Top 7 Long Island Whale and Seal Watching Tours (2025)

Long Island's coastline isn't just about beautiful beaches; it's a vibrant stage for some of the Atlantic's most magnificent creatures. From the awe-inspiring breach of a humpback whale to the charming sight of harbor seals basking on sandbars, the waters surrounding Nassau and Suffolk counties offer unforgettable marine encounters. But with various tours and locations, how do you choose the right experience? This guide eliminates the guesswork by breaking down the top 7 options for Long Island whale and seal watching, providing everything you need to plan your adventure.

This definitive roundup is designed to help you find the perfect outing. We provide a detailed look at each tour operator and viewing location, from Freeport's famed Captain Lou Fleet to Montauk's iconic Viking Fleet and the educational seal walks at Jones Beach. For each option, you will find direct links to their booking platforms, specific details on what to expect, and practical tips to maximize your chances of a spectacular sighting.

Whether you're a Nassau County local looking for a family weekend activity, an active retiree seeking a unique excursion, or a nature photographer on the hunt for the perfect shot, your journey into Long Island's aquatic world starts here. Discover the best seasons, learn what each tour offers, and get ready for an incredible day on the water.

1. Long Island Whale & Seal Watching (Captain Lou Fleet – Freeport)

For those based in Nassau County or traveling from New York City, the Captain Lou Fleet in Freeport offers one of the most accessible and well-established options for long island whale and seal watching. Their dedicated website, liwhaleandsealwatching.com, serves as the primary hub for booking these popular South Shore excursions, making it a straightforward starting point for planning your adventure on the water. The platform is especially convenient for families and individuals who prefer not to travel to the East End.

The website stands out for its user-friendly design, featuring distinct pages for whale watching (typically summer) and seal watching (winter/spring). This clear separation helps visitors quickly find the correct seasonal tour. Its integrated live calendar allows for seamless online booking, showing real-time availability for upcoming trips.

Key Features and Booking Information

Using the website is simple. You select your desired tour, view the calendar, and book your spots directly. A key advantage is the wealth of information provided, from detailed FAQs explaining what to expect to directions for the departure point on Freeport's Nautical Mile, where free and paid parking options are available.

Every trip includes commentary from an onboard naturalist, adding significant educational value by providing insights into marine biology and the behaviors of the animals you encounter. Be prepared, however, as the onboard snack bar is cash-only.

Practical Considerations

While the website is efficient, pricing information is only visible during the final checkout process, which can be a minor inconvenience. As with any ocean-bound tour, trips are highly dependent on weather and sea conditions. Those prone to motion sickness should check the marine forecast and take precautions, as the Atlantic can be unpredictable. Despite this, Captain Lou Fleet's strong social media presence often features recent trip photos and sighting reports, giving you a timely glimpse of what you might see.

Website: https://liwhaleandsealwatching.com

2. Viking Fleet – Montauk Whale Watching (with CRESLI)

For those seeking the quintessential East End long island whale and seal watching experience, the Viking Fleet in Montauk is an iconic choice. Their website serves as the direct portal for booking excursions that venture far into the Atlantic, offering some of the highest probabilities of whale sightings. Partnering with the Coastal Research and Education Society of Long Island (CRESLI), these trips are as educational as they are awe-inspiring, making the platform a go-to for serious marine life enthusiasts.

The website is straightforward, dedicating a specific section to whale watching with clearly published schedules, trip durations, and transparent pricing. A standout feature is the promotion of their unique 36-hour offshore Great South Channel expedition, an immersive trip for dedicated observers. The booking process is integrated directly into the site, allowing users to reserve spots for these popular and often sold-out adventures.

Key Features and Booking Information

Navigating the Viking Fleet website is efficient. The whale watching page lists all available dates and times, and users can book directly through the online reservation system. A significant advantage is the collaboration with CRESLI, as every trip is guided by marine biologists who provide expert narration, help with species identification, and often share photos after the trip.

Unlike some other operators, food and beverages are available for purchase from the onboard galley. However, the true highlight is the specialized offshore expedition, a rare opportunity that ventures into deeper waters for unparalleled viewing potential, though it requires advance booking due to high demand.

