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UK / East / Essex

Seal Watching Harwich

The Pier, The Quay Hapny, Harwich CO12 3HH.

Departing from Harwich this is a truly wonderful 120 minute trip. So far every single trip has seen lots of seals but if you don’t see seals close up you get a free trip!

There are currently up to 250 seals in the Walton backwaters, a healthy breeding population which has risen from only 5 in 1986.

We take you through the backwaters to Oakley creek, known as Hamford Water Nature Reserve, where the seals enjoy resting on the mudbanks.

One of our boats is an open vessel and one has a cover. Unfortunately both are not disability friendly, we are sorry for any inconvenience caused. Our boats have capacity for up to 45 passengers.

Dogs are only allowed on Private hire trips, not on public trips.

In addition to seals, a variety of birds can be spotted including the Wigeon, Pintail, Ringed Plover, Curlew, Dunlincan, Sandpipers, Gannets and Arctic Skuas.

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Opening Times

Open all year round

Please book in advance on the website.

Prices

Summer season (April - October)

Adult

£26.40

Child (6 - 16 years)

£20.90

Child (1 - 5 years)

£15.40

Babies (under 1 year)

FREE

Winter season (November - March)

Adult

£26.40

Child (6 - 16 years)

£26.40

Private Hire - All year around

1 - 12 passengers

£264.00

13 - 15 passengers

£330.00

16 - 20 passengers

£440.00

21 - 25 passengers

£550.00

26 - 30 passengers

£660.00

31 - 40 passengers

£770.00

Summer season only.

 

Please book in advance via email.

Facilities

Toilets

Other things to do nearby

19th Jul - 2nd Sep

Summer Circus at Old MacDonald’s Farm

A magical Family Fun experience to delight all ages from the Circus Of Dreams Performers.

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12th Oct 10:00am - 5:00pm

Peppa & George Pig at Old MacDonald’s Farm

Join Peppa and George in our event area on 12th October 2025.

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5th Oct 10:00am - 5:00pm

Grandparents Day at Old MacDonald’s Farm

Come and meet our farm animals and attractions at Old MacDonalds Farm on 5th October 2025.

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6th Sep 10:00am - 5:00pm

Bluey & Bingo at Old MacDonald’s Farm

Come and join Bluey & Bingo at Old MacDonald’s Farm.

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24th May - 1st Jun

Magical Mayhem at Old MacDonald’s Farm

Come and join the ridiculous Goings On throughout the farm!

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5th May 10:00am - 5:00pm

Punch & Judy Show at Old MacDonald’s Farm

Join us for a magical puppet show for kids and families to enjoy.

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