South Lincolnshire Local Group

SEAL AND BIRDWATCHING CRUISE PROGRAMME FOR 2024.. dates and details.

The programme of  Seal and Birdwatching Cruises will take place in 2024, aboard the Boston Belle, sailing into The Wash and River Welland, departing from and returning to Boston’s Sluice Bridge Lock PE21 9JU.

Each cruise will last approximately for five hours {dependent on tides and prevailing weather conditions on the day}.

The Wash is one of the UKs most important estuaries for wildlife. The coastline has some of the best saltmarsh and mudflats in the country supporting thousands of wildfowl and waders.

On our cruises we see these habitats from the seaward side and get up close to the birds. Most years we see over 100 species, averaging about 60 species per cruise. Sightings of waders include Plovers, Dunlin, Knot, Redshank and Godwits. In addition birds-of-prey are often seen, plus wildfowl. Harbour Seals and Deer are often seen.

Our cruises provide interest to all, from the avid birder to anyone with a genuine interest in nature. Each cruise is lead by local RSPB Volunteer guides who can help with bird identification as well as pointing out places of local interest.

Refreshments are available on board the Boston Belle {which also has a toilet}.

  Cruise dates  for 2024

BOOKING YOUR CRUISE.
This can be done in two ways.

1. Via the booking office at Blackfriars Theatre and Art Centre, Boston, PE21 6HP
   Either call in and see them in person or telephone 01205-363108.
   The Blackfriars Box Office has a non-refundable booking fee of £1 per transaction {not per person}.

If the Booking Office is closed for holidays etc, the online booking service can be used to book your cruise.

2.      via the 24 hour online booking service. If you purchase on-line there is a percentage booking fee charged
by Ticketsource {approximately 7%} . If the RSPB subsequently cancel the trip then this cost will get refunded to you along            with the ticket cost. Please copy and paste the link below into your Browser to access the Booking Site.

www.ticketsource.co.uk/blackfriars

Please note that Customers who cancel their cruise 28 days or more before the sailing date will receive a Voucher in respect of a future cruise, or an opportunity to rebook on a future cruise.
Clients who cancel within 28 days of the cruise date will not be entitled to a refund.

Prices-

RSPB Adult Member £24 {non-member £29}
RSPB Child Member £11 {non-member £14} A child is under 16.

Some further cruise information-

Please arrive at least 30 minutes before the departure time {see above}, which is governed by the tide. Weather and tide conditions may also affect the time that the boat returns to the Marina.
-the above times may vary by a few minutes due to weather and tide conditions on the day.

We are unable to wait for latecomers.

Please allow yourself plenty of time to reach the departure point {Boston Marina} as Boston’s traffic conditions can be heavy and unpredictable.

Please wear appropriate clothing for the trip. Weather conditions can be changeable during the cruise. Don’t forget your camera and binoculars {and a bit of loose change to support our onboard raffle!}.

Unfortunately the Boston Belle is not suitable for people with severe mobility issues.

The Boston Lock Café on the quayside on the quayside is open for refreshments 10am to 3pm Wednesday to Sunday {but the RSPB advise that you contact them direct or look at their website for further information}.