Cruise with a Naturalist

Cruise Schedule

July 5 - October 6:	Tuesdays and Thursdays at 3:00 p.m.

Cruise Description

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

See Common Loons and Bald Eagles and view their nesting sites. Watch for other wildlife too - you never know what you might see amid Squam’s scenic mountain ranges, charming islands, and quiet spots. The route is chosen to maximize wildlife observations; see something different on every memorable trip.

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

Elisabeth Bobrow, 06/25/21
All three generations of our family enjoyed the whole place! It is so well thought out and put together. I figured our young kids would be most interested in the real live animals, but all the educational exhibits were so well thought out and interactive, the kids actually spent more time learning from the exhibits then watching the animals in front of them. That's how engaging and well done they were! Beautiful place as well, and so nice and shaded for an easy walk for all. The natural playground in the middle was thoroughly enjoyed and well placed to get some energy out midway through the learning path. I highly recommend this place.
Ashley Arnone, 08/03/19
Lots to see, nice trails easy enough for a toddler to walk and explore. There is even a playground for kids. There is a picnic area just inside with plenty of tables and a place to buy snacks if you didn't pack your own.
Steph Schaffer, 08/26/22
This place is amazing! Better than any other science nature centers we've been to outside of a museum or zoo. Easy to find your way around, includes some hiking trails, and even have a play area for the kids. Absolutely must go!
B. B., 08/13/21
Very friendly staff, a nicely shaded walk and the exhibits were well spaced apart. Very kid friendly with a cool playground for the kids halfway thru the walk. Staff were out here and there with live falcons, owls and raptors for showing and were very informative and friendly to questions. The pathway throughout the "hike" was stroller friendly and although you "could" use a wheelchair as well, I do suggest having someone available to help push your chair or supervise your visit in a chair (there are boardwalks and lots of up/down hill.) Overall, a very pleasant trip! Even in 90F heat, the path was shaded with plenty of restrooms available.
Desiree Perez, 05/12/22
Visited with my significant other on May 9th. Was not busy at all! Has so many interactive exhibits to learn from. Though we are both adults, we enjoyed playing and reading all the information along the trail. Love the hands on learning, it's the perfect place for children to learn new things about animals and nature while having tons of fun (and seeing animals!). The animals looked happy, and the enclosures were very natural and large for them to roam around. Will definitely return in the future!