About The Program

The Harbor Explorers Program is our program for students age 6 through 9. Each full day session runs from 9 AM to 4 PM. The program enrollment cost varies based on family income and geographic location. A typical day for a Harbor Explorer includes games, crafts, a lesson, and time on the dock for our on-the-water activities. Check out some of our program’s activities below!

On The Water

Every day, students can choose from several activities on the water, such as:

  • Fishing – Learn about the marine life that can be found in Boston Harbor. Flounder, skates, and even striped bass have been caught right off of our dock!
  • Crabbing – Pull up some crab traps, learn how to hold a crab, and race crabs across the dock.
  • Kayaking and Paddleboarding – Tour the Piers Park cove on one of our kayaks (or a giant paddleboard)! Hunting for hermit crabs and periwinkles in the rocks, exploring the intertidal zone, and kayak racing are some of our most popular activities.
  • Sailing – Learn the basics of sailing, or just come along for a boat ride! Every student will have an opportunity to take the helm of one of our Sonars. 

Off The Water

Before heading down to the dock, each morning starts with a group game, lesson, and art activity. These lessons help to introduce students to topics that will be covered as they progress into our Science of Sailing program. Topics include:

  • Ocean Science
    • What types of organisms live in the harbor?
    • The intertidal zone
    • Ocean zones
    • Tides and Waves
  • Environmental Science 
    • Climate change
    • Overfishing / protecting marine ecosystems
    • Recycling
  • The Basics of Sailing
    • Parts of a sailboat
    • Buoyancy
    • Safety on the water
    • Navigation
  • History of Boston Harbor & East Boston