Practical Considerations

While the Viking Fleet’s location in Montauk offers a strategic advantage for sightings, it requires a significant drive for visitors from Nassau County or NYC. The standard trips are lengthy, lasting 5 to 6 hours, so be prepared for a full day on the water. The exclusive 36-hour offshore trip has very limited availability and sells out quickly, so it’s crucial to monitor the website and book early. The extended time at sea also means a higher chance of encountering rough conditions, so preparing for motion sickness is strongly advised.

Website: https://vikingfleet.com/whale-watching/

3. CRESLI (Coastal Research & Education Society of Long Island)

For an experience that blends education with observation, the Coastal Research & Education Society of Long Island (CRESLI) offers a unique, land-based approach to long island whale and seal watching. Their website, cresli.org, is the portal for booking expert-led seal walks, making it an exceptional resource for those prioritizing conservation and scientific insight. These walks provide a different perspective, focusing on ethical, non-invasive viewing from the shore.

The website is rich with information, detailing the organization's research, conservation efforts, and educational programs. It clearly outlines the schedule for their popular winter seal walks at Cupsogue Beach and provides details on their whale watching partnerships with boat tour operators like the Viking Fleet. This makes it a comprehensive hub for anyone interested in a more science-focused marine life encounter.

Key Features and Booking Information

Booking a seal walk through the CRESLI website is straightforward, though it requires advanced registration due to limited spots. A major highlight is the low suggested donation ($5 for adults, $3 for children), making it a highly accessible and budget-friendly family activity. The walks are led by marine biologists and naturalists who provide powerful binoculars and spotting scopes for close-up views.

These guided tours emphasize citizen science, teaching participants how to ethically observe wildlife and contribute to data collection. While CRESLI doesn't operate its own boats, its website directs users to whale watching cruises where their naturalists are often onboard, ensuring a high-quality educational experience.

Practical Considerations

The main distinction of CRESLI's seal walks is that they are entirely shore-based, meaning you will be walking approximately 1.2 to 1.5 miles on sand. This requires a moderate level of physical fitness and appropriate attire for cold, windy beach conditions. Seals are viewed from a distance to avoid disturbance, which is an important ethical consideration but differs from a boat tour.

Because the walks are so popular and affordable, they fill up quickly, so booking well in advance via their website is essential. All programs are weather-dependent, so always check the forecast and the CRESLI website for any potential cancellations before heading out.

Website: https://www.cresli.org

4. Freeport Water Taxi & Tours – Seal Watching (South Shore bays)

For those looking for a more intimate and sheltered experience focused exclusively on long island whale and seal watching (specifically seals), Freeport Water Taxi & Tours offers a fantastic alternative to open-ocean excursions. Their website provides direct access to two-hour eco-tours within the calmer waters of Hempstead Bay, making it an ideal choice for families with young children or anyone prone to motion sickness. The platform specializes in these trips, presenting a clear and focused booking experience.

The website's primary strength is its simplicity. The dedicated seal watching page lays out all necessary information upfront, including the tour's duration, what you can expect to see, and the benefits of their enclosed 44-foot vessel, which provides comfort during the colder winter and early spring months when seals are most abundant. This direct approach removes guesswork and simplifies the planning process.

Key Features and Booking Information

Booking through the Freeport Water Taxi website is straightforward. The platform features a clear pricing structure that is visible before checkout, along with an easy-to-use online calendar to select your desired date and time. Frequent departures from Freeport add a layer of convenience and flexibility to your planning.

A major advantage of these tours is their high success rate for seal sightings, as they navigate directly to known wintering areas in the protected South Shore bays. The shorter tour duration is also a significant pro for those with limited time or who prefer a less demanding outing.

Practical Considerations

This tour is exclusively for seal watching; you will not see whales on these bay cruises. Since seals are migratory, the number of animals can vary, though sightings are very common during the peak season. The biggest external factor is weather, as cold temperatures and wind can impact comfort even on an enclosed boat, so dressing in warm layers is essential. However, for an affordable and reliable seal viewing experience without the unpredictability of the open Atlantic, this platform is an excellent resource.

