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.
Blakeney Point is home to England's largest grey seal colony and seal pupping season is a breathtaking wildlife spectacle.
Between April and mid-August it is not possible to reach the seal colony on foot, as restrictions are in place to prevent disturbance to breeding tern colonies. The only way to view Blakeney Point’s seal colony at this time of year is by joining one of the seal boat trips from Morston Quay.
Blakeney Point is home to England's largest grey seal colony with around 4,500 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 (see below for list of boat operators).
It’s recommended you book ahead to ensure your place on the boats.
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Duncan Halpin, Norfolk Coast Ranger, explains how Blakeney Point has become home to the UK's largest grey seal colony and what to expect during the pupping season, from end-October to mid-January.
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 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 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.
John Bean Boat Trips has over 80 years of experience sailing at Blakeney Point. They are family run, dog-friendly, and offer entertaining and educational commentary for families, stag & hen parties and TV & media crews.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Find out how to get to Blakeney National Nature Reserve, where to park, things to see and do and more.
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.
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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.
Discover how the wreckage of a Second World War German plane was unearthed at Blakeney Point.
Take a look at our guidelines for responsible seal spotting and top tips for seal watching.