Come and enjoy our popular RSPB birdwatching cruises along the stunning Exe Estuary in Devon. Cruises are tide dependent so the boat can't wait for late arrivals. Both our standard and Dawn cruises (see info below for Dawn cruises) last approx 1.5 hours with the Dawn cruises then finishing with breakfast at Passage House Inn, Topsham. These cruises are renowned for the variety of birds you’ll get close-up views of - including the stylish avocets.

Throughout the cruise, expert commentary is provided by knowledgeable RSPB volunteers who will keep a close eye out and help you spot the various species of waders and wildfowl that either flock to the Exe to overwinter, or call the Exe their home.

The avocets have never failed to put on a show since our Avocet Cruises started in the late 1980s. They normally congregate between the Turf Inn and Topsham. Because the estuary narrows here, you can get incredibly close to these wonderful two-tone birds, which are the unmistakeable emblem of the RSPB.

Black-tailed godwits are another spectacle on the Exe - these elegant visitors from Iceland are usually seen in a flock. There's just something about these birds that brightens up a day.

The Exe Estuary is a special place and is internationally protected for wildlife, including the thousands of birds that flock here in the autumn and winter. The RSPB is working with partners to protect the Exe for wildlife and the local community.

The money from these cruises is directly helping to save nature on the Exe and in the South West- Thank you for helping to give nature a home.

Booking essential.

These cruises sell out quickly as there are only 40 spaces available per sailing.

Cruise dates and departure times from Trout's Boatyard, Topsham

Note: Prompt departure due to tide constraints - this means ALL sailings must depart on time.

Cost for Standard Cruises:
•    Adult RSPB member - £15.50
•    Adult non-member - £18.50
•    Child RSPB Member - £8.50
•    Child Non-member - £10.50

Plesae copy this URL to your browser for full details about our Dawn Cruises: https://rspbavocetdawncruises2019.eventbrite.co.uk 
 
Additional information:

•     When booking please provide a valid phone number and e-mail as your booking confirmation will be sent via e-mail. We need a valid phone number (landline and mobile) in case we need to get hold of you urgently to update you with changes/cancellation. Thank you for your co-operation.

•    Our data protection statement is at the bottom of this section and within the booking process.

•     All tickets are non-refundable unless the cruise has been cancelled due to extreme weather (sometimes cancelling on the day of departure). All bookings are accepted on this basis. In the event of such a cancellation, a full refund of the ticket price will be made, or the booking transferred to an alternative sailing by mutual agreement. Although every effort will be made to sail, the final decision will remain with the skipper of the boat. A recorded message detailing latest sailing and weather information will be available prior to every cruise on 01392 453770.

•    We suggest that you bring extra warm clothing (windproof) and waterproofs - the Exe Estuary can be a very cold place in winter!

•    There are no refreshments facilities on board. Our cruises utilise the Topsham to Turf ferry with a maximum of 40-seated people. The seats are around the perimeter of the boat and some people like to sit in the middle, on the ‘lockers’. On this boat, as there is very little room for movement, there are no facilities for refreshments due to health and safety concerns.

•    There is no toilet for public use on board. There are public toilets on The Quay (There is a toilet for the skipper’s use but it doesn’t meet health and safety requirements for the general public.).

•    Dogs are not permitted on board, apart from Guide Dogs and Hearing Dogs.

•    Disabled access. Access from the jetty to/from the boat can present difficulties. Our boat owner/skipper welcomes passengers with restricted mobility but the safety of all our passengers is of paramount importance. Therefore, a degree of mobility (assisted if necessary) is required when boarding or moving around the boat. Wheelchair users must be accompanied by someone who can assist them in the event of an emergency. Please contact us on 01392 432691 before booking if anyone within your party has a condition that could make boarding or moving around the boat difficult. We can then seek specific advice from the skipper.

•    These cruises are not suitable for children under 8. All children (8 and over) must be accompanied by a responsible adult

•    Directions. Trout's Boatyard is on the Exe and is situated between Topsham's Lighter Inn on The Quay and St Margaret's Church steps. Full directions are provided in your confirmation e-mail.

•    Parking: There is extremely limited street parking in Topsham. There are pay and display car parks but as Topsham is a quaint village and popular destination these often fill up very quickly. It can then take considerable time to find suitable parking. Please allow time for all eventualities so that your walk from your car to Trout's Boatyard has you there at least 15 minutes before the boat sails. The skipper cannot delay the sailing for even five minutes as this would increase his risk of getting stuck in the mud at some point.


 For group bookings (parties with 8 or more people) or any other enquiries, please contact us on 01392 432691 Monday - Friday, 9am- 3pm. (A/phone after 3pm)

IMPORTANT: We respect your privacy and will not sell your personal data to any third party.  

Any personal data you provide here is collected and used only for the purposes of booking this event. Your details will only be used by this event's RSPB co-ordinator and will not be shared with anyone else.

 Image: Avocet by Andy Hay (rspb-images.com)