Cape Ann: Boston’s North Shore
Just north of Boston, this area plays host to many species of migratory birds that are not commonly seen in Connecticut. Considered by many to be one of the top birding spots in North America, the North Shore, with its spectacular coastline, is keeper of such well-known names as Newburyport, Gloucester, Marblehead, Plum Island, and Cape Ann. Travelers will explore the rich coastline to enjoy marine mammals, winter sea ducks, pelagic birds, and the unexpected. We’ll look for Dovekie, Thick-billed Murre, King Eider, and more.
Itinerary
Although there is a designated itinerary for the trip, the order of activities will vary depending on the weather and group interest.
Day 1
Departing from Essex in the morning, our first stop will be at Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, a valuable wetland flanked by the Concord and Sudbury Rivers. This 3,000-acre refuge, with its great diversity of plant and animal life, provides visitors with excellent opportunities for wildlife observation and nature study. From here, we travel on to Newburyport and check into our hotel. We’ll enjoy downtime in the afternoon, with a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant.
Night: Newburyport
Meals: D
Days 2 - 3
We’ll spend the next two days exploring the Cape Ann area. A visit will also be made to Parker River National Wildlife Refuge on Plum Island, scouring its spectacular beaches and salt pans for wintering seabirds and shorebirds. The 4,662 acres of the refuge are one of the few natural barrier beach-dune-saltmarsh complexes left on the East Coast. Established in 1942, Parker River clearly is one of the gems of the National Wildlife Refuge system.
As we work our way towards Gloucester, we’ll have the opportunity to explore its many hidden coves. Halibut Point, Pigeon Cove, and Whale Cove are just a few of the intriguing places exposed to the wild Atlantic Ocean. We’ll keep our eyes peeled for winter specialties, including Razorbill, Harlequin Duck, and Snowy Owl. With luck, we may even come across a Dovekie or Thick-billed Murre. In the evenings, there will be a variety of options for dinner, either as a group or on your own.
Nights: Newburyport
Meals: B
Day 4
The day will begin with an early morning seawatch from one of the many locations around Rockport, searching for ducks, alcids, and other ocean birds that will be moving around in search of their food for the day. A close eye will be kept on reports throughout the morning, in the event that a species of note is discovered and is worth pursuing. After lunch, we’ll begin our journey back to Connecticut, aiming to arrive by the early evening.
Meals: B
Tour Leader
TBD
EcoTravel Frequently Asked Questions
Why travel with EcoTravel?
We’re proud to offer small group travel in support of conservation, both locally and across the globe! By traveling with EcoTravel, you’re supporting environmental education and habitat management everywhere we go. When traveling internationally, we strive to use local companies who know the best places to visit, providing an intimate experience with the culture and wildlife.
What's included in the cost of the trip?
Most everything. Most every travel expense is included in one up-front price – airport transfers as specified in the itinerary, all hotel accommodations, birding/sightseeing with experienced guides, meals as specified in the itinerary, airport transfers, services of local guides, and more.
Most meals are included on EcoTravel journeys. All breakfasts are included, and some dinners. Occasional lunches in special locations may also be included. Although some dinners may not be included, suggestions for dining options will be offered by your tour leader. Many EcoTravel guests choose to dine together to share in new friendships and discoveries, but the choice is yours. Dining is a delightful and integral part of the EcoTravel experience – and that is why we select restaurants that offer a true taste of each region you visit. Most included meals offer limited choice menus, and some may be from a set menu or buffet. All appropriate gratuities for included meals are included.
For exact information of what’s included on a specific trip, please check the trip page.
What's not included in the cost of the trip?
Alcoholic beverages are not included, nor are meal gratuities for not-included meals, local guides, luggage handling, bellmen, doormen, and dining room servers. EcoTravel guides and driver gratuities are not included and should be offered individually, not as a group. Transfer driver gratuities are included.
Luggage service on EcoTravel tours is not included.
For exact information of what’s not included on a specific trip, please check the trip page.
What's your cancellation policy?
All trips are non-refundable.
Day Trips run as scheduled, and all participants are expected to be there. In the event weather postpones the trip and you can’t make the new date, or we don’t receive enough signups to run the trip, you’ll receive a non-expiring credit for the full value paid.
Overnight Trips can be partially refunded outside of 120 days before departure. Payment is due in full 120 days before departure, and no refunds are given. Exact details for each trip can be found in the terms and conditions on the Printable Itinerary.
What's the average group size?
Almost all of our trips are kept to single digits! We believe that small groups give a better experience to everyone. Day Trips and certain overnights may include up to 14 participants, with two guides.
Many of our trips run with just 4-6 participants!
What level of birder do I need to be?
All levels are welcome! While some trips are more intense than others, our guides are skilled at helping everyone see as many birds as possible while having a great time.
Do you sell travel insurance?
EcoTravel is an authorized agent of Travelex travel insurance. Please call the office for more information.
What happens if the tour doesn't fill?
Day Trips: Cancellation results in a credit for the full value that can be used for future trips.
Overnight Trips: Travelers are given the chance to rebook the same trip for a future year, or to move their money at full value to another trip.
What's the activity level of the tours?
It varies! Some tours have lots of walking, while others are more sedentary. For exact information on the activity level of a specific trip, please call the office.
How far in advance can I / should I book?
We encourage you to make your reservation just as early as possible – especially if you are limited to the time period in which you can travel. EcoTravel journeys are popular and tend to fill quickly.
Can EcoTravel help make arrangements for pre-tour and post-tour hotel nights?
Absolutely! Many guests choose to extend their stay and we’re happy to help. As a service, EcoTravel will make hotel reservations before and/or after your journey at select pre-/post-stay hotels offered for that tour. Rooms are reserved at the first or last night’s hotel property of any EcoTravel journey, so there’s no worry of having to change hotels or rooms at the start or end of your trip. Rooms are reserved on a space-available basis, and the cost will be added to your tour cost.
Arranging hotel accommodations in the city where your journey begins for the night preceding your EcoTravel itinerary not only gives you more time to explore on your own, allows your group to become better acclimated to time changes before your journey begins and helps to relieve stress from potential travel delays – important factors to consider! Guests wishing to spend more time in cities where our journeys end can extend their stay – a great way to make your vacation last a little longer.
Are transfers included to and from my pre-tour and post-tour hotels?
Complimentary transfers are included from the airport to your pre-stay hotel for the start of your journey and from your post-stay hotel to your departure airport.
Please Note:Transfers are included for EcoTravel-approved pre- and post-stay hotels. Non-EcoTravel hotel transfers must be approved prior to leaving on your tour.
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