Marine Science Education
The Friend of Pleasant Bay
We’re excited to share Pleasant Bay with even more people, using our comfortable and accessible 37′ floating classroom. The Friend is a solar-powered pontoon boat created and given to PBCB by the Friends of Pleasant Bay. PBCB offers nearly 1,000 on-water experiences on the bay each season using the floating classroom. We’re proud to partner with our area schools and groups like Latham Centers, Preserving our Homelands, the Neekun Camp, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Moving Forward, and L.I.F.E. (Living Independently Forever). If your group or family would like to book a floating classroom experience, please reach out. The Friend provides an ideal platform for a variety of groups, from club or organization “field trips” to gatherings of family/friends looking to experience the bay together.
Individuals hoping to experience the floating classroom–keep an eye on our program portal, e-newsletter, and social media postings. We offer a handful of ticketed trips with varying themes each season!
Click here to view school/non-profit trip options!
Click here to view general charter options!
The Friend has 8 lithium ion batteries and 2 Torqeedo electric motors, plus a roof full of solar panels. She runs entirely off of the energy the panels produce which is usually far more than enough to get us where we’re going! Even on a cloudy day, the boat can run on energy stored in her batteries for hours.
The Friend can accommodate up to 28 passengers, plus Captain and crew. However, for all-adult groups, we recommend limiting capacity to 25 passengers for a more comfortable ride, space-wise. Paired with a ramp up from our accessible dock, she’s wheelchair- and mobility-aid friendly! The Friend is a great way to expand access to Pleasant Bay, by accommodating larger groups and/or those needing more stability than a sailboat can offer.
PBCB welcomes groups of all kinds (including families) to enjoy trips on the Friend! If your group is interested in a floating classroom trip, please contact:
For adaptive boating opportunities: Adaptive Program Coordinator Jeff Primeau
For all other trips: Registrar Ellen Peterson