People are often shocked when we tell them that there are seals in New York harbor, and we usually have to break out a few photos to prove it. But it's true -- each winter, these creatures return to local waters, and you can usually catch them drying off on the rocks at Hoffman and Swinburne Islands, just south of the Verrazano Bridge.

This year, for the first time ever, we're running seal-watch tours in partnership with the Center for the Study of Pinniped Ecology & Cognition, which is run by scientists at SUNY and St. Francis College.

During the two-hour tours, a scientist will talk about New York harbor seal ecology, while a New York Media Boat photographer will help guests take top-notch wildlife photos. The on-board researcher will also be taking a count of the animals and studying their behavior, and will be happy to answer any questions from passengers.

So far, we're offering seven of these exclusive tours (seats are limited to two passengers per tour) through January and February. Our closed-cabin boat will run round-trip from North Cove Marina in lower Manhattan.

You can book directly on our website using the "Book Now" button, or feel free to call us with questions at 347.789.0588.

We hope to welcome you aboard -- it is truly amazing to observe these creatures in their urban habitat!