Natural History Trips

Pack your own picnic lunch and enjoy a boat ride along the serene Elizabeth Islands. Immerse yourself in this beautiful uninhabited wildlife sanctuary at the mouth of Buzzards Bay and discover the unique history of Penikese Island.
Questions? Email info@penikese.org
Details:
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The boat ride from Woods Hole to Penikese Island takes about 1 hour.
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The walking trails comprise 1-2 miles of walking on the island.
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Bring your own lunch, snacks, and water.
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Dress appropriately for the weather. Comfortable walking shoes for lumpy, uneven terrain are a must. A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen is recommended in warm weather. There are very few trees and thus little shade on Penikese. Bring a layer as it is often cooler offshore than on the mainland.
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Parking and meeting point will be at the Penikese Shore Office, located at 565 Woods Hole Road, Woods Hole, MA 02543.
Physical Expectations:
Visiting Penikese Island is a rewarding outdoor experience, but it does come with a few physical requirements:
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Boat Access: Participants must be able to climb in and out of the boat – approximately the equivalent of climbing 2–3 steps.
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Terrain: The island features lumpy, uneven ground, rolling hills, and rustic dirt paths.
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Main House: Accessing the Main House requires walking up a set of 8 stairs.
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Facilities:
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We have hot and cold running water.
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Restrooms are simple composting Clivus Multrum toilets.
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If you have any questions about accessibility or physical requirements, please feel free to reach out at info@penikese.org
These trips accommodate up to 12 participants on a first-come-first-served basis. Please note that a minimum of 8 registrants is required for the trip to proceed.
Photo Credit: Brian Nevins / 11th Hour Racing