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Seal and wildlife trips - As seen on BBC's inside out and BBC coast programmes

Much of our local seal colony will be shortly heading offshore to breed, this is your last chance to see good numbers of seals this year. Book now or face disappointment.

We pick up from Wallasea Marina and Burnham Town Quay and run trips to either one of the two seal colonies. We aim to arrive with the seals at various states of the tide and fully expect to see seals hauled out on the banks as well as in the water. In fact they are often as interested in us as we are in them and they will come surprisingly close to the boat.

On quite a number of these trips we are accompanied by an expert guide from the RSPB, who is able to give a very interesting and enlightening commentary as well as being able to answer your questions. Our guide will also point out all of the different bird species that you will see. As well as Common Seals and sometimes Atlantic Grey Seals we have also encountered Harbour Porpoise.

Forthcoming Trips

New trips dates to be announced soon!

Times above are from Wallasea Marina please add on 10 minutes for departures from Burnham Town Quay

2012 Trip dates coming soon!

Booking Essential on 01702 258666 , All Tickets £20.00, Sorry but due to the nature of the wildlife trips we are unable to accept the Under fives or dogs.

Winter Bird Watching Trips

The colder months offer you the chance to get up really close to nature, as we explore the remote and deserted creeks and inlets of the Crouch and Roach estuaries. This area is simply one of the best places and the least well known to view our fantastic winter visitors. We consistently have great views of probably the biggest selection of Raptors anywhere in Essex! We have regular sightings of Marsh Harrier, Hen Harrier, Peregrine, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Merlin and even Short Eared Owls. Waders seen regularly include Avocet, Curlew, Black Tailed Godwit, Grey, Golden and Green Plover, Redshank, Greenshank, Knot, Dunlin, Green Sandpiper and Oystercatcher among others. Wildfowl include: Teal, Wigeon, Shoveler, Mallard and Shelduck , Fox or Hare. Hot drinks are included and an RSPB guide may be available. Trips last 2 to 3 hours and cost £20.00 (minimum 4 persons) We will be advertising dates but can arrange a trip for 4 or more most days given notice. Hot meals can be arranged either ashore or onboard at additional cost.

Get Really Close to Some Fantastic Birds!

Unlike people walking, estuary birds and birds of prey do not seem to be too bothered at all about people in boats on the river and we often get very close views of some remarkable birds. On past trips we have often seen Marsh Harriers and other birds of prey. An incredible site was a Peregrine Falcon taking a Wood Pigeon in the air and dropping on to the bank to eat its prey - allowing us to get to within 5 metres of this powerful bird!

Below are a set of photographs taken by our bird guide, Graham Mee, from the RSPB who often accompanies us on our trips. This particular day saw a very rare male Hen Harrier hunting along the bank right next to our boat...

All seats must be pre booked by calling 01702 258666 and your point of departure confirmed. Note that Essex Boatyards would like to remind passengers to use the designated ferry parking area.

We cannot be held responsible in the event that a trip is cancelled due to bad weather or circumstances beyond our control. We will, whenever possible, attempt to inform our pre-booked passengers of any enforced changes and will of course validate their tickets for an alternative sailing. We cannot be held responsible for enforced changes affecting the ferry service.

PLEASE NOTE: ON ALL ADVERTISED SEAL TRIP PASSENGERS MUST BE ABLE TO SIT STILL FOR THE DURATION OF THE TRIP AND BE ABLE TO BE ABSOLUTELY QUIET WHILST WE ARE WITH THE SEALS. PLEASE DO NOT BOOK IF ANY MEMBER OF YOUR PARTY INCLUDING THE DISABLED AND ANY CHILDREN CANNOT DO SO AS PASSAGE WILL BE REFUSED IN THE INTEREST OF SAFETY! WE ARE ABLE TO OFFER APPROPRIATE TAILOR MADE CHARTERS TO GROUPS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS. WE REGRET THAT THESE TRIPS ARE NOT SUITABLE FOR THE UNDER 5's OR PETS

Cancellation Refund & Privacy Policies

Whilst it is not possible to book or pay for a ferry seat in advance as we run on a first come first served basis, all seats for our seal and wildlife trips and private charter and Water Taxi must be pre paid at the time of booking, except by prior agreement with the company. Such payments are non refundable in the event of cancellation by the customer within 7 days of departure. Prior to 7 days we are able to reschedule your booking to an alternative sailing or to offer a 50% refund.

In the event of cancellation of the trip by the company due to bad weather, mechanical breakdown or other reason beyond our control every effort will be made to offer an alternate sailing. Should this not be possible a full refund will be made without delay.

January and February can be one of the best times of year to get superb views of our wetland wildlife, with thousands of waders in residence in the remote creeks that we explore, traditionally we have several days each January with bright sunshine calm winds and great visibility. Wrap up warmly with plenty of layers and thermal undies, bring a flask if you wish and don't forget camera and binoculars and prepare for a truly unique wildlife encounter!

Click to see video of one of our seal trips taken by one of our customers.

Gift Vouchers
You are able to purchase gift vouchers for our popular seal and wildlife trips as gifts. These can be sent directly to the person or can be forwarded to you. The lucky benefactor can then book a trip to suit their diary.

Please see our About Us' page for details on how to book.

Come and see the many birds of our shoreline

It is the policy of the company not to store keep or exchange the personal financial details of any customer except as to enable verification of any credit card payment at which time all such details are immediately destroyed. The company will not pass on any details to third parties for the purposes of marketing.

Disclaimer
We cannot be held responsible in the event that a trip is cancelled due to bad weather or other circumstances beyond our control. We will whenever possible attempt to inform our pre booked passengers of any enforced changes and will of course validate their tickets for an alternative sailing. We cannot be held responsible for enforced changes affecting the ferry service.