Seal Trips

With some of the largest colonies of common and grey seals in the UK, the Norfolk coast is an ideal place to set off for a spot of seal watching. Blakeney Point is home to England’s most successful breeding colony, with over 2,500 pups born annually.

Blakeney Point is part of the Blakeney National Nature Reserve managed by the National Trust, who have an information kiosk on Morston Quay. You can read more about Blakeney Point Reserve and the work of the Trust on the National Trust website.

The recommended way to view the seals is by boat trip from Morston Quay. During breeding season the pupping area is fenced off with no access for visitors, giving the seals space to give birth and to raise their pups. It is possible to walk but at six miles there and back across loose shingle, and with no facilities, it is not recommended.

If you want to see seal pups, the best times to visit are November, December and January for grey seals, and June, July and August for common seals.

Four companies currently operate boat trips to see the seals, the trips last between 1 and 2 hours, and booking ahead is strongly advised. Blakeney Point is an important birdwatching site, and the crews will provide information on other sights of interest on the outward and return parts of the trip.

Well behaved dogs are generally allowed on the boats provided they are kept on short leads at all times. The boats are not covered or enclosed – this provides the best seal viewing, but means you will be exposed to the elements, and trips may operate in all weather conditions except high winds, so wear sensible clothing.