Great Island Wildlife Area Moonlight Tour

Join us for a stunning paddle through the salt and brackish marshes of the Great Island Wildlife Area, also known as the Roger Tory Peterson Natural Area Preserve, a vital estuarine habitat at the mouth of the Connecticut River.

We'll begin our journey just before the golden hour, when the low sun casts a warm glow over the expansive tidal wetlands. As we weave through tidal rivers, we'll stop to explore a secluded sandbar island, perfect for stretching our legs and soaking in the serene landscape. As the sun sets behind the horizon, we'll paddle back under the rising light of a nearly full moon, a peaceful and unforgettable way to end the evening.

$120/ person - All equipment included

$20 Deposit, $100 Due time of event

Due to the potential choppiness of the CT River, this is not recommended for first time paddlers. We will cover some distance, so participants should be able to paddle for 30 minutes at time.

This 588-acre preserve is one of the most ecologically significant areas in New England. The brackish marsh supports a rich diversity of wildlife, including osprey, sora and king rails, blue-winged teal, gadwall, willets, American bittern, and black ducks. The Connecticut River—unique among northeastern rivers for having no major port or urban center at its mouth—meets Long Island Sound here, forming a classic estuary, where fresh and saltwater mix. Estuaries like this are among the most productive ecosystems on Earth, providing critical habitat for wildlife and natural protection from coastal storms and sea level rise.

Photo Credit: Del DeVries