Attire: To ensure your comfort on the cruise, plan to dress for variable weather and to be exposed to the elements much of the time, although there is some space down below for use as needed. Bring a hat, sunglasses, sunblock, and warm outer layer (sweater, light jacket, etc.). We cruise rain or shine! All passengers should wear comfortable, sturdy shoes (close-toed footware is preferred) for walking and standing on a dock and boat deck.

Lunch: Bring a brown-bag lunch and light snacks to eat while we make our way up the Piscataqua River or during our stop at Jackson Estuarine Lab. There is NOT a snack bar on the vessel or food available to purchase during the cruise. Make sure to bring a water bottle and remember to stay hydrated during the cruise!

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 EcoCruise. Click here to download the required waivers. 

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

Terrain & Comfort: Some walking is required, mostly embarking and disembarking from the vessel. Passengers must be able to navigate steep ramps and floating docks. Seating is very limited, except on deck surfaces.

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.

About the 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. This program includes a visit to UNH's Jackson Estuarine Laboratory. Participants will disembark from the R/V Gulf Challenger onto a floating dock and up a steep ramp.

Restrooms: There are toilet facilities at the UNH Pier facility, aboard the R/V Gulf Challenger, and at Jackson Lab.

Seasickness: If concerns about seasickness have prevented you from exploring coastal waterways, this is the perfect cruise for you. Sea conditions in Great Bay are generally very calm and risk of seasickness is extremely low.

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. Families can be included on one sheet.

Click here to download the cruise waivers

Click here to download directions to the UNH Pier

Bring waivers with you the morning of your cruise, or sign and mail waivers to:
NH Sea Grant
Great Bay EcoCruise
122 Mast Road
Lee, NH 03861

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 three 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 and/or inadequate reservations. In case of severe weather, registrants will be called early in the morning the day of the cruise.