Attire: To ensure your comfort on the tour, plan to dress for variable weather and to be exposed to the elements. Shade is limited during the cruise and island tour. Bring a hat, sunglasses, sunblock, and warm outer layer (sweater, light jacket, etc.). All passengers should wear comfortable, sturdy shoes (close-toed footware is preferred) for walking/hiking and standing on the dock and boat deck.

Lunch: Bring a brown-bag lunch to enjoy at midday on Appledore Island. There is NOT a snack bar on the vessel or food available to purchase on the island. We recommend bringing additional light snacks and a refillable water bottle. Shoals Marine Laboratory has a water bottle filling station. It is important to stay hydrated while exploring the island!

Required Waivers: Each passenger is required to have a signed wavier in order to participate. Bring the signed waiver with you on the day of your Appledore Island Walking Tour. Click here to download the required waivers. 

Expectations & Attitude: Tours are best experienced with an attitude for adventure and learning, sure to ignite your curiosity and provide an unforgettable experience!

Important:
 

• All cruise guests must be able to walk several miles. Terrain of the island requires moderate hiking exertion over uneven ground.
• Cruise guests must remain with Marine Docent tour guides at all times while on Appledore Island. Independent exploring is not permitted.

Island Environment: Appledore Island is a rugged landscape with uneven, slightly steep and rocky paths. Access on/off the island is via a floating dock, a steep ramp, two sets stairs, and ledge. Participants must be in good physical condition and should be prepared to spend a majority of the day walking (approximately 1-2 miles). Toilet facilities are available on Appledore Island.

About the Vessel: This program is approximately six hours in duration with transportation out to Appledore Island 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 45-60 minutes each way (out to and returning from Appledore Island) 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 on the vessel 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 before departure.

About the UNH Pier: The R/V Gulf Challenger departs from UNH's Judd Gregg Marine Research Complex. This is a working research pier. Access to the vessel is via a steep floating ramp. The slope of the ramp varies with the tide.

Restrooms: There are toilet facilities at the UNH Pier facility, aboard the R/V Gulf Challenger, and on Appledore Island at the Shoals Marine Laboratory.

Seasickness: Passengers will transit six miles into the Gulf of Maine en route to Appledore Island. Sea conditions vary depending on wind and tidal action in the Gulf of Maine. If you or a member of your group have concerns about seasickness, please consult a medical professional to learn more about seasickness preventatives (Dramamine, Bonine, wristbands/pressure cuffs, ginger snacks or beverages, etc.).

Special Accommodations: Participants requiring special accommodations, such as the use of an American Sign Language interpreter or assistive listening device, should contact Dari Christenson at dari.christenson@unh.edu at least two weeks prior to cruise date.

• Each passenger is required to have a signed wavier in order to participate. 
• Bring the signed waiver with you on the day of your Appledore Island Walking Tour.
• Docents will have extra blank waivers to sign at the dock as well.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE REQUIRED WAIVERS

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD DIRECTIONS TO THE UNH PIER

Full payment is required to reserve a space. You will receive a full refund only if you log into the reservation system and cancel your reservation up to 3 business days before the cruise or if the cruise is canceled. Cruises go rain or shine and will only be canceled in cases of severe weather, dangerous marine/sea conditions, and/or inadequate reservations. In case of severe weather or dangerous sea conditions, registrants will be called early in the morning the day of the cruise.