Winter Wildlife Eagle Cruises

Each winter as the temperature dips below freezing, Bald Eagles from as far north as Canada make their way to the open waters of the Connecticut River for easy fishing and nesting. This winter, climb aboard CT River Expedition’s 64 ft RiverQuest, a modern, environmentally friendly vessel with heated cabin and ample deck space. An on-board naturalist provides narration while you get an up-close view of the River. Coffee and use of binoculars is included in ticket price as well as free admission to Connecticut River Museum galleries and the Eagles of Essex exhibit.

Eagles on River Ice by Mark Yuknat; Harbor Seal by educator, Bill Yule 


2020 Schedule and Fees

TO MAKE A RESERVATION, CLICK HERE FOR DIRECT ACCESS TO RIVERQUEST WEB SCHEDULER.

Feb. 8th- March 15th

Boat departures on Wednesdays (Wednesdays beginning February 13th) @2:00 pm, Fridays at 10:00 AM and 12:30 PM; Saturdays and Sundays at 9:00 AM, 11:30 AM and 2:00 PM (no 9:00 trips on 2/3 & 2/4).

$42 per person.  Includes free admission to the Museum’s exhibits and galleries.

Advance ticket purchase strongly suggested. All departures subject to weather conditions. Safety policies prohibit anyone under the age of ten years old on board.

GROUP TRIPS:  Group reservations for adult and youth groups are available. Please contact the Museum Education Department at 860.767.8269 x113 to make a reservation. 

Photo Credit: Joan Meek
Cedar Waxwings and Common Merganser Male Ducks by Joan Meek

Make it a weekend with the WINTER ADVENTURE PACKAGE offered by the Griswold Inn!

To Schedule: Call the Griswold Inn at 860.767.1776.

Package includes:

  • An overnight stay in one the Griswold Inn’s charming standard rooms
  • Continental breakfast for two
  • Two tickets for passage aboard RiverQuest for a Winter Wildlife cruise
  • Free admission for two to the Connecticut River Museum

Package Rates: Thursday & Sunday nights – $205, Friday & Saturday nights – $225

The Copper Beech Inn in Ivoryton also offers an EAGLE WATCH PACKAGE!

To schedule: Call the Copper Beech Inn at 860.767.0330 or visit:  copperbeechinn.com 

Package includes:

  • An overnight stay in a deluxe room
  • $100 dinner credit
  • Full breakfast for two
  • Two tickets for passage aboard RiverQuest for a Winter Wildlife cruise
  • Free admission for two to the Connecticut River Museum

Package Rates: Thursday & Sunday nights-$325, Friday & Saturday nights- $375

Throughout the Winter Wildlife Eagle Cruise Season, the Museum offers additional programs and workshops (additional details about these programs can be found in the Calendar).