Aquatic Science Cruises
News Flash
We are currently taking reservations for Spring 2026 trips!
Explore Lake Michigan aboard a working scientific vessel!
Since 1986, thousands of students and others have experienced hands-on science on Lake Michigan and adjoining waters through AWRI's vessel program. Offered aboard GVSU's research and education vessels, the D.J. Angus and the W.G. Jackson, the program serves school groups as well as other organizations. It can be customized for all ages from fourth grade through adults. Check out a typical cruise!
About the Onboard Curriculum
This 2.5 hour hands-on, investigative science cruise is a truly unique learning experience. In this floating classroom, aquatic science instructors guide participants in the use of sampling equipment and instruments to compile water quality data from Lake Michigan and connected water bodies.
For more information on the science content and activities on our cruises, please see:
- Vessel Program Curriculum Guide
- Instructor Manual (PDF)
- our Exploring the Lakes video (YouTube)
Logistics
Where: Cruises take place held on the D.J. Angus (docked at Harbor Island in Grand Haven) and on the W.G. Jackson (docked at the Annis Water Resources Institute in Muskegon).
When: Operating season for the vessels is normally mid-April through mid-October.
Who: Capacity on the D.J. Angus is 28 passengers if 4-8 grade, 26 passengers if high school and above. Capacity on the W.G. Jackson is 28 passengers regardless of age.
All participants MUST be age 9 or older. At least one chaperone is required on the D.J. Angus, and at least two chaperones are required on the W.G. Jackson.
Cost: Cruises on the D.J. Angus require a $125 fee per cruise; cruises on the W.G. Jackson require a $150 fee per cruise. Schools are responsible for their own transportation costs, but support is available.
Please note: The vessel program follows national, state, local, GVSU, and Coast Guard requirements and guidelines. Passengers will be required to follow any protocols as directed by the crew.
Scheduling a Trip
To book vessel trip(s), follow the instructions below:
Booking for Spring cruises starts at 8am on the 2nd Monday in September.
Booking for Fall cruises starts at 8am on the 2nd Monday in May.
Please email Cheryl Kastas at [email protected] starting at the dates and times above to initiate your request. She will respond to requests in the order the e-mails are received.
In your e-mail, please provide:
- contact name
- phone number
- school or group name
- age of group
- total number of passengers (can be approximate)
- the number of trips you will need
- which vessel you are interested in booking
- any preferred dates and times
Cheryl will be the main administrative and logistical contact for your trip. Please contact her if your group is going to be late or if there are special requests or circumstances. She can also answer questions about the cost of trips, what to expect on a cruise, etc. She can be reached at (616) 331-3749 or [email protected]
For schools wishing to bring two groups at a time for the whole day, we offer free supplemental outdoor landside programs. Landside programs can be booked with Cheryl Kastas at the same time as vessel cruises.
If your school is based in Muskegon county, you may be eligible for funding to support transportation costs of bringing your students to AWRI (and other Muskegon STEAM organizations) for a field trip!
This flier contains more information about this partnership, supported by the Howmet Aerospace Foundation.
Contact AWRI Education Specialist Christina Catanese to find out how to apply for this funding at [email protected].
If your school is based elsewhere in Michigan,
check out the Wheels to Water grant from EGLE!