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07/19/2018 12:01 AMConnecticut River Expeditions’ eco-tour vessel, RiverQuest, based at Eagle Landing State Park in Haddam, is in full swing for the 2018 summer season.
“I look forward to every cruise, each day on the river is different,” says Captain Mark Yuknat, owner and operator of the RiverQuest boat. “We have two large birds of prey that nest along the Connecticut River, ospreys and bald eagles. We usually see one of our resident bald eagles and in mid-July, the young osprey are on the edge of their nest getting ready for their first flight, cute to see! We educate all on the local wildlife, history, and many other points of interest we will see.”
RiverQuest is a handicap-accessible, environmentally friendly vessel that has exposed tens of thousands of travelers, young and old, to the fragile beauty of the Connecticut River through public and private on-the-water adventures. There is an outside deck so passengers can be outdoors, and there is a cabin area with seating for those that may want to be under cover.
Eagle Landing State Park is located close to Route 9, off Route 82 in Haddam, just south of the famous East Haddam Swing Bridge and across the river from the Goodspeed Opera House. There is plenty of parking, a large lawn, and some picnic tables for visitors.
Across from the entrance to Eagle Landing State Park, the former Goodspeed Railroad Station houses a gift store. Across the river is East Haddam, a village that is home to the historic Goodspeed Opera House, where several Broadway plays got their start, the Nathan Hale Schoolhouse, an ice cream shop, and fine restaurants.
Gillette Castle can be seen from RiverQuest on her public daytime Gillette Castle Viewing Cruise. Before or after the cruise, travelers can drive on back roads to visit the castle, located 4 ½ miles from Eagle Landing State Park, or take the historic Chester/Hadlyme Ferry across the river.
“Our mission is to get people out on the Connecticut River, to experience and learn about the pristine beauty of the river first hand. We are happy to be starting our eighteenth year of business,” says Yuknat.
Upcoming cruises include:
TGIF Sunset Cruises on Fridays in July and August
An evening cruise on the lower Connecticut River, departure from Eagle Landing State Park in Haddam. There will be only light narration on this cruise. $35/pp. Adults only.
Full Moon Evening Cruise: Wednesday, July 26 at 6 to 8:30 p.m.
A cruise to nowhere, timed so that, weather permitting, the full moon rise can be observed. Other sights will include local wildlife and various points of interest including many beautiful homes. Cost is $35 per person. No children under 12.
Osprey Cruise: Saturday, July 21 at 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Cruise quietly on the lower Connecticut River and observe ospreys and their nests in various areas. A naturalist will be on board to educate all on the osprey and any other bird/wildlife sighted. Cruise is 2 ½ to 3 hours long. Cost is $40. Due to the length of this cruise, no passengers under age 10.
Connecticut River Cruise, Haddam to Middletown: Wednesday, July 25 at 5:30 to 9 p.m.
This is a cruise north up the Connecticut River to Middletown, passing by several states parks including Haddam Meadows, George Dudley Seymour, and Hurd. The site of the old Connecticut Yankee Nuclear Power Plant will also be on the tour. There should still be some baby ospreys in their nests and maybe an eagle or two near the new Haddam nest. The turn around is just below the Arrigioni Bridge. Bring a picnic basket and favorite beverage. Cost is $40. No children under 12.
Parrothead Cruise: Friday, Aug. 3 at 6 to 8:30 p.m.
A cruise on the Connecticut River along with Parrothead music. Participants can bring margaritas or any favorite beverage and a picnic basket. A blender and ice will be available. Parrothead attire is encouraged and there will be an opportunity to meet Parrotheads. This is designed a fun, active sunset cruise. Cost is $35. No one under 21.
River Cruise to the Lighthouses in Old Saybrook, Saturday, Aug. 18, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
A relaxing cruise south down the Connecticut River to the Inner and Outer Lighthouses, through Haddam, East Haddam, Hadlyme, Lyme, Chester, and Deep River, ultimately reaching Old Saybrook and Old Lyme at the river mouth on Long Island Sound. There will be a discussion of the history and ecology of the river, along with areas of interest. Picnic baskets are welcome. There will be complimentary coffee and tea on board. Cost is $40. No children under 12.
Tree swallow cruises will start on Saturday, Aug. 25. Online booking is available at www.ctriverquest.com.