About the Birdwatching Trips

We offer birdwatching tours to different areas of Poole harbour.  As a guide these are 3 hours duration.  The areas we go to can be fairly specific for when there is something particular that you would like to see, or quite general if you would just like to enjoy whatever is there to be discovered.  If you do have something more particular in mind, then we will also advise on a date and time of day to maximise your chances of success.  For example: if you would like to see plenty of waders, the best time would be when the tide is out leaving the mudflats exposed; whereas for the many ducks, perhaps more when the tide is in; to see a marsh harrier then the reedbeds at the Wareham end.  Or you may well prefer to simply find a lovely spot, toss out the anchor, completely relax and enjoy all of nature going on around us.

We also offer combined harbour and Brownsea Island trips.  These enable you to enjoy viewing the many waders and waterfowl from the hides on the brackish lagoon, those on the freshwater lakes, as well as observing the many land birds found on the Island.  During the Winter ‘closed season’ it is very likely that we will be the only visitors to Brownsea, so it is far more peaceful and this means that the birds and wildlife are much more inclined to go about their normal lives.    The duration of the time spent on the island is at your discretion.

Bespoke and extended duration trips are available by arrangement.

Our trips are offered throughout the year, and we are currently the only boat offering winter visits to Brownsea Island.

Prices

Poole harbour tours (minimum 4 people)
3 hours £19.50 per person.
For other durations please contact us.

Harbour and Brownsea Island combined (minimum 4 people)
2 hours boat + 2 hours Brownsea £18.00 per person
For other durations please contact us.

Ferry service to Brownsea Island
Please contact us for prices.
Please note: This service is only available in winter from late October to late March for the general public.  However this is available for disabled persons all year round.

Longer trips and bespoke tours are available by arrangement, as are trips along the river Frome to the historic market town of Wareham.

The boat is equipped for a maximum of 12 people and we require a minimum number of 4 passengers for the tours.  We offer discounts for bookings of 8 people or more (this does not include the ferry service to Brownsea island) — please ask for details when you make contact.  A minimum 50% deposit is required to secure your reservation.

Need to Knows

There is a ‘closed season’ entrance fee of £3.20 for Brownsea Island, £4.40 normal opening times (usually late March to late October), although we have negotiated a specially reduced closed season fee of just £2.00 should there be no need for any National Trust facilities other than the toilets.  Other NT facilities available include a Café, Gift Shop, Visitor and Education Centre, guided walks and an island trailer tour for wheelchair users.  Entrance is free for National Trust Members.  Dorset Wildlife Trust members do not pay a fee either, as long as they remain within the DWT reserve after landing.  The DWT fee of £2.00 applies to all non-members.

It is recommended that you bring some warm, waterproof clothing and footwear - binoculars and/or a spotting scope will no doubt be useful.  Should you forget, then there are some spare binoculars on board, just don’t expect Swarovski!

The boat leaves from Poole Town Quay, either from Poole Quay Haven or from the quayside steps.  Pas-Beau has a ramp loading facility that enables wheelchair access and there is enough space on the deck for up to six wheelchairs.  Please advise of any particular access requirements you may have in advance.

There are plenty of parking stations close by.  A good alternative is the Thistle Hotel car park which is on the quay.

While we endeavour to see and enjoy as much as we can, wildlife is after all wild, and we cannot guarantee to see any particular species.  We practice responsible viewing and minimum disturbance to wildlife at all times and so, whilst we do want you to enjoy the best views, we value the welfare of the harbour and its inhabitants.

Trips are subject to our conditions of carriage– a copy of these is available on request.

Prices correct as at November 2006.