Two very special light house cruises of Long Island Sound

On August 27, the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk invites you to take a six hour cruise departing at 9 a.m. of Western Long Island Sound on their new boat, Spirit of the Sound that features a climate controlled cabin. Participants will venture out for a rare close-up look at eight historic lighthouses on Long Island Sound! Participants aboard R/V Spirit of the Sound will make passes by these lighthouses: Greens Ledge, Sheffield Island, Stamford Harbor (or Harbor Ledge), Great Captain Island, Execution Rocks, Stepping Stones, Sands Point and Eatons Neck.

Tickets for the Western Long Island Lighthouse Tours are $75 ($65 for Aquarium members). Advance purchase is required. Capacity is limited to 25. Reserve your tickets by clicking the "Buy Tickets" button or call (203) 852-0700, ext. 2206.

On September 3 and August 6, the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is offering the Central Long Island Sound cruise that will feature a rare, close up look at five historic lighthouses. This is a five hour tour that departs at 10 a.m. from the dock on 10 North Water Street in Norwalk.

Participants aboard R/V Spirit of the Sound will make passes by five century-old beacons: Peck Ledge, Greens Ledge and Sheffield Island lighthouses in Norwalk, Penfield Reef Lighthouse in Fairfield and Stratford Shoal (Middle Ground) Light. All the lighthouses are on the National Register of Historic Places.

On both cruises in the Sound, there will be Aquarium educators on board to will share histories and anecdotes about the lighthouses, and also point out the Sound's waterfowl. Binoculars will be provided to assure passengers of a birds eye view. And, if you are a camera buff, don't forget to bring your camera in addition to extra batteries and memory cards because this lighthouse cruise offers a special photo opportunity for both lighthouse buffs and bird-watchers.

There will be plenty of water onboard in the Spirit of the Sound's climate controlled cabin. There is no food available for purchase on the boat, so you might decide to pack a picnic lunch along with non-alcoholic beverages in small bags or soft sided coolers. Please note that glass bottles are not allowed on board the boat.

Tickets are $70 ($60 for Aquarium members). Advance purchase is required. Capacity is limited to 25. Reserve your tickets by clicking on the "Buy Tickets" button or call (203) 852-0700, ext. 2206.

For more area information www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com