Website: https://www.freeportwatertaxi.com/cruises/seal-watching/

5. Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center (NYS Parks) – Seal Walks (Wantagh)

For those seeking an educational and highly affordable alternative to boat tours, the New York State Parks' website for the Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center provides an excellent platform for booking guided seal walks. This land-based experience in Wantagh is a standout option for long island whale and seal watching during the winter months, offering a unique blend of indoor learning and outdoor exploration. The website is the official portal for reserving a spot on these popular, educator-led shoreline excursions.

The website’s primary function is to list upcoming programs and facilitate RSVPs. It clearly outlines the schedule for the seal walks, which typically run from late fall through early spring. This makes it a fantastic resource for families and nature enthusiasts who prefer a more hands-on, educational approach to wildlife viewing and want to pair it with a visit to the state-of-the-art nature center.

Key Features and Booking Information

Using the website involves navigating to their events or programs calendar to find and register for a seal walk. The process is straightforward, but due to high demand and limited group sizes, these events sell out quickly. A major benefit is the program structure: each walk begins with an indoor briefing from a trained educator before heading out to the shoreline.

The low per-person fee makes this one of the most economical wildlife experiences on Long Island. The site also provides crucial information on what to wear for the chilly, windy conditions and details on accessibility for the walk along the beach.

Practical Considerations

The biggest challenge when using this website is securing a ticket, as the low cost and educational value make these walks extremely popular. It is advisable to monitor the site regularly and book as soon as dates are released. The walks are entirely weather-dependent and can be canceled due to poor conditions. Participants should dress in warm layers, as the winter winds off the Atlantic can be intense. This experience is focused exclusively on seals, so it's not a choice for those hoping to see whales.

Website: https://www.jonesbeachenc.org

6. Atlantic Marine Conservation Society (AMSEAS) – Shinnecock Bay Seal Cruises

For those seeking an educational and conservation-focused experience, the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society (AMSEAS) offers a unique perspective on long island whale and seal watching. Their website serves as the direct portal for booking their popular winter seal cruises in Shinnecock Bay. These biologist-led excursions are ideal for East End visitors and anyone with a deeper interest in marine biology, providing a more academic alternative to purely recreational tours.

The website is straightforward and mission-driven, clearly outlining the organization's conservation work alongside tour details. It provides an easy-to-navigate booking section with transparent pricing, multiple winter dates, and specific departure information from Hampton Bays. This clarity makes planning a trip simple and reassures visitors that their participation supports a valuable cause.

Key Features and Booking Information

Booking through the AMSEAS site is a streamlined process. You select your preferred date for the two-hour cruise and complete the purchase online. A major highlight is the educational focus; each trip is guided by a biologist who provides expert commentary on seal species identification, behaviors, and the broader conservation challenges facing local marine life.

The platform also offers essential guidance on what to expect, from precise boarding times to recommendations for dressing warmly against the winter chill. A local support hotline and email are provided for any questions, ensuring excellent customer service.

Practical Considerations

The website’s strength is its transparency, with clear refund and cancellation policies detailed upfront. However, these popular cruises have limited seasonal availability, and tickets for peak weekends can sell out quickly, so advance booking is highly recommended. The tours are subject to cold and windy conditions typical of a Long Island winter.

Prospective attendees should heed the website's advice to dress in layers. The strong educational component and direct support for a non-profit make this a particularly meaningful outing for anyone passionate about marine conservation.

Website: https://www.amseas.org/sealcruises

7. South Fork Natural History Museum (SOFO) – Seal Cruises (co-sponsored with CRESLI)

For an experience that blends formal education with on-the-water excitement, the South Fork Natural History Museum (SOFO) website is an exceptional resource. In partnership with the Coastal Research and Education Society of Long Island (CRESLI), SOFO offers educational seal cruises that depart from Stony Brook Southampton, making this a prime East End option for long island whale and seal watching enthusiasts, particularly during the winter months when seals are most prevalent. The platform is ideal for families, students, and anyone with a passion for marine biology.

