Kayaking and paddle boarding at Morston Quay

Wooden jetty and boats moored on the tidal creeks and mudflats at Morston Quay, Blakeney National Nature Reserve, Norfolk — Wooden jetty and boats moored on the tidal creeks and mudflats at Morston Quay | © National Trust Images/Robert Morris

Enjoy Norfolk’s vast open landscape and big skies as you paddle through pristine salt marshes. Find out where to get the latest harbour information, when the tide makes the harbour impassable, and why kayakers and canoeists and paddle boarders should keep their distance from the seal colony.

Launching information

Launching should be from the hard and not the slipway, as this is reserved for trailing boats.

The tide and the harbour at Morston Quay

Access to the harbour is constrained by the tide. The harbour empties at low tide and paddling back into Morston becomes impossible until the water level has risen again.

There’s also a very strong tide race around Blakeney Point. A light prevailing wind causes the sea state to become quite choppy and even rough in stronger winds against the tide.

You can find tide times and more harbour information on the Blakeney Harbour Association website and notice board.

Large flocks of geese flying over Blakeney National Nature Reserve, Norfolk — Large flocks of geese flying over Blakeney | © National Trust Images/Justin Minns

Activity in the harbour

The harbour is often very busy in the hours just before and after high tide, when lots of commercial and pleasure craft use it – due to only being able to launch in a restricted tidal window.

Kayaks, canoes and paddleboards must keep clear of manoeuvring boats.

Paddlers can be difficult to see as they sit low in the water, so for your safety, please note that there’s a speed restriction for boats inside the harbour but not past the speed limit beacon.

Sunset over Morston Quay at Blakeney National Nature Reserve, Norfolk — Sunset over Morston Quay | © National Trust Images/Justin Minns

Seal colony at Morston Quay

Please paddle responsibly and keep your distance from the seals. They’re wild animals and need their space. Seals around the harbour shouldn’t be disturbed as they may take to the water, causing their pups to drown if they follow their parents.

The best way to get close and personal to the seals on Blakeney Point is to book a trip on one of the locally operated boat trips departing from Morston Quay.