Around lunchtime on Monday, May 20th, a great white shark made its presence known in the Long Island Sound off the coast of Greenwich, Connecticut. But don't let this put a damper on your Memorial Day plans, officials say beachgoers should be perfectly safe. Here's what you need to know:
A great white shark that is monitored by OCEARCH, a research and educational organization, has turned up in the Long Island Sound off the coast of Greenwich. The male shark was tagged with a digital monitor off the shores of Nova Scotia last year and given the name, "Cabot". He was detected here in Connecticut on Monday.
OCEARCH has tagged not only great white sharks but hundreds of other sea animals including sea turtles and whales to gather valuable data. Cabot has been tracked off the coast of Florida and Maryland in recent months and now has made his appearance off the shore of Connecticut.
The shark weighs 533 lbs. and measures nine feet eight inches long. While Cabot does not pose a likely threat to swimmers, kite surfers off of Greenwich Point Park are cautioned to be extra vigilant.
Cabot, unlike most other great whites, has his own social media account and you can follow him on Twitter here. It's rare to discover a great white this far west in the Long Island Sound and it's actually a positive indication that the water quality is increasing.
The warm weather season in New England is positively magical! Clear blue skies, refreshing swimming holes, and shady trees are calling your name. Beach day? We think yes! If you're hoping to escape from the crowds this summer, check out these little-known getaways. You're certain to love these pristine hidden Connecticut beaches this year:
As its name suggests, this peaceful beach in Connecticut is tucked off the beaten path. You'll find this fun summertime getaway inside McCook Point Park in East Lyme. In the summer, it's not uncommon to hear children laughing and see parents lounging in the sun. There are also plenty of places to kayak, fish, and swim.
Shady Beach Park is full of fun summertime activities. Splash in the water, enjoy a picnic in the shade, or play a game of sand volleyball - the options are nearly endless. This is one of the most serene Connecticut state beaches.
Looking for "private beaches near me?" Don't judge this destination by its size. Even though it's small, it's packed with exciting amenities and spectacular views. Relax under a peaceful pavilion and cool off in the refreshing waters. Visitors have to pay a small entrance fee, but it's absolutely worth it. This small town in Connecticut itself is worth a gander, too.
Rocky Neck State Park spans 708 acres in East Lyme, and it's full of rocky ledges, sandy beaches, and cool rivers. If you love bird watching, this is a great place to go. You may even spot a few cranes, herons, and mute swans on your adventure. Rocky Neck State Park in Connecticut is definitely one of those things you need to add to your summertime bucket list.
What was once a bustling amusement park in the 1890s is now a secluded beach that attracts thrill-seekers from all over. You'll need to take a water taxi to reach this unique destination, but it's absolutely worth the effort. For more information about the taxi schedules, call (203) 576-7233. Fans of abandoned places in Connecticut are going to love this.
Enjoy this delightful virtual tour of this stunning Bridgeport beach:
With 25 acres of sandy shoreline, Jacob's Beach is a summertime oasis. Whether you're coming to swim, boat, or just watch a sunset, there's no denying the appeal of this little-known beach in Connecticut.
If you're hoping to get away from the crowds this summer, this tiny 600-foot beach in Groton is the perfect place to go. Swim in the refreshing saltwater and enjoy a tasty picnic under a grove of trees. Yes, this beach is man-made, but parking is free and the sand is soft. It's one of the most peaceful private beaches in CT.
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This fun drone video provides an excellent overview of this gorgeous beach:
What are your favorite Connecticut beaches? Share your thoughts and plans with us in the comments! And if you need more inspiration for your summertime adventures, take any of these wonderful day trips in Connecticut
Traveling around the state of Connecticut this summer? Make sure you take a look at our Ultimate Road Trip Packing List before you go.
Connecticut is one of the 14 states with coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, plus, of course, we have numerous beaches with access to the Long Island Sound. However, we are also fortunate in that we have plenty of inland beaches, near our many lakes and rivers. It's often our natural assumption to think of these beaches as somewhat lesser than their oceanfront counterparts, but don't make that mistake. We have so many of the best lake beaches in Connecticut that are more than worth a visit. One of the best lake beaches in the state is in Morris, CT: Sandy Beach, Bantam Lake. This aptly-named spot is open to the public, which is rare for Bantam Lake. It's the largest natural lake in Connecticut, but much of the shoreline is privately owned. This place is just as nice as the state's beaches along the coast. Check it out:
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Sandy Beach at Bantam Lake has been a popular destination for many years, ever since it was first established in the late 1920s.
Have you ever visited this beach at Bantam Lake in Morris, CT? Would you agree it's one of the best lake beaches in Connecticut? Please feel free to share your experiences in the comments section! We would be glad to hear what your favorite parts of the trip were. If you're planning a trip soon, take a look at LL Bean for some classic outdoor clothing, swimsuits, and more. You'll be well-prepared for a great beach trip!
