When The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk says it wants to be “An Aquarium Without Walls” – it means it literally. This summer, the Aquarium will once again invite visitors to take to the seas on its new research vessel, Sound Explorer, to discover Long Island Sound alongside educators and scientists and learn more about the vibrant ecosystem on the Connecticut Coast.
A History of Education on the Water
Education and nature-based programming are at the heart of the Aquarium’s current and historical vessel operations. The R/V Sound Explorer is the latest addition to the Aquarium’s fleet, but shipboard programming has been a key part of the organization’s mission since the facility opened its doors in 1988. The R/V Oceanic served 27 years as The Maritime Aquarium’s “floating classroom” before being replaced in 2014 by the R/V Spirit of the Sound, the country’s first hybrid-electric research vessel used for public education. (R/V Spirit of the Sound is currently undergoing repairs and is due to rejoin the fleet in 2027.) The Maritime Aquarium has long utilized its vessels to immerse students, teachers, and the public in the natural wonders of Long Island Sound, offering a wide array of interactive learning opportunities for people of all ages.
Over the past 20 years, more than 75,000 visitors have explored Long Island Sound – and examined the wildlife in, on and above the water – aboard one of the Aquarium’s vessels.
A Science Lover and Sea Captain
At the helm of this exciting new opportunity is boat captain and educator Nicki Rosenfeld. With a deep love of the outdoors and a lifelong passion for science and nature, Rosenfeld brings not only technical expertise but also an educator’s heart to her role. After more than a decade at The Maritime Aquarium, she credits her continuous love of nature and maritime bona fides to her mentors.
“Growing up, I always wanted to be outdoors,” Rosenfeld says. “I love getting people excited about science, so it was a natural fit to become an educator. After several years of working on the boats at The Maritime Aquarium, I committed to obtaining my captain’s license and expanding my skills to be able to lead shipboard programming in a new way.”
But becoming the captain of a research vessel is not easy. It requires a cumulative 365 days at sea or on the water, plus physicals, tests and credentials.
“My mentors at the Aquarium were incredibly encouraging. They nurtured my growth in both the marine education and maritime operation areas and supported this evolution in my career. Now I’m able to bring the Aquarium’s marine life programming to our new vessel for the next generation of learners, and to reach back to support the growth of our crew in their own careers like others did for me..”
“Education and nature-based programming have always been part of our mission to inspire a connection to Long Island Sound and the ocean. Our goal onboard is to share with people the beauty and amazing diversity of life that exists right off our shores, from within a single drop of water to the expansive bottom of the Sound so they too may strengthen their connection to our blue planet.”
The Fowler Family, including The Maritime Aquarium’s Board Chair Clay Fowler, generously supported the expansion of the Aquarium’s fleet to include the R/V Sound Explorer.
Come for a Cruise on Long Island Sound
The water just off the shore of Norwalk is ideal for exploration. More than 20 islands dot the shoreline, providing habitats for a wide variety of wildlife in every seasons. The Norwalk Islands are on the Atlantic Flyway for migrating birds and the well-protected harbor has long supported a maritime culture that continues to this day.
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk’s shipboard programming offers a variety of tours and experiences for every visitor. The popular “Marine Life Encounter Cruise” invites passengers to study marine biodiversity with a plankton tow that brings up fish, crabs, mollusks and more to get a hands-on understanding of marine life in the Sound. This two-and-a-half-hour journey may also feature water quality sampling, surveying the shoreline for coastal resilience, wildlife watching, weather observations, and biodiversity sampling to view the animals that live underwater.
If you’re looking for a more relaxing tour, the Saturday evening “Sunset Cruise” explores the beauty of the Norwalk Islands as Aquarium educators point out various sights and wildlife. The Aquarium also offers special tours like the National Lighthouse Day Cruise and a Fireworks Cruise during July 4 th celebrations. More details and schedules are available on the website; passengers for cruises must be 42 inches tall and if under 18 accompanied by an adult.
The Maritime Aquarium is located just off I-95, exit Book your adventure today! Find out more about The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, including opening hours and cruise times, at https://www.maritimeaquarium.org.
“Education and nature-based programming have always been part of our mission to inspire a connection to Long Island Sound and the ocean. Our goal is to help people understand the ecosystem they live near, how it functions, and why it matters.”
“I love getting people excited about science."