EcoTravel Day Trips
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Boat Trips
Our most popular offerings, our boat trips along the Connecticut River in search of a wide variety of birds and wildlife are a great way to experience the incredible state we call home! From observing breeding Bald Eagles and Osprey to staring in awe at the famous Tree Swallows in the fall, you’re sure to have stories to share with friends and family. We even sometimes offer a trip to view the lighthouses of Eastern Long Island!
All Trips are Non-Refundable
Swallow Boats
Sundays, August 31 (4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.)
September 7 (4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.)
September 14 (3:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.)
September 21 (3:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.)
All times are approximate.
Witness one of the most spectacular avian events when thousands of Tree Swallows congregate on the lower Connecticut River at sunset to settle in on a giant communal roost during their fall migration. Birds come from miles away, creating a ballet of synchronized flight before settling down for the night. Renowned ornithologist and artist Roger Tory Peterson wrote that “the tornadoes of Tree Swallows eclipsed any other avian spectacle I have ever seen.” Join Connecticut Audubon naturalists and journey from Essex, CT first by train and then by boat to see the awe–inspiring display. Enjoy picturesque scenery from the 70–foot Mississippi–style river boat’s three decks. Food, a full bar, and restrooms are available on board. If you take only one trip this fall, make sure it’s this one! Tours are about three and a half hours in length and vary in departure time from 3:30–5pm depending on date chosen (the later in the month, the earlier the departure time).
Fee: $55 for members and nonmembers.
For reservations, click here:
RESERVATIONS ARE NOT REFUNDABLE.
Lighthouse Cruise
Saturday, October 11, 2025
3:00pm to 6:30pm
Board the Cecelia Ann, a 143–foot catamaran, in New London for a tour of the Sound’s eastern lighthouses, including lights at Old Saybrook, Little Gull Island, Race Rock, Plum Island, and the famous Bug Light near Greenport, New York. The vessel has two comfortably appointed interior passenger areas in addition to a full outdoor sundeck. Interior areas include panoramic windows to enhance viewing. The vessel has lots of space and cruises very smoothly on its double hull. The addition of a computer–controlled ride control system enhances passenger comfort. Included in the celebration are catered hors d’oeuvres, interesting narration, complimentary parking, and a cash bar. Call or book your reservation on our website.
Fee: $75 for members and nonmembers.
For reservations, click here:
RESERVATIONS ARE NOT REFUNDABLE.
Classic Day Trips
A tried-and-true experience! If you’ve always wanted to travel with EcoTravel, this is a great way to test the waters. These full-day trips visit locations across Southern New England, Eastern New York State, and Long Island, searching for birds and other natural phenomena. There’s no better way to meet the staff and guides!
Classic Day Trips include transportation from a central meeting spot. Some trips can be followed in your personal vehicle as a Self-Drive Trip.
To sign up for a trip, please call the office at (860) 767-0660.
July/August 2025
Summer Whale Watches
Saturday, July 26 5 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Saturday, August 23 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Head to Plymouth, Massachusetts, to catch a Whale Watch, looking for Humpback, Fin, and Minke whales. Sightings last year were excellent, and we hope for similar results this year. There’s also the chance of seeing various other sea animals including Basking Sharks and Atlantic White-sided Dolphins. We’ll be looking for some of the pelagic bird species, including Great and Sooty shearwaters, and Wilson’s Storm-Petrel. A few Cory’s and Manx shearwaters are also possible, as well as jaegers, Northern Gannets, and various terns.
Leader: Matt Bell.
Fee: $170. Members: $155. Times may change based on the boat schedule. Includes transportation and boat tickets.
September 2025
Long Island Shorebirds
Saturday, September 6 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Each fall, shorebirds flock to Long Island on their journey south. Large flocks gather both at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge and Jones Beach State Park, depending on the water levels. Jamaica Bay, located within Brooklyn and Queens, is one of the most important urban wildlife refuges, hosting a variety of habitats, including salt marsh, several fresh and brackish pools, and an open expanse of bay and islands. Jones Beach is home to staging areas for hundreds of American Oystercatchers, ducks, and more! Join us as we enjoy the signs of fall.
Leader: Matt Bell.
Fee: $110. Members: $95.
November 2025
Boston: A Day at Harvard’s Museums
Wednesday, November 19 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
One of Harvard’s most famous treasures is the internationally acclaimed “Glass Flowers” located in their Museum of Natural History. Take a private tour of this unique collection of over 4,000 models, representing more than 830 plant species, created by glass artisans Leopold and Rudolf Blaschka, a father and son team of Czech glass artists. We’ll also explore several other exhibits, including the Birds of the World, Arthropods: Creatures that Rule, and the Climate Change exhibit.
Leader: Andy Griswold.
Fee: $140. Members: $125.
Rarity Expeditions
Have you ever wanted to search for a rare bird in a nearby state, but couldn’t find directions or were concerned about going alone? Here’s your chance to join EcoTravel’s Rarity Expeditions! We’ll provide the transportation, driver, pleasant company, experienced leadership, and logistical arrangements. Expeditions range from a full day of chasing to the possibility of a one-night stay near the target bird. While there’s no guarantee the bird will be seen, the thrill of the chase and the camaraderie that comes with it make every trip an exciting experience!
Here’s how it works: first, use this form to sign on. Then, when a “bird of significance” is in the area, EcoTravel will contact you through text and email with the chance to join the adventure. You’ll have the option of coming along or waiting for the next big rarity. The fee will be determined by how far we’ll have to drive for each bird, and the number of people participating.
Wondering what a “bird of significance” is? The main targets will be species rare to North American, such as European Vagrants. Other species may include otherwise hard-to-see birds, including rare owls and regional species that are highly localized. For a list of species seen recently that fit the criteria, click here.
For Gift Certificates: 860-767-0660
Click here for a printable version of our Full Newsletter.
