Coastal Center Programs & Events
Canoe Tours at The Coastal Center
Join us on a guided canoe tour of the Charles E. Wheeler Salt Marsh. Steeped in local history, the marsh offers an abundance of birds and other wildlife, beautiful vistas, and a chance to paddle and relax. This guided tour is great outdoor adventure. We provide the canoes, equipment, and guide. You provide the paddling power.
It is required that one person in each canoe have some paddling experience and that all participants are expected to be physically able to paddle the entire trip.
When registering for a canoe tour you understand the following guidelines:
- The entire program is outdoors and will last approximately 2.5 hours.
- You are responsible for bringing the correct number of people for your canoe.
- Please wear shoes that can get wet, bring water, a sun hat, sun shirt, and apply sunblock and bug spray before arriving. It is often cooler at the coast; we suggest bringing a jacket or windbreaker.
- Please bring a snack or lunch & drinking water—we will stop halfway through for a rest and snack/lunch.
- To paddle you must be 15 years or older.
- Minimum age to be a passenger in the canoe – 8 years old. Anyone 15 years and under must be accompanied by an adult on all trips.
- All equipment is included when using a Coastal Center canoe.
- Only Bring Your Own Kayak participants may register as an individual.
- WAIVERS FOR EACH PARTICIPANT MUST BE COMPLETED AND RETURNED TO lcrocco@ctaudubon.org BEFORE THE TOUR.
- A tour may be cancelled or postponed on short notice due to adverse weather, including wind. Participants will be notified by email approximately 2 ½ hours prior if the canoe tour will be cancelled.
- Pre-registration required. Walk-ins not permitted.
- This program is held at the Coastal Center, 1 Milford Point Road, Milford, CT
- Launching is not permitted at the Coastal Center at any time unless you are pre-registered with our group.
Note: Center building and facilities (including restrooms) are closed, however, there is a portable toilet available (please bring hand sanitizer).
Coastal Center Canoes: We provide the PFDs, paddles, and canoes. When you register for a Coastal Center canoe, you are registering for either a 2 or 3 person canoe. The registration for the canoe requires only one name per boat – the registration includes all the people in the canoe. You are responsible for bringing the additional people required for your canoe.
2-person Canoe: Members $70; Non-members $95
3-person Canoe: Members $90; Non-Members $125
Bring Your Own Kayak: Limited spaces are available. You must pre-register to participate in the tour. You must bring your own boat, equipment, PFDs, paddles.
1-person Kayak: Members $35; Non-members $45
BOTH WAIVERS FOR EACH PARTICIPANT MUST BE COMPLETED AND RETURNED TO lcrocco@ctaudubon.org BEFORE THE PROGRAM DATE. Waivers will also be available before the start of the tour. Adults must sign waivers for anyone under 18.
For the canoe tour waiver click here.
For the general waiver click here.
TOUR DATES:
Sunday, 7/13/25, tour starts at 12:30 p.m. –CANCELLED
Sunday, 7/27/25, tour starts at 12:30 p.m.
Canoes: Register Here
Bring Your Own Kayak: Register Here
Saturday, 8/9/25, tour starts at 10:45 a.m.
Canoes: Register Here
Bring Your Own Kayak: Register Here
Sunday, 8/10/25, tour starts at 11:30 a.m.
Canoes: Register Here
Bring Your Own Kayak: Register Here
Birthday Parties at the Coastal Center
Interested in hosting your child’s birthday at the Coastal Center? Milford Point is the perfect place to celebrate your child’s birthday, with a 45 minute nature program included.
Many of our birthday programs also include an animal meet-and-greet.
For details click HERE. To schedule a birthday party, please contact Louise Crocco at 203-878-7440 ext. 502 or via email: lcrocco@ctaudubon.org
Ongoing Programs
- In-person Programs at the Coastal Center, your school or local park. Click HERE for program brochure.
- For more school program information click HERE
- Scout Programs: For details click HERE.
