The surrounding waters of Long Island host
a variety of marine life including Finbacks, Minke and humpback
whales, dolphins, porpoises, seabirds, sea
turtles and many species of fish.
The Okeanos Ocean Research Foundation, Inc. is
a non-profit research and educational organization which offers
opportunities to the public to view the great whales as they feed in the
waters off eastern Long Island. A naturalist will give a lecture on the
whales and other marine life, and crew members will be on hand to answer
questions.
Sightings are not guaranteed. However, the Foundation
has had good success with past sightings.
The Okeanos whale watch/research vessel, the Viking
Starship, is a fast, comfortable 140 foot steel vessel which offers
a full galley/gift shop, large heated cabin seating over 220 passengers,
observation sun-deck with seating for over 100 passengers,
television/video system, and public address system for easy listening to
a naturalist's lecture.
The boat leaves the Viking dock in Montauk seven days
a week and the trip is approximately 4 to 8 hours with the return time
dependent upon the location of the animals on any given day. The cost is
$30 per adult, $27 for seniors and $15 per child under 13.
