
Photo courtesy Save The Bay.
![]() Photo courtesy Save The Bay. Quahog.org > Attractions > Save The Bay Seal Watch Tours Save The Bay Seal Watch Toursby Kate Peikin For the pinniped voyeurs among us. Bowen's Ferry Landing, Bowen's Wharf, Newport You might think they'd escaped from an aquarium, or maybe from the confines of a zoo. Plain as day, right in front of you, is a big group of barking, whiskery harbor seals. They have artfully draped themselves over rocks, perfectly poised to catch the afternoon sun on their speckled backs. And they're checking you out. You're not crazy. They're supposed to be there. In fact, for months on end, they live right here in Rhode Island. Harbor seals are winter visitors in Narragansett Bay; they live along the coasts of Canada and Maine, but they head south during our colder months in search of (in their opinions, anyway) "warmer" waters. You can see for yourself aboard a public seal watch tour, offered by Save The Bay. While on board, you will not only get an up-close look at the seals, but you will also catch yourself learning a great deal about these fascinating creatures.
The most common seal found here in Narragansett Bay is the harbor seal, although on occasion, a gray seal, hooded seal, and even the odd harp seal may be spotted, as well. Their favorite low-tide "haul-out" spots include Rome Point in North Kingstown, Sakonnet Point in Little Compton, and Usher Cove in Bristol. Rose Island in Newport is another prime area for seal-spotting, and Save The Bay's tours circle this island in their search for harbor seals.
Harbor seals like Narragansett Bay because their natural predators, such as killer whales and sharks, do not venture here. That does not mean, however, that harbor seals are safe from humans. Their habitat, especially, presents a challenge, as they tend to live in populated areas. Harbor seals live both on land and in the water, so they can be found along coasts, near the mouths of rivers, on beaches, and once in a while, farther inland. Elsewhere in the world, they are considered a "threat" to fishermen, and are shot and commercially exploited. Here in the U.S., they are accidentally hit by boats or caught in fishing nets, and pollution and the subsequent loss of their food sources is a constant danger. Eric Pfirrmann, lead captain at Save The Bay, remembers a time when a low-flying Coast Guard helicopter chased a group of seals off the rocks near Rose Island. While it may be obvious that big, loud vehicles would scare the seals off, it is the smaller craft that are most threatening. Unknowingly, many people approach seals in boats or kayaks. To the seals, these low-profile craft resemble predators, and they are sure to leave in a hurry. Human interference remains a problem for harbor seals, but the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 offers them some protection. This Act prohibits touching, feeding, or harassing marine mammals. A distance of fifty yards is federally mandated for viewing them. Luckily, people are learning to give harbor seals their space, and many populations in the U.S. are recovering.
The RILF had been running their own seal-watch cruises for about six years before partnering with Save The Bay in 2001. But even for seal watch "regulars," the tours always provide a new adventure. Reada Evans, education director for the RILF, notes: "We do have amazing experiences out there—no two trips are the same. And I still get a rush every time when we see the seals hauled out on the rocks. I love people's reactions when they see the seals for the first time. These beautiful wild animals live in our backyards, and so many Rhode Islanders never get to see them…" The seal watch cruises are weather-dependent, running on weekends and school vacation days, November through April. For Save The Bay's current season schedule and ticket prices, go to www.savebay.org/seals. Reservations are recommended. Call (401) 203-7325 or email savebay@savebay.org for more information. Before you embark on a seal watch, make sure to dress warmly (since the boat is partially enclosed), but the boat is heated as well. Save The Bay provides binoculars, too, for an extra-close view. Happy seal watching! InformationTours: See full schedule for details. Cost: (as of 2015) Non-members, $22; members of Save The Bay, seniors, and children ages 3-12, $17. Time required: one hour (some tours run two hours) Hours: Weekends and school vacation weeks Thanksgiving through the end of April. Finding it: From Route 195 take Massachusetts exit 8 in Fall River to Route 24 south; Route 24 becomes Route 114; follow it into Newport; approximately one mile from the city line, just past Newport City Hall, turn right onto Marlborough Street; proceed to the traffic light on America's Cup Avenue and take a left; follow America's Cup Avenue through two traffic lights; Bowen's Wharf is on the right at the second light; Bowen's Landing is located directly behind The Ship's Store and Rigging. What’s nearbyDistances between points are actual distances, without regard to swamps or swashbuckling broccoli. Your travel distance will be longer. This article last edited August 27, 2015 © 1999–2021 Quahog.org (with the exception of elements provided by contributors, as noted). |
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