Freeport Mayor Robert Kennedy joins residents for thrilling whale-watching tour off Long Island coast

Freeport Mayor Robert Kennedy took part in a thrilling whale-watching tour that showcased the incredible marine life just off the Long Island coast on Aug. 14, 2024.

The trip, conducted by Captain Lou’s Fleet, brought together residents, the mayor, and a naturalist for an unforgettable experience on the Atlantic Ocean.

“I am glad that our residents have such great accessibility to the Atlantic Ocean and its wildlife,” says Mayor Kennedy. “We’re known as the fishing and boating capital of the Northeast because of our waterfront community. We’re going to have to add whale and dolphin-watching as well.”

The mayor’s involvement in the excursion underscores his commitment to promoting Freeport’s rich natural resources and ensuring that residents can enjoy the benefits of living in a vibrant waterfront community.

Departing from the Nautical Mile, the well-known hub for boating and marine activities in Freeport, the tour provided a firsthand look at the thriving marine ecosystem that is closer than many realize.

Within just an hour of leaving the dock, the mayor and his gang encountered three humpback whales and a pod of dolphins.

Initially planned as a combination of fishing and whale-watching, the focus quickly shifted to the remarkable whale sightings, which captured the attention of everyone on board.

The mayor was accompanied by Steve Abbondondelo, a naturalist who provided insights into the marine life encountered during the tour.

Also among the participants were Monique Evans and her son, who traveled from Westbury to join the tour, as well as Carol and John Sun of bayside, both retired lovers of charter boat fishing.

As the whale-watching season continues, there is growing anticipation for what future trips might reveal. Captain Lou’s Fleet, which has long been a staple of Freeport’s maritime activities, continues to offer these tours, providing more opportunities for people to connect with the ocean’s wonders.

With the waters just off the coast teeming with marine life, residents have a rare chance to experience the majesty of the ocean without venturing far from home.