Discover more at Blakeney National Nature Reserve
Find out how to get to Blakeney National Nature Reserve, where to park, things to see and do and more.
Seal watching at Blakeney Point
Blakeney Point is home to England's largest grey seal colony and seal pupping season is a breathtaking wildlife spectacle.
Seal watching at Blakeney Point
Blakeney Point is home to England's largest grey seal colony with around 7,500 pups born between the end of October and mid-January each year.
The best way to get up close and personal with the wildlife on Blakeney Point is with one of the seal boat tour operators that are based at Morston Quay.
It’s recommended you book ahead to ensure your place on the boats. See below for list of boat operators.
Preventing disturbance to the colony
To prevent disturbance during pupping season, it is not possible to reach the seal colony on foot. Restrictions are in place from late October to early January. Our staff and volunteers, and signs on the beach, will clearly indicate how far along Blakeney Point you can walk.
Seal boat trips from Morston Quay
We recommend you book a boat trip from Morston Quay if you’re planning to come and see the seals. Views of the seals are much better from a boat.
Several local businesses run boat trips to see the seals. These are not operated by the National Trust, so please raise any queries with the relevant provider.
Beans Boat Trips
Beans Seal Trips have been a family run business for over 50 years. They run seal boat trips throughout the year with daily trips during the summer months as well as regularly through the winter too.
Bishop's Boats
Bishop's Boats have been running seal-watching trips departing from the picturesque Blakeney harbour and Morston Quay since the early 1960s. This family-run business has two traditional purpose-built clinker construction wooden boats and one smaller boat with trips running seasonally.
Ptarmigan Seal Trips
A family-run, local business offering daily boat trips out to Blakeney Point in their purpose-built ferry boat, the Ptarmigan. They sail from Morston Quay daily, from April until early November.
Temples Seal Trips
The Temple family have been operating boat trips for well over 60 years, with skipper Jim starting when he was just nine years old. The whole family helps to run the business with future generations often on board learning the ropes.
The North Norfolk Wheelyboat 'Poppy'
Poppy is a specially designed ferry boat that is designed for wheelchairs, she’s also available for passengers with a wide range of disabilities. She can carry a total passenger weight of 345kg (wheelchair weight inclusive). Trips are tailor made to meet the needs of customers.
Tips for making the most of your boat trip
Book in advance and arrive early
Trips to visit the seals are very popular and must always be booked in advance. They run at different times according to the tide.
During busy periods the car park at Morston Quay can be full so please allow plenty of time to arrive, park your car and get to your departure point on time.
Come prepared
Even in the summer it can be a lot cooler on the water, with spray coming over the boats. Please make sure you have enough clothing and wear sensible footwear as it can be slippery underfoot.
The length of your trip is approximately one hour. Drinks and snacks are available from the café at Morston Quay.
Bring a camera or binoculars
There's a lot to see on your trip so don't forget to bring your camera to capture those special moments. You'll get up close and have great views of the seals but do bring binoculars if you have them.
What to do if you come across seals
With so many grey seals hauling out all along the coast during pupping season, you may well come across seals and their pups while out walking.
If you do come across any seals, the most important thing is to give them plenty of space – at least 100m. Be quiet and try to be as unobtrusive as possible. If a seal is looking at you, it has been disturbed by your presence.
Dogs should be under control on a lead and quickly and quietly guided away from the area. Seals can injure themselves, or their pups, if scared into fleeing into the sea.
There is no need to be concerned if you see a seal pup on its own. In most instances this is perfectly normal, as pups are left to fend for themselves once they have been weaned (after about 2 weeks).
If you see a seal that is injured or in need of rescue, please contact the British Divers Marine Life Rescue on 01825 765546.
You might also be interested in
Seal-spotting guidance
Take a look at our guidelines for responsible seal spotting and top tips for seal watching.
Caring for grey seals on Blakeney Point
Find out about England’s largest grey seal colony, how we’ve changed the annual count due to ever-increasing numbers and why the seals call Blakeney Point home.
Seasonal dog walking restrictions
To protect the important wildlife on Blakeney Point, restrictions apply during ground-nesting bird season and seal pupping season.
Our work at Blakeney National Nature Reserve
Learn about the work the team at Blakeney National Nature Reserve carries out to preserve this special place for both wildlife and visitors, from counting seals to fence repairs.
