Spring Safari Cruises
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- Multiple sessions available from 14 Mar 2026 to 30 May 2026
- Poole Quay, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1HJ, United Kingdom
Spring migration always brings along the excitement and anticipation that anything could rock up. Set alongside the scenic views of Corfe Castle and Brownsea Island, join the team as we encounter the arrival of passage migrants, breeding birds and other local wildlife. As we meander our way up the Wareham Channel and Frome River Valley we’ll be listening for and identifying the rich array of birdsong, while looking out for charismatic migrants such as Osprey, Hobby and Cuckoo as they arrive. Spring also sees the return of our nesting Sandwich and Common Terns as well as Swallows and Swifts. Of course our resident White-tailed Eagles are here year-round and find new food sources as the seasons change, often being seen from our Spring Safaris.
These three-hour cruises with running commentary embrace the safari experience, scouring the harbour for our migrating spring birds from otherwise inaccessible areas such as the Wareham Channel and Frome Valley, as well as offering premier views behind the Brownsea Lagoon seawall. From bird behaviour, plumages and vocalisations, we’ll guide you through the species we encounter all set to the stunning harbour landscape. The exact route will be determined on the day, taking into account the state of the tide and latest sightings, to maximise the birding potential of the cruise, so no two trips will be the same!
At Birds of Poole Harbour we pride ourselves on delivering a wide range of educational events, giving our guests different opportunities to learn about our work and our amazing landscape. With insights into bird populations and identification, as well as local species recovery and partnership projects, we hope to share our understanding of how Poole Harbour functions and supports its incredible birdlife.
Osprey CJ7 hero image © Mark Wright
Additional Information
- Boat trips depart from and return to Poole Quay boarding with Greenslade Pleasure Boats (orange-and-white kiosk) opposite the Lord Nelson pub
- Nearest public car park is Quay Visitors multi-storey car park, Old Orchard, BH15 1SB (please note there is a height limit)
- Toilet facilities, undercover seating and light refreshments are available onboard
- Tickets do no need to be printed as we will use a digital guest-list when boarding
- Dogs are not permitted, with the exception of assistance and guide dogs.
- Important information about accessibility: Please note that, due to the size of the boarding ramp and steps to access the lower deck of the boat, there are unfortunately some limitations for wheelchair users on our boat trips. Please read Greenslade Pleasure Boats full access statement before booking if you, or one of your party, are a wheelchair user. Information about carer's tickets can be found in our FAQs section.
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We will attempt with every effort to arrive back on time, but please note that due the state of the tides, weather or sightings we may arrive back up to half an hour later than originally stated.
Tickets
Sat 14 Mar - Spring Safari - 1-4pm
- 14 Mar 2026
- 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Mon 16 Mar - Spring Safari - 2:30-5:30pm
- 16 Mar 2026
- 2:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Fri 20 Mar - Spring Safari - 9am-12pm
- 20 Mar 2026
- 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Sun 22 Mar - Spring Safari - 9am-12pm
- 22 Mar 2026
- 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Tue 24 Mar - Spring Safari - 9am-12pm
- 24 Mar 2026
- 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Wed 25 Mar - Spring Safari - 9am-12pm
- 25 Mar 2026
- 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Sun 29 Mar - Spring Safari - 9am-12pm
- 25 Mar 2026
- 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Thu 2 Apr - Spring Safari - 9am-12pm
- 2 Apr 2026
- 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Fri 3 Apr - Spring Safari - 9am-12pm
- 3 Apr 2026
- 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Sat 4 Apr - Spring Safari - 9am-12pm
- 4 Apr 2026
- 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Sat 4 Apr - Spring Safari - 1:30-4:30pm
- 4 Apr 2026
- 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Tue 7 Apr - Spring Safari - 9am-12pm
- 7 Apr 2026
- 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Fri 10 Apr - Spring Safari - 10am-1pm
- 10 Apr 2026
- 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Sat 11 Apr - Spring Safari - 10am-1pm
- 11 Apr 2026
- 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Sat 11 Apr - Spring Safari - 2:30-5:30pm
- 11 Apr 2026
- 2:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Tue 14 Apr - Spring Safari - 9am-12pm
- 14 Apr 2026
- 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Thu 16 Apr - Spring Safari - 9am-12pm
- 16 Apr 2026
- 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Sun 19 Apr - Spring Safari - 9am-12pm
- 19 Apr 2026
- 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Sun 19 Apr - Spring Safari - 1:30-4:30pm
- 19 Apr 2026
- 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Tue 21 April - Spring Safari - 9am-12pm
- 21 Apr 2026
- 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Thu 23 April - Spring Safari - 9am-12pm
- 23 Apr 2026
- 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Sun 26 April - Spring Safari - 9am-12pm
- 26 Apr 2026
- 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Sun 26 April - Spring Safari - 1:30-4:30pm
- 26 Apr 2026
- 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Tue 28 April - Spring Safari - 9am-12pm
- 28 Apr 2026
- 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Thu 30 April - Spring Safari - 9am-12pm
- 30 Apr 2026
- 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Sun 3 May- Spring Safari - 9am-12pm
- 3 May 2026
- 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Sun 3 May- Spring Safari - 1:30-4:30pm
- 3 May 2026
- 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Mon 4 May- Spring Safari - 9am-12pm
- 4 May 2026
- 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Mon 4 May- Spring Safari - 1:30-4:30pm
- 4 May 2026
- 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Sat 9 May - Spring Safari - 9am-12pm
- 9 May 2026
- 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Wed 13 May - Spring Safari - 9am-12pm
- 13 May 2026
- 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Wed 13 May - Spring Safari - 1:30-4:30pm
- 13 May 2026
- 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Sat 16 May - Spring Safari - 9am-12pm
- 16 May 2026
- 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Tue 19 May - Spring Safari - 9am-12pm
- 19 May 2026
- 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Thu 21 May - Spring Safari - 9am-12pm
- 21 May 2026
- 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Sun 24 May - Spring Safari - 1:30-4:30pm
- 24 May 2026
- 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Mon 25 May - Spring Safari - 9am-12pm
- 25 May 2026
- 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Mon 25 May - Spring Safari - 1:30-4:30pm
- 25 May 2026
- 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Wed 27 May - Spring Safari - 9am-12pm
- 27 May 2026
- 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Fri 29 May - Spring Safari - 9am-12pm
- 29 May 2026
- 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Sat 30 May - Spring Safari - 9am-12pm
- 30 May 2026
- 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Sat 30 May - Spring Safari - 1:30-4:30pm
- 30 May 2026
- 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm