On this sunset nature tour, our paddle begins at the Conscience Point Historic Site in Southampton. We’ll launch vessels from the non-motorized ramp and paddle north around the point toward the Conscience Point Shellfish Hatchery. There we’ll take a moment to paddle near the floating oyster cages and sorting/tumbling barge. We’ll briefly discuss some of the benefits of shellfish farming as well as the basics of the aquaculture process.
As we move further along, we’ll enter Conscience Point National Wildlife Preserve. While there we’ll paddle through tidal creeks into Serenity Pond, a beautiful tidal pond surrounded by nature preserve. We’ll then take five to ten minutes to practice a mindful meditation as we float in the pond. Following meditation, we’ll continue back down the tidal creeks en route to one of the harbors accessible shorelines. Along the way we’ll keep an eye out for some of the local fauna that frequent the area; white tail deer, turkeys, red fox, osprey, and an array of other wildlife which are often spotted hunting and foraging in the back tidal creeks.
Once we land on a suitable beach, there will be an opportunity to stop for a snack, stretch your legs, or have a swim. From the shore we may pull seine nets, catch crabs, learn to dig for clams, or take an exploratory beach walk, depending on tidal conditions. Following our beachside explorations, we’ll load the boats back into the water and paddle back to where we began, the Conscience Point Historic Site.
Please be sure to pack the following: Water, clothes you can get wet, a snack, sunscreen, bug spray, a dry towel to leave in the car, water shoes (optional), dry bag, and a camera.
Kayak and paddleboard rentals are available from East End Explorer (https://eastendexplorer.com/). The rental fees are: $75 single kayak, $110 double kayak, $90 stand-up paddleboard, or bring your own. To contact East End Explorer by phone or email, please use the following information: phone 631-353-5552, email paddletour@gmail.com.
This program is free to SOFO members, non-members are $15 per adult, $10 per child.
This program is for adults, teens, and children ages 7 and older accompanied by an adult.
Tour leader: Eric Wurzburg, East End Explorer
