Kayak Cruise on Oyster Bay, Cold Spring Harbor

By Niall Fitzgerald

This weekend, the Oyster Bay Waterfront Center and Friends of the Bay will be starting their second year of “Kayak Cruise” events on the waters of Oyster Bay and Cold Spring Harbor, to study the marine biology and conservation efforts on our north shore harbors.

The Cruise is scheduled for this Saturday, May 15th, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. (Rain date: May 16). The Cruises involve a group paddle around Oyster Bay and Cold Spring Harbor.

Past “Kayak Cruises” have seen a study of wetland animals and plants, bird and Osprey watching; and oyster, clam, mussel and other marine shellfish husbandry. Cruises have also studied the local oyster industry, looking at oyster harvesting and processing.

For the first time, the Cruise will be held on Cold Spring Harbor, launching from the Village of Laurel Hollow Beach. Parking will be available there.

Participants will depart at 9 a.m. for a two-hour guided tour led by Breann Ross, a naturalist from The WaterFront Center, and Bill Bleyer, noted local author and historian, and the president of Friends of the Bay.

The tax-deductible participation fee for those with their own kayaks is $20 per adult, and $10 for children under 15. Kayak rentals are available at $55 for a single-seat kayak, and $65 for a double-seat kayak.

Proceeds from the event will be split between the two organizations in support of their outreach and marine conservation programs.

Participants may arrive between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. to sign in and get on the water early. A paddle donated by West Marine will be raffled off to one participant.

To register and arrange for a kayak rental, please visit: www.classy.org/event/kayak-conservation-cruise-spring-2021/e336027