Project Oceanology’s mission since 1972 has been to nurture enthusiasm for science and for our planet’s marine environment from our waterfront facility in Groton, Connecticut. Our marine biologists engage, entertain, and explore Long Island Sound’s diverse marine life with families aboard the 55-foot Enviro-Lab II or 65-foot Enviro-Lab III research vessels.

Project Oceanology’s seasonal Oceanographic Research Cruises and Seal Watch Cruises are unique educational outings for the entire family, with a fun twist. Come explore Long Island Sound with us! Book right on our website!

Winter Seal Watch Cruises: Shake off those winter blues with a trip to see the Harbor Seals. Join Project Oceanology for a boat excursion to observe the harbor seals in their natural habitat. The program begins with a brief presentation about these marine mammals that visit Fisher's Island Sound each winter. After the presentation, participants board the Enviro-lab, binoculars in hand, and travel to popular seal destinations. Excursions take place on the weekends in February through April. Reservations are required.

Oceanographic Cruises: Be a Marine Scientist aboard our floating classroom. Set a trawl net, hold and measure marine animals, and learn about their adaptations as you immerse yourself in all of the elements of marine biology. Measure the temperature, salinity, and oxygen of the water or record light measurements and navigational data as you conduct oceanographic studies. The R/V Enviro-Lab will bring you out on Long Island Sound for a unique and fun-filled experience. Oceanographic Cruises are available June through September. Reservations are required.

Local

Eat and Drink

• Engine Room - Mystic (5.6 miles) - Located in the beautifully restored Lathrop Marine Engine building with views of the Mystic River, w...
• The Irons Restaurant & Bar - Mystic (6.7 miles) - An homage to modern regional American fare, craft beers, and eclectic whiskeys, The IRONS tips its h...
• Breakwater Restaurant - Stonington (8.1 miles) - BREAKWATER at Stonington Harbor is a waterfront restaurant located on the Connecticut shoreline in t...
• The Front Porch Restaurant & Piano Bar - Ogunquit (12.1 miles) - Lively, boisterous environment; Elegant and diverse dining menu. Complimentary Entertainment in Pian...
• The Lansdowne Irish Pub & Music House - Uncasville (12.1 miles) - The Lansdowne Irish Pub & Music House brings a touch of Gaelic flair and the utmost in Irish hospita...

See and Do

• Project Oceanology Groton (0.0 miles) - Project Oceanology’s mission since 1972 has been to nurture enthusiasm for science and for our pla...
• Thames River Heritage Park & Water Taxi New London (3.0 miles) - One River. 400 Years. 1000 Stories. The Thames River Heritage Park is a collection of national and hi...
• Wheeling City Segway Tours LLC New London (3.0 miles) - Downtown New London, the waterfront and Fort Trumbull ($60 per person) We'll glide around Waterfr...
• Mystic Whaler Cruises New London (3.0 miles) - Mystic Whaler Cruises sails from City Pier in New London, CT. The 110’ schooner offers daily excur...
• Mystic Dark Room Stonington (7.3 miles) - Mystic Dark Room is an intimate show lounge offering unique entertainment experiences, accommodating...

Shopping

• Mystic Knotwork - Mystic (5.5 miles) - Mystic Knotwork is the source for the original sailor bracelet, traditional knotwork re-imagined as ...
• Chalk Mercantile - Old Saybrook (16.9 miles) - Chalk Mercantile is a shop that reflects the owner’s love of antiques, handmade local goods and be...