About the Photographic and Artistic Trips

We offer 3 and 4 hour trips where you are on the boat for the duration of the tour.  For these trips we can go to the areas of the harbour where you are most likely to see the kind of wildlife or environment that most appeals to you.  One of the best ways to get the most from this beautiful place is to discover ‘that’ spot, throw out the anchor, cut the engine, and enjoy the nature with all of your senses- doing this on the edge of a large mudflat in a quiet area amongst the comings and goings of thousands of birds can be an incredible experience.  Thanks to the extremely shallow design of our boat we can visit most areas of the harbour, even at the lowest tides, plenty of these areas have been previously inaccessible to nature lovers.  We hope very much to show them to you.

We also offer trips that combine time on the boat with time on Brownsea island.  This gives the opportunity to enjoy the hides on the brackish lagoon and freshwater lakes and also the many land birds found here.  Covering over 500 acres, the island has mixed and pine woodland, heathland and seashore too and these provide for the needs of a huge variety of birds and wildlife.  Combined trips are for a duration of either 2 or 3 hours on the boat plus either 2 or 3 hours on Brownsea island.

During the times of the year when Brownsea would normally be closed, usually November to March, we are delighted to be able to offer trips to Brownsea that also include a tour around the five main islands found in Poole harbour.  This is a unique service offered for the first time this year and it enables you to have the beautiful and very special island almost all to yourself! So that you get to see much more of the harbour, this trip also offers a short tour around the other islands that make up the five main ones found here.  The island is open from 10am to 4pm and you may spend as long as you wish on the island within these hours only.  Please take note of the need to knows regarding facilities and entrance charges on Brownsea.  Please note that this trip needs a minimum of six passengers.

Destinations of Natural Beauty

Poole harbour is largely unspoilt with much of its shoreline remaining as nature intended.  It has the beautiful Isle of Purbeck on its southern sides, Studland, Arne, many distinct bays and also boasts five main islands and several smaller ones.  Very diverse, the harbour has several habitats now very scarce including reed bed, wet woodland, coastal salt marsh and lowland heathland with all the variety of flora and fauna that they support, the colours, contrasts and plays of light that they create.  The ability to take shots from the water often gives a new dimension to your photographic skills.  With very big skies and plenty of water the light is exceptional and ever-changing.  For trips including visits to Brownsea Island, a long-term resident photographer, Vikki, is available to guide you to the best spots for your particular style.  It is highly likely that we will be the only visitors to the Island during the late Autumn, Winter and early Spring, so there is much less disturbance to the wildlife.  There are also likely to be no passers-by strolling in to spoil your shot.  And then of course, there are those extremely photogenic red squirrels – very accessible and active on Brownsea on fine days at this time of the year.

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.