Purple Martin Spectacular Cruises Return to Maurice River in August

CU Maurice River will be hosting the 24th Annual Purple Martin Spectacular Cruises on August 13th, 14th, 15th, and 17th.

Join aboard the Bonanza II as you take a sunset ride up the Wild & Scenic Maurice River to witness the yearly migratory aggregation of the purple martins. CU Maurice River has been running this cruise for almost a quarter of a century to observe the purple martins gathering at the Maurice River as a staging site for their fall trip to South America. They can be seen by the hundreds of thousands eating insects to gain weight in preparation for their 4,000-mile-long journey.

CU Maurice River naturalists will be on board to explain the habits of these birds as well as the ins and outs of their fall migration. True to the event’s name, this natural phenomenon has undoubtedly been spectacular in the past.

You will meet at the dock at the Bayshore Center at Bivalve located at 2800 High St., Port Norris, NJ 08349 at 6:00 p.m. and depart promptly at 6:15 p.m., rain or shine. The Bonanza II is not ADA accessible; however, the crew is practiced at helping people of all abilities board.

There will be a selection of snacks and desserts available. Tickets are $65.00 per person. Seats do fill up and reservations are a must. Tickets can be purchased online here, and payments must be received in advance.

Please contact the CU Maurice River office at (856) 300-5331 or email info@CUMauriceRiver.org to reserve your spot if paying by another method.