Loon Cruise

Cruise Schedule

June 10, 17, 24	Fridays at 3:00 p.m.
June 27 through August 26	Mondays and Fridays at 3:00 p.m.

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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 (2022)	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 at this time.

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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. 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 four 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

Evan bleakney, 05/28/19
Amazing way to learn and be amazed with wildlife and very kid friends has a interactive play ground and told can learn while playing there
Nathaniel Abbott, 08/10/19
This nature preserve is one or the most important places in the State, or the country. Inventive, entertaining exhibits are sprinkled liberally in between live wild animals (all rescues that would otherwise die or fair poorly). Plenty of playground installations for the Rugrats to wear themselves out on. Every parent who can must take their children as often as possible so that the messages about nature and the environment have a chance to get across and be heard and understood. There are dozens of nature and wildlife live presentations every week. This is truly a national treasure.
Linda Chignola, 06/15/19
We visited a few years ago but it was blazing hot with high humidity :-( Despite that, we were very impressed and always planned to return at a future point when the weather was more agreeable! The animals were well-cared for, the staff was friendly and knowledgeable and the trails/exhibits were wonderful. We couldn't even explore it all because it was too hot for us! So happy to say that we are vacationing in NH next week and cannot wait to return as the weather looks more reasonable for outdoor adventures!
Rachel Stoudt, 08/09/21
My husband and I really enjoyed the trails and exhibits. It's very family and child friendly. They've done a lot of updates since I had last visited. The animals are neat although we went at a time where many were sleeping. I can't wait until my next visit. The cost of entry is definitely worth it.
Kimberly Wright, 06/12/19
We enjoyed our visit to Squam Lakes Nature Center. The exhibits were informative and animals were out and about. Nice clear trails to walk. The kids interactive play area and barn was impressive. The gift shop was a bonus-with many books and misc items to purchase. We were interested in the lake cruise but unfortunately it was not available due to school groups on the day of our visit. Keep up the good work for New Hampshire nature!