ABOUT THE TRIP
(See the Seals on Blakeney Point)
Both Common and Grey seals on Blakeney Point
Where we go
Our boats wind their way down the creek before heading out into sheltered waters and onto the far end of Blakeney Point. Without going out into the open sea, our experienced skipper’s take you to known areas frequented by seals. However, we ask that you appreciate that we do not control, or attempt to influence their natural behavior or habitat in order to see them. You may observe both common and grey seals from the boats, which are able to get close to the basking seals near the water’s edge. Our knowledgeable crew will tell you all about the seals and the area. There are many species of birds to be seen too, including a large tern colony well established on Blakeney Point.
For passenger comfort Bishop’s Boats operate a non-smoking policy on-board.
Booking ahead for all trips is essential to avoid disappointment. We advise arriving 20 minutes before your trip departs. This allows you to park (National Trust parking charges apply), use the facilities (cafe and toilets) at Morston Quay and make your way over the small bridge to the grey and red boats. Please allow for Norfolk roads, pinch points at Stiffkey and Cley, (A149) plus poor signage coming through Wells.
We operate in all weathers as long as it is safe to do so. Warm or waterproof clothing is advisable, but we have waterproof plastic macs available for £1 for unexpected showers. You can bring a dog, (at our discretion) but please keep it on a lead.
For that special occasion, why not charter one of our boats for a private trip. For further information please telephone 01263 740 753
All trips are seal-watching trips lasting approximately 1hr. The best vantage point for the seal and tern colony is from the boats, as we are able to get quite close to the shore without causing any disturbance to the wildlife. As we do not land on Blakeney Point we are able to spend extra time at the seal and tern colony, (also known as rookeries). This also helps to preserve the natural environment of the reserve.
Trip Times
Departure, duration and return times may vary as they are very dependent on tidal and weather conditions, location of seals and passenger promptness!
Birds eye view Blakeney Quay .
Please arrive at Morston Quay 20 minutes before your boat departs
Safety
All of our skippers are fully licensed by the Maritime and Coastguard agency and are First Aid Trained, most have been with us for over twenty years. Each skipper carries a VHF marine radio and mobile phone and is in constant contact with the office. All boats comply with the Maritime & coastguard agency. The larger boats are fully licensed by the Maritime and Coastguard agency with an annual hull and safety equipment check with random inspections to ensure all is in order. We also have buoyancy tanks fitted to our boats. On all the boats we have the necessary equipment to ensure your safety, such as life jackets, life rafts and fire extinguishers. This is only for precaution and we have never needed to use such items in the past.
Our guidelines are that you will need to:
1. Book in advance ONLINE or by telephone.
2. Be able to embark/disembark without the assistance of our staff.
3. Arrive at Morston Quay 20 minutes before your trip time.
Access
There is usually a short walk of 3 minutes – which is not wheelchair friendly – to get to the departure point for the boats. As a general guide if you can get in and out of a car, you should have no difficulty getting in and out of our boats. There are ramps, not steps. Please be aware that to board Bishop’s Boats, you will need to walk for 3-4 minutes on uneven ground.
Please inform us of any relevant medical or physical conditions when you book your tickets. We will be happy to advise or assist where we can. We do sometimes bring the boat up to the quayside, on some tides, which means a much shorter walk. Please inform the crew onboard of any conditions that may effect your safety in an emergency.