Part of the Sussex Bay programme
For exact timings, and to book, click here
Adults - £15
Children - £5
Chichester Harbour is nationally and internationally important as a site for coastal birds. As a large tidal estuary Chichester Harbour offers a range of habitats including freshwater, woodlands, reedbeds, lagoons, wet grassland and arable farmland. This special trip is a family-friendly introduction to bird-watching and allows a unique opportunity to visit some of these habitats and spot our wonderful birds from the water. Our friends from Bird Aware Solent, will be on board all to point out species, tell you more about them and answer all your questions. Information and activities will be provided.
Our boat, Solar Heritage, is open-sided with superb panoramic harbour views and virtually-silently glides through the water offering the perfect way to observe the birds with minimal disturbance. This hour-long trip is appropriate for children of all ages.
Points to note:
-Binoculars are available to borrow but we recommend bringing your own, if you have them, as there may not be enough to go around if the boat is full.
-Dress very warmly with layers, coats and hats/gloves – it is always colder on the water. You may wish to bring a cushion to sit on and a blanket. You are welcome to bring your own food/refreshments if you wish, we just ask for no glass drinking glasses please in case of breakages.
-The boat is fitted with a passenger lift and is wheelchair-accessible. If you require the use of the lift please select the appropriate ticket when booking or contact the harbour office on 01243 512301 or by emailing activities@conservancy.co.uk (monitored during office hours, Monday-Friday 9am-4.30pm excluding bank holidays). The wheelchair lift platform measures 120cm x 80cm with a maximum weight limit of 300kg. Please see our FAQs on the website for pictures and more information: https://boattripschichesterharbour.co.uk/frequently-asked-questions/
-There is a small toilet on board (apologies this is not wheelchair accessible).
-Lifejackets are available. They are not required to be worn as standard but you can if you wish-please ask your crew member on board.
-Sorry, no dogs except assistance dogs on our dedicated bird and seal trips. We offer dog-friendly- sailings on our general harbour discovery tours which run April to September.
Meeting Instructions
This trip will depart from the jetty at Itchenor, PO20 7AW. The waiting point is at the raised viewing platform near the benches outside the Harbour Office. Please only wait on the raised viewing platform and not on the road area/jetty for your own safety. Please ensure your full party are ready at the meeting point fifteen minutes before the departure time as your crew member will come up to meet you then to lead you to the boat to start boarding. Please note it is a five minute walk from the car park to the waiting area. If you are bringing someone with mobility difficuties, please feel free to drop them at the waiting area outside the harbour office and then go back to park (for blue badge holders see 'parking' above). Please ensure everyone in your party is present, this is a scheduled trip and needs to depart at the scheduled time. We are unfortunately unable to wait for passengers who have not arrived by the departure time. Please check the traffic before you leave and allow plenty of time for travel and parking, the car park can get busy during peak times.
For further information and answers to frequently asked questions, please see our website: www.boattripschichesterharbour.co.uk
Itchenor Jetty, Itchenor Jetty, Itchenor, PO20 7AW
Where it's happening:
Itchenor Jetty