISTEEN, hear the captain’s safety briefing, assist the crew in raising sails, then settle into a focused, educator-led touch-tank session that illuminates the creatures of Oyster Bay.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this cruise suits — and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The verified trip data does not list specific gear requirements; refer to the operator for recommended clothing or gear for sun and wind protection.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Ecology & Wildlife Cruise?
The cruise lasts two hours.
Where do I board the cruise?
The meeting location is the Oyster Sloop CHRISTEEN.
Are children allowed on the cruise?
Children under 3 years old are not permitted; all children must be accompanied by an adult over the age of 18.
What is the vessel’s capacity and booking minimum?
Maximum capacity is 22 passengers; the operator requires at least 8 passengers to be booked and paid in full at least 48 hours before the scheduled booking, or the cruise will be canceled and refunds issued.
What happens if the minimum booking requirement isn't met?
If fewer than the minimum required passengers are booked and paid 48 hours before the cruise, the booking will be canceled and refunds will be issued; passengers may also opt to rebook a different tour or cruise.
What can we expect to see in the touch tank?
The touch-tank session begins with clams and oysters and ends with horseshoe crabs during a roughly 45-minute, educator-led presentation.