Winter Safari Cruises

The winter scene in Poole Harbour is exceptional, functioning as an important haven for the 25,000 waders and waterfowl that pile in, finding refuge during the harshest months of the year. Divers, grebes, scarce sea duck and waders capitalise on the sheltered bays and vast estuarine systems, while raptors take advantage of the inflated prey availability. Our regular trips leave the conurbation of Poole behind in search of the "Big Five" raptor species (White-tailed Eagle, Marsh Harrier, Peregrine, and the more elusive Hen Harrier and Goshawk) and offer a brilliant opportunity to encounter and familiarise yourself a wide range of our winter visitors.

These three-hour cruises with running commentary embrace the safari experience, scouring the harbour for our hardy overwintering species 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.

Boat image © Nicki Tutton

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)
• View our travel guide for more information about getting to our event | PDF
• 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.

• 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.