Seeing Seals

Seals enjoy spending time on Long Island in the winter and early spring, and Long Islanders love spotting them. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, the trip is even more fun and educational, because they know where the seals are most likely to be found. In addition to safeguarding protected pinnipeds, guides highlight marine geology and winter birds. While reservations are essential, weather conditions may lead to event cancellation.

 

Seal Walks at Cupsogue Beach

Many weekends through April 2025 feature walks at Cupsogue Beach County Park. The walks are led by the expert guides of the Coastal Research and Education Society of Long Island (CRESLI), who share insights about these incredible marine mammals. Cupsogue Beach is at the western end of Dune Road in Westhampton Beach.

Pre-registration required

https://www.cresli.org/common/events/eventcalendar.cfm?clientID=12000&ThisPage=Calendar

 

Seal Walks at Montauk Point State Park

Led by a naturalist, enjoy a scenic beach walk to an area where up to five species of seals can be observed. There will be opportunities to see many winter birds and to explore marine geology.

Pre-registration required

631-668-5000 ext. 0

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/montauk-point-seal-hikes-tickets-1060278775359

 

Seal Walks at Jones Beach

The Jones Beach Nature Center will host occasional seal walks through 2025. Check the center’s program calendar for further information.

https://www.jonesbeachenc.org/programs

 

Seal Cruises

CRESLI leads two-hour expeditions aboard the R/V Peconic to view, photograph, and learn about the diversity and distribution of the seals in Shinnecock Bay. Cruises are scheduled through April; see link for more details.

https://www.cresli.org/common/news/articles/articledetail.cfm?QID=11252&clientID=12000&topicID=0&subsection=sidebar