Loon Cruise

Cruise Schedule

June 11, 18, 25	Fridays at 3:00 p.m.
June 28 - August 27	Mondays and Fridays at 3:00 p.m.

Cruise Description

Observe Common Loons with a Loon Preservation Committee (LPC) biologist and Science Center naturalist as they share the latest news about loon conservation, biology, and monitoring.

Learn about the work LPC does across the state and on Squam to protect these unique migratory birds, the only loon that breeds as far south as New Hampshire. The cruise route maximizes the likelihood of loon observations and changes weekly.

Cruise Rates

Cruise Pass Fees (2021)	Member Rate	Non-Member Rate
Adult	$23.00	$27.00
Senior	$21.00	$25.00
Youth (Ages 0-15)	$19.00	$23.00
Not recommended for children under 3

Combination Passes (trail and cruise) are not available for the 2021 season.

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Cruises are 90 minutes long and on canopied pontoon boats. Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your cruise departure time. All visitors must adhere to physical distancing guidelines and are required to wear face masks. Thank you for your cooperation, which will help keep the Science Center open for everyone to enjoy. New Hampshire State law requires youth ages 12 and under to wear a life jacket on board.

Advance reservations are required.

Space on all cruises is limited. Everyone must make advance reservations and payment.

Cancellations:

Cruises may be cancelled if there are fewer than two passengers registered. Cruises may be cancelled at any time due to weather, unsafe conditions, or other circumstances. If we cancel a cruise we will contact passengers to reschedule on another date or to issue a full refund. If passengers must cancel, please call the Science Center at 603-968-7194 x 7 to reschedule or request a full refund. Passengers must cancel at least 90 minutes before the start of the cruise to receive a refund.

Parking:

Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is located on Route 113 in Holderness, NH. Park in Science Center parking lots and follow the walking path across Route 113 to Lake Cruise Headquarters. Please arrive 15 minutes before your cruise departure time.

Discover Squam

Bald Eagle Adventure

Loon Cruise

Cruise with a Naturalist

Viewing wildlife through binoculars on a Squam Lake Cruise

Private Charters

Group Tours

View from Squam Channel entering Squam Lake

Howard Nash, 10/08/18
Very well presented exhibit on the wildlife of New Hampshire. Coming from the UK, we had some concerns about the moral question of keeping wild animals in cages. This was set against the very obvious great condition of the animals on display and the effort taken to educate on the natural world - a video or even holograph would not have the same impact. The reason we give it only 4 stars is that not enough effort is made to explain why the animals, particularly the large animals, are kept in relatively small enclosures. Looking at the negative reviews that focus on the moral question, your responses are very encouraging. Perhaps you should cut out the middleman and make more effort at the Centre to explain why the animals are maintained in captivity from a conservation perspective.
Katherine Raiche, 06/04/19
Great place, love all the exhibits and the animals, the staff is great as well. Always a fun time. Going on a weekday closer to late afternoon helps avoid most of the chaos of field trips.
Jeff Sirles, 08/30/19
If you're looking for a place where you can have fun, learn, enjoy nature as an adult or a child, Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is a great place to be! You can also experience Squam Lake by taking one of their cruises. This is a must-do! If you're in the lakes region of NH and you are able to make it here, be sure to go. You will have a great time.
Barbee & Hayden, 09/03/18
Great enclosures for the animals with water features and lots of shade! And for taking pictures, no cage lines in my pictures because they use thick glass for viewing. Animals looked very healthy especially the lion she was fat :) Loved the walking trails too. It was just lots of fun and we will be back when its not so hot!
Cindell C, 02/15/20
Wonderful place for kids and adults! Beautiful wildlife, well maintained, easily navigable. I'd buy a season pass and go every morning if I lived closer.