Crane Beach Snowy Owl Trek: A Coastal Wildlife Adventure

This tour is out of season. We recommend checking out our Wildlife Dunes Hike Adventure. On this tour, you still have a chance to see Snowy Owls along with other wildlife!

Join us for a unique adventure through the scenic dunes of Castle Neck, where we’ll search for the elusive and magnificent Snowy Owl. Unlike most owls, Snowy Owls are diurnal — active both day and night — so we have a good chance of spotting one even in daylight! These wide-open coastal sites are a favorite wintering ground for the Snowy Owls of New England, with common perches on dunes and salt hay staddles.

While many have visited Crane Beach, few have explored the hidden world of Castle Neck’s dune ecosystem. Offering miles of dune hiking trails, this landscape takes you through maritime scrub forest, towering dunes, and beautiful beaches on both the Ipswich Bay and Essex/Castle Neck River estuary sides of the peninsula. Along the way, you’ll experience a variety of landscapes, including pitch pine forests, naturally occurring cranberry bogs, and stunning views of Choate Island.

This four-mile hike may feel more rigorous due to the hilly terrain and sandy trails, but it’s worth the effort! Your CraneOutdoors guide will point out fascinating flora such as the Woolly Hudsonia, which blooms in late spring, the unique Earth Star mushroom, and the fragrant Bayberry — once used to make candles.

Please bring binoculars, as we’ll be scanning distant dunes on Crane Beach for Snowy Owls. Your guide will tailor the route based on weather conditions, but you can expect an unforgettable experience exploring one of the most dynamic ecosystems and meeting Snowy Owls.

This trek is perfect for nature lovers, bird enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a fresh outdoor adventure in the winter landscape of the Crane Wildlife Refuge. Outside of winter, you may also be interested in our Castle Neck Dune Hike at Crane Beach. For even more Massachusetts adventures, feel free to browse our full range of Day Trips Near Boston. If you have any questions about this tour, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Note: This schedule may vary based on the specific tour time you select. We will also send these details via email with more information on how to get to/from North Station upon booking. Your train ticket will be emailed to you 48 hours in advance of the trip.