● Ecotourism Charters
Seal Watching
Get up close and personal with harbor and gray seals in their natural winter habitat. Perfect for families and wildlife enthusiasts, this cold-weather adventure offers a 100% guaranteed encounter with these curious and charismatic marine mammals.
● Seal Watching Overview
What to Expect
Your seal watching expedition takes you into the sheltered waters of Shinnecock Bay during the cold weather months—typically from November through Memorial Day—when seals migrate to our local sandbars and haul-out spots. This is a wildlife encounter unlike any other.
The experience typically lasts 1-2 hours and is perfectly suited for families with children. We navigate to known seal locations at low tide, when these playful animals are hauled out on the sandbars. As we approach from a distance, you'll spot them lounging in groups—and we'll help you identify the two different species we see in these waters: harbor seals and gray seals.
Unlike some wildlife that responds to feeding, seals are simply curious by nature. They'll surface around the boat, slide back onto the sandbar, and continue their natural behaviors while you observe and photograph. The experience is magical for children and adults alike, offering a rare glimpse into the lives of these intelligent marine mammals.
We schedule trips during the middle of the day when temperatures are warmest and try to choose relatively windless conditions for maximum comfort.
What’s Included
We Provide
Expert captain with knowledge of seal behavior and locationsNavigation to prime seal viewing spots in Shinnecock BayEducational commentary on seal species identification and behaviorGuaranteed seal sightings on every tripWarm, stable platform for observation and photographyStrategic positioning for optimal viewing
You Should Bring
Warm, layered clothing (it's cold on the water in winter!)Winter jacket or heavy coatHat and glovesCamera or phone for photosSunglassesFood and beveragesBinoculars (optional but fun)
This is a cold-weather excursion, so dress warmly—multiple layers are always better than one heavy coat.
● Seal Watching Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes, 100% guaranteed. Unlike whales that migrate through or fish that move with conditions, seals haul out on specific sandbars in Shinnecock Bay during the cold months, and they're reliably there every time. We know exactly where to find them, and you'll get within two arm's lengths of these curious animals. If we somehow didn't find seals (which has never happened), we'd make it right—but you can book with complete confidence.
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Very close—often within two arm's lengths. We approach carefully from a distance, then anchor near the sandbars where they haul out. Once we shut down the engines, the seals' curiosity brings them right to the boat. They'll pop their heads up next to us, study the boat, sometimes slide back onto the sandbar nearby, and continue their natural behaviors while we observe. It's an incredibly intimate wildlife encounter that's safe for both the seals and our guests.
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We see both harbor seals and gray seals in Shinnecock Bay. Harbor seals are smaller with spotted coats and dog-like faces. Gray seals are larger with longer, more horse-like snouts and can be quite impressive in size. As we approach the haul-out spots, we'll help you identify the differences between the species—it becomes a fun learning experience as you pick out which is which before they scatter into the water.
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Seal season runs from November through Memorial Day, with peak activity in the coldest months (December through March). We schedule trips at low tide when seals are hauled out on the sandbars, and we prefer the middle of the day when temperatures are warmest and windless conditions make the experience more comfortable. Since this is a cold-weather activity, proper layering is essential—but the reward of seeing these amazing animals up close is worth bundling up!
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Absolutely! Seal watching is one of our most family-friendly adventures. The trip is relatively short (1-2 hours), stays in the protected waters of Shinnecock Bay (no rough ocean conditions), and the payoff is huge—kids are mesmerized when seals pop up right next to the boat. It's educational, exciting, and creates lasting memories. Just make sure the little ones are dressed warmly in layers, and they'll have a blast.
Ready to meet the seals?
Contact us to book your seal watching adventure and experience one of winter's most magical wildlife encounters on the East End.