Please buy your tickets though UNH, and Register here by April 7th to ensure you get a spot!

Cruise Great Bay aboard UNH’s 50-foot research vessel, R/V Gulf Challenger, under the guidance of the enthusiastic and knowledgeable UNH Marine Docents, a NH Sea Grant Extension specialist, and the crew of the Gulf Challenger. Time aboard the boat is approximately 5 hours including about a half-hour visit to the Jackson Estuarine Laboratory.

You will tow for plankton and marvel at their movement under a magnifying scope; capture and test water below the surface; observe, handle and learn about plants and animals from unique habitats; watch a bottom trawl deployment and learn about the organisms it captures; and learn what scientists are studying about the Great Bay Estuary.

About the Vessel

This program is approximately six hours in duration with a majority of the program taking place aboard UNH’s research vessel Gulf Challenger. This is a working research vessel (NOT a standard passenger vessel), which provides insight on how marine research is conducted and therefore does not provide amenities one might find on a passenger vessel. Participants must be prepared to stand for the duration of the program and will have limited protection from sun, rain, or spray.

There is limited seating available below deck and it is only accessible via a steep set of stairs. Toilet facilities, in addition to being small, are accessed by using a steep set of stairs. Participants are encouraged to use the toilet facilities located at the Judd Gregg Marine Research Complex.

Notes

The ticket price just covers the cost of the Gulf Challenger. You should be comfortable standing for the duration of the trip. Be sure to check the UNH Sea Grant website for further information, planning and signing up for the trip. Click here to register and pay through the UNH Sea Grant website. Then also register here on the Seacoast Village Project website. You should sign up by April 1st to be assured a spot on the boat, though reservations are ongoing. Full refunds are made for cancellation within 3 business days of the trip. There is typically a waiting list.