Cruise with a Naturalist

Cruise Schedule

July 2 - August 29:	Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays at 3:30 p.m.
September 3 - October 10:	Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays at 3:00 p.m. The Cruise with a Naturalist replaces the Discover Squam Cruise at 3:00 p.m.

Cruise Description

Uncover the rich natural history of Squam Lake with an experienced naturalist.

Observe Common Loons and Bald Eagles, along with other wildlife while touring Squam Lake's mountain ranges, islands, and quiet corners, during this unforgettable lake experience.

Cruise Rates

Cruise Pass Fees (2019)	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 include one trail pass and one lake cruise pass for the same day.Please allow two hours to walk the live animal exhibit trail. Last trail admission is at 3:30 p.m. and the tril closes at 5:00 p.m.

Combo Pass Fee - save $6 (2019)
Adult	$41.00
Senior	$36.00
Youth (Ages 3-15)	$32.00

Become a Member Today

Cruises are 90 minutes long and on canopied pontoon boats. Binoculars are available for wildlife viewing at no additional cost. New Hampshire State law requires youth ages 12 and under to wear a life jacket on board.

Advance reservations are strongly recommended.

Each boat has a maximum passenger capacity set by NH Marine Patrol. Space on all cruises is limited. Seats are guaranteed only for those making advance reservations and payment. Other space is available on a first come, first serve basis. Reserve online or call 603-968-7194 x 7 for tickets.

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 within 90 minutes of 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

Lake Explorers Family Cruise

Dinner and Sunset Cruise

Private Charters

Group Tours

Byron Styles, 09/03/19
A had a great time as did my 4 year old son. The dinosaur exhibit was awesome and I really emitted the walkthrough set up in a somewhat very natural setting. I'm normally not a big fan of caged wild animals but the broad variety of local wildlife they do have on exhibit were all injured in some way, shape, or form and wouldn't have survived had they not been rescued and prob wouldn't have survived had they been released back into the wild... So that was actual a small sigh of relief.
Eben Gannett, 03/27/19
This is by far one the best not so hidden gems of Central New Hampshire! While it functions similarly to a zoo the goal of the facility is to rehabilitate and care for local animals found in the white mountains of NH. The animals who stay are there for medical or other legitimate reasons that keep them from living in the wild and are given wonderful care. The staff that works there is knowledgable and kind, eager to answer any questions about the animals you may have. The path to see all the animals is fun and equivalent to many easy day hikes with spots to picnic, and a wonderful play/learning area for the young and young at heart. It is a place my family loves to visit time and time again, never getting board of the wonderful animals, new things to learn, and great day that always ensues.
Spookymumma Baker, 08/06/19
Favorite place to go with the kids! We get a membership every year and it’s extremely worth it!!! Love all the animals and play areas for kids, let’s them be independent enough that moms and dads still feel good about it. I remember going here as a child and I am so thankful my kids get to as well! The trail takes about an hour ish or more depending on how long you spend at each exhibit. The dinosaurs that they have short term are some of the coolest things I’ve ever seen. Over all: go here, is amazing!
Sandra Lungariello, 06/10/18
My Husband and I stopped here on the way home from visiting Mt. Washington, and we were pleasantly surprised! It was very clean and well maintained, and there were a lot of healthy active animals. We did the live animal exhibit trail...I’m pregnant and wanted something nice and easy. We took our time and it took about 2 hours (if you have kids, there’s so much to do with them, like a playground and picnic area). There were many benches, most of it was in the shade, no big hills, and it was very stroller friendly and handicap accessible. It was so educational, and lots of care and thought went into all of the exhibits, great for kids and adults! Can’t wait to take the baby back here in a few years!
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.