Cruises for Kids
Our Educational Cruises bring science to life for kids ages 5-8 and 9-12, combining exploration, discovery, and fun on the waters of Lake Champlain. Led by an expert educator and captain, these interactive cruises dive into geology, fossils, water health, and ecosystems, engaging young scientists with real-world experiments and activities. Whether testing water quality or uncovering the lake’s ancient past, kids will learn, explore, and connect with nature. Our goal is to engage kids in the coolest classroom environment imaginable- a wooden rigged sailboat!
Topics
Water Health Cruises
Explore what makes Lake Champlain’s ecosystem thrive and how we can protect it!
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What do fish, plants, and birds need to survive in the lake?
How do scientists test water quality?
What happens when oxygen levels or pH balance change?
What causes algae blooms, and why do they matter?
How does pollution affect the health of a lake?
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Conducting real water tests for oxygen levels, pH, and salinity.
Observing and identifying lake wildlife and plant life.
Discussing the impact of algae blooms and pollution.
Learning how temperature affects dissolved oxygen in the lake.
Exploring the importance of healthy ecosystems for wildlife and people.
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Water quality directly impacts lake ecosystems and the creatures living in them.
Scientists use data (like oxygen levels and pH) to assess water health.
Pollution and climate change can disrupt natural lake cycles.
Small actions, like reducing runoff and pollution, help protect Lake Champlain.
Geology Cruises
Discover the ancient history of Lake Champlain and the rocks beneath our feet!
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What is geology, and why is it important?
How were the rocks around Lake Champlain formed?
What can fossils tell us about the past?
How did this area change from an ocean to a lake?
How do geologists study rocks and fossils?
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Identifying different rock types (igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic) through real samples.
Sketching and comparing rock formations at Rock Point.
Playing a fossil-identification guessing game.
Exploring how pressure and time transform landscapes.
Taking home a special rock sample as a keepsake!
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Lake Champlain’s landscape was shaped by millions of years of geological changes.
Fossils provide clues about ancient ocean life in this region.
Rocks tell a story of volcanic activity, shifting continents, and glaciers.
Hands-on scientific observation is key to understanding Earth’s history.
Meet the Educator
Kendre Guinane is a rock star 3rd grade teacher in Grand Isle, Vermont. She spends the summers working with Whistling Man as a deckhand. She is the creator and facilitator of these Educational Cruises for kids.
Book an Educational Cruise by selecting the ‘Specialized Cruises’ tab on our Book Now page, and select the appropriate cruise slot for your child’s age group.
FAQs
How long is the cruise, and what is the schedule?
Cruises last 90 minutes. The schedule can be viewed on our ‘Book Now’ page. Select the Specialized Cruises tab to see the Educational Cruises.
Do parents need to accompany their children on the cruise?
No, these cruises are designed as drop-off programs, allowing kids to engage in hands-on learning with our trained crew and educators. However, if parents prefer to join, they are welcome to purchase a ticket.
What should my child bring?
A refillable water bottle.
A hat and sunscreen (for sunny days).
A light jacket (for cooler weather).
Comfortable, closed-toe shoes.
Life jackets are required and provided, but if you have a USCG approved jacket that fits well, bring it!
What happens if there is bad weather?
We closely monitor the weather and will notify parents in advance if a cruise needs to be rescheduled. If conditions are unsafe (such as thunderstorms or high winds), we will offer a reschedule or refund option.
Is this cruise safe for young children?
Absolutely! Safety is our top priority. Our experienced captains and crew follow strict safety protocols, and all children are required to wear life jackets while on board.
Will my child be doing real scientific investigations?
Yes! Our cruises provide hands-on opportunities to collect and analyze data, use scientific tools like water testing kits, and engage in active observation and hypothesis testing—just like real scientists!
Which science standards do these cruises align with?
Earth & Space Science (ESS1, ESS2, ESS3 – NGSS Standards)
Studying rock formation, weathering, and Earth's history.
Understanding human impacts on ecosystems.
Life Science (LS2 – Ecosystems & Interactions)
Exploring food webs and environmental balance.
Testing water quality and its effect on lake life.
Physical Science (PS1, PS2 – Chemistry & Matter)
Conducting pH and salinity experiments.
Observing how chemical reactions affect ecosystems.