Experience the wonderful seals and natural beauty of Chichester Harbour on the eco-friendly solar-powered boat, Solar Heritage.About this Event
A trip aboard offers a quiet and peaceful way to enjoy the harbour and the perfect way to observe the special seals in their natural habitat.
Chichester Harbour Conservancy are hosting this special trip for Sussex Wildlife Trust. Seal expert, and Sussex Wildlife Trust volunteer, John Arnott will be on board to provide commentary as you travel and answer any questions you may have. SWT Marine Conservation Officer, Sarah Ward, will also be available to chat about the work happening to protect our precious marine environment.
The boat is open-sided with superb views of the seals and beautiful panoramic harbour views. There is a large, stable deck and freedom to move around once the trip is underway. This trip is up to three hours duration. We ask for passengers to remain quiet and still while observing the seals and avoid any sudden noises or movements so all can enjoy these wonderful creatures in their natural habitat
Meeting Instructions
This trip departs from the jetty at Itchenor, PO20 7AW.
Meet on the raised viewing platform outside the Harbour Office, 15 minutes before the departure time (note, it is a 5 minute walk from the car park).
For safety reasons avoid waiting on the road area or jetty.
The crew will meet you on the viewing platform and escort you to the boat for boarding.
The trip will depart at the scheduled time, we are unable to wait for passengers who have not arrived by the scheduled departure time. Check the traffic before you leave and allow plenty of time for travel and parking, the car park can get busy during peak times.
Age: 18+
Accessibility
- 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 [email protected]
- 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/
- Free parking for Blue Badge holders is available on the Street (3hr limit). Due to the length of the trip, if you require support with accessible parking, please contact the Harbour Office in advance - [email protected], 01243 512301. (Mon-Fri, 9-4.30pm)
- Please note, all vehicles are required to pay in the car park as it has Automatic Number Plate Recognition.
- There is an accessible toilet located by the Harbour Office in Itchenor. The onboard toilet is not wheelchair accessible.
Parking
There is no public transport direct to Itchenor.
Parking is available in the Itchenor public car park - PO20 7AE. what3words: parkway.mountain.plugs
Pay on exit via card/contactless at the machine in the centre of the car park (alternatively, parking can be paid for up to 48 hours after departure via our website www.conservancy.co.uk) - see further details on the signs in the car park.
Points to Note
- Binoculars are available to borrow on board.
- Dress warmly with layers – it is always cooler on the water.
- You are welcome to bring your own food/refreshments. No glass drinking glasses please in case of breakages.
- Where possible, hot drinks and biscuits will be available to purchase for a donation to the 'Get Afloat' fund (cash/QR code /card). All profits fund free boat trips for schools and charities. Please note, allergens including wheat and dairy may be present.
- There is a small toilet on board (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.
- No dogs are permitted on our seal safaris.
For further information and answers to frequently asked questions, please see our website: www.boattripschichesterharbour.co.uk.
Cancellation information
Outdoor events and boat trips are weather-dependent (winds above safe operational levels, heavy rain, poor visibility).
If you have booked, we will inform you by email in good time if a trip needs to be cancelled. You will receive a full refund.
Please ensure you include your email address during booking and check your emails the night before and before leaving home in case of cancellations.
On occasion we may need to cancel trips if there are insufficient bookings.
Please read our terms and conditions before booking: Course and Event bookings terms and conditions - Sussex Wildlife Trust
We look forward to welcoming you aboard!
Photo: Seals at Chichester Harbour © Colin Leaves
Event venue
PO20 7AW, The Jetty, Chichester, United Kingdom