About Us
Some information about the people and the boat behind Natural Explorations in Poole, Dorset
Skipper and Tour Guide
Steve Hall has had a fascination with birds, wildlife and nature since childhood. He has travelled extensively, always having at least one eye on the local wildlife. Over time he uncovered and developed an affinity with water which eventually led to him becoming a diving guide and instructor, leading groups and exploring some of the most incredible marine life and underwater sites in the World. The familiarity with boats found through the diving profession in turn led to him seeking more nautical adventure by joining various vessels and sailing more than half way round the World, again with at least one eye on the wildlife at all times.
Gaining more experience all the time, Steve trained to become a professional boat skipper
and qualified in 1999. He has worked for the last five years in and
around Poole Harbour. He has had the good fortune to experience the area in all conditions giving him the knowledge with which to guide you to many of its' treasures. Always wanting to share the immense pleasures found in nature with others, the next step was to bring together this experience by creating Natural Explorations to offer specialist boat trips to others who may share his passion in the uniquely beautiful area that is Poole Harbour.
Photographer and Artistic Guide
Viktoria Gridley-Haack has lived on Brownsea Island for nine years and has an intimate knowledge of the island and its' wildlife. She has experienced this location in all weathers, seasons and light conditions. It is a photographer's paradise with something to interest everyone from flora and fauna to landscape. With her extensive knowledge of the island and experience in taking numerous photographs she is in the unique position of being able to offer advice on the best locations for the various types of images of interest to each client.
Her own photographic work has been used extensively by the National Trust both locally and nationally for promotional purposes, and a selection of her framed photographs and greeting cards are available in the National Trust gift shop on the island.
The Boat
Pas-Beau is 25ft long, 10ft wide with a large, open, seated viewing area situated at the front and for those few moments out of the elements with a hot cup of tea or coffee, a more snug cabin area at the rear. She is very flat-bottomed which allows us to explore most areas of Poole Harbour – exclusively possible even at low water when there is an average depth of just eighteen inches! There is also a ramp at the front which allows for wheelchair access, making the Harbour and Brownsea Island accessible to all. Pas-Beau is fully equipped with all the required safety equipment for the sheltered waters of Poole harbour.
Logistics and Workboat services. Delivery of scout equipment to Brownsea island
For logistics work in and around Poole harbour, carriage of goods, luggage and equipment to and from Brownsea island and others.
The vessel has an operational payload of 2.1 tonnes (2,100kg) with a foredeck carrying area of around 9.5 feet by 12 feet (290cms by 365cms). To minimise goods handling the vessel will take a trailer with a box of around 10 feet long by 5 feet across (300cms by 150cms). Total length of trailers including hitch should be no more than 12.5 feet (381cms), with a maximum width at the wheels of 5 feet and 2 inches (158cms). Thanks to the ramp at the bow, any form of hand trolley or cart may also be wheeled directly onto the vessel reducing the time and effort required in the loading and unloading of your equipment. This facility also makes loading by hand a far simpler and much safer option to choose, no gangways, no passing of equipment over the side of a boat- simply walk your equipment on and off.
Please contact us with your particular requirements so that we can supply you with a highly competitive quote.