The SOFO website excels by framing its seal watching tours as part of a larger environmental mission. Users can explore a calendar of events that includes these cruises alongside museum exhibits and nature walks. This integrated approach allows visitors to plan a comprehensive educational outing, combining a museum visit with a guided seal tour led by CRESLI scientists for an immersive learning adventure.

Key Features and Booking Information

Navigating the SOFO website to find seal cruises involves checking their online events calendar, which lists all available dates and times for the winter season. Registration links often redirect to CRESLI for final booking, so it's a two-step but straightforward process. A major benefit of this program is the expert-led interpretation; the presence of CRESLI scientists provides an unparalleled level of scientific depth and insight into the lives of local seal populations.

The cruises have clear age recommendations, making them suitable for adults, teens, and older children, which helps families plan accordingly. Furthermore, the moderate fees for these non-profit excursions directly support local environmental education and conservation efforts.

Practical Considerations

The primary limitation of this platform is that the seal cruises are seasonal, operating only during the winter. Availability can be limited, and tickets often sell out quickly due to the program's popularity and educational value, so booking well in advance is highly recommended. Users should also note that the booking process might involve navigating between the SOFO and CRESLI websites. Despite these minor hurdles, the unique combination of a museum experience with a scientifically guided tour makes this a standout choice for a meaningful and educational wildlife encounter on Long Island.

Website: https://sofo.org

Long Island Whale & Seal Watching Comparison

Setting Sail on Your Long Island Marine Adventure

Long Island’s coastline is a vibrant, year-round theater for some of nature's most magnificent performances. From the deep, nutrient-rich waters off Montauk where humpback whales breach to the serene, protected bays of the South Shore where harbor seals bask in the winter sun, the opportunities for marine wildlife encounters are as diverse as they are breathtaking. This guide has equipped you with the essential tools, from premier tour operators to prime land-based viewing spots, to plan your perfect long island whale and seal watching excursion.

The key to a successful adventure lies in aligning your choice with your specific goals. By understanding the unique offerings of each organization, you can tailor an experience that perfectly fits your family's needs, your budget, and your thirst for discovery.

Recapping Your Best Options

Let’s distill the key takeaways to help you make a final decision. Consider these factors when selecting your tour or location:

• For Thrilling Offshore Whale Watching: If your primary goal is to witness the awe-inspiring sight of whales, your best bets are the Captain Lou Fleet out of Freeport or the Viking Fleet departing from Montauk. These outfits venture into the Atlantic, offering the highest probability of spotting humpbacks, fin whales, and dolphins during the summer and fall.

• For Educational and Intimate Seal Encounters: For a more focused and educational experience, particularly during the colder months, look to the experts. CRESLI, Freeport Water Taxi & Tours, and the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society (AMSEAS) provide guided cruises into sheltered bays, offering incredible close-up views of harbor and gray seals with expert narration.

• For Land-Based and Family-Friendly Adventures: If you prefer to keep your feet on solid ground or have young children, the guided seal walks at the Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center are an unbeatable option. These excursions combine fresh air, beautiful scenery, and accessible wildlife viewing, making them perfect for a winter family outing.

Final Preparations for Your Voyage

Before you embark, remember the practical advice shared throughout this guide. Booking your tickets well in advance is crucial, as these popular tours fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. Always check the weather forecast and dress in warm, waterproof layers, even on a sunny day; the temperature on the water is always colder than on land.

Your journey into the world of long island whale and seal watching is more than just a day trip; it's an opportunity to connect with the incredible marine ecosystem right in our backyard. It's a chance to foster a deeper appreciation for conservation and to create lasting memories with family and friends. The majestic sight of a whale's fluke disappearing beneath the waves or the curious gaze of a harbor seal is a powerful reminder of the natural wonders that surround Nassau County.

For the latest updates on tour schedules, seasonal wildlife sightings, and other can't-miss local events and activities, make 516 Update your go-to resource. We keep you connected to the vibrant lifestyle of Nassau County, from outdoor adventures like whale watching to the best local dining and family fun. Visit 516 Update to discover more of what our incredible community has to offer.