Seal watching

Part of the Harwich Harbour Ferry business, this service gives passengers a chance to get up close to the thriving seal population of the Walton Backwaters and the Hamford Water Nature Reserve.

This is an area of tidal creeks, mudflats, islands, salt marshes and marsh grasslands, viewed best by boat. It’s a popular place among yacht and motorboat owners, who enjoy a night or two at anchor with only the local wildlife for company.

Up to 250 seals have taken up residence here – it’s a healthy breeding population that has risen from only five in 1986. The colony of both harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) and grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) are an unusual russet colour for much of the year due to the iron oxide-rich mud on which they rest. It is also an internationally important breeding ground for Little Terns, a wintering ground for dark-bellied Brent Geese, wildfowl and waders, and communities of coastal plants which are rare in Britain.

A seal watching trip lasts for 90-120 minutes, and sightings are guaranteed – if you don’t see seals close up, you get a free trip! The boat runs all year round and in all but the most severe weather conditions. “The seals love rain, wind, sun and clouds and we love it too,” says the website!