Explore the Coastline at Wells on a Harbour Boat Tour
The North Norfolk coastline is like no other and has an abundance of sights for those who are lovers of the great outdoors. The coastal towns are teeming with unforgettable attractions waiting to be discovered, from picturesque beaches to quaint quays and harbours. For the outdoor enthusiast, one of the best ways to take in the delights of the local area is on relaxing boat trips North Norfolk visitors swear by.
Nick Groom, 61, from Wells-next-the-Sea, has been running Wells Harbour Tours for four years. After he retired, he was able to provide the service that the Harbour Master had wanted in the town for some time.
“We offer boat trips around Wells harbour and the salt marsh aboard the Wells Ferry. A boat trip adds a different dimension to sightseeing around the area and offers the opportunity to experience places not normally accessible.”
Wells Harbour Tours
Nick is the perfect guide for Wells Harbour Tours as he has an extensive knowledge of the local area. He works hard to ensure his customers have an enjoyable experience by tailoring each boat trip to suit those on board.
“We try to give our customers an experience that they will look back on long after they have returned home. We provide plenty of information on local topics with tales from the past, things we see as we go along, local characters and history. There’s something for everyone; from excitement, as we punch through the swell along the beach to peace during the drift through the marsh.”
A whole host of wildlife can be seen on the Wells harbour sightseeing tours. Many of Nick’s customers have even been lucky enough to glimpse some of the most elusive species.
“We regularly have seals in the harbour. There’s also an abundance of birdlife including egrets, tern, curlew and oystercatcher. There have also been sightings of spoonbill and even kingfishers.”
Sightseeing Boat Tours to the Beach or Marshes
Wells Harbour Tours offers two different types of sightseeing trips, covering the beach area and the marshes. Both tours provide an excellent way to experience the beautiful flora and fauna of the local area.
“For the beach tour, we head down to the outer harbour then along the beach and out towards the sea. There’s boating traffic and birdlife to see and a different view of the beach. We return along the marsh side of the harbour past the east hills, with a view of the quayside from the water.
“During the marsh tour, we start off along the quay and turn off into the marsh. We wind our way through the creeks experiencing all the salt marsh has to offer. Depending on the time of year, the sea lavender may be blooming, the smell of the wormwood could be in the air, or the samphire ground might be evident. We then return to the harbour through the east end to see the working end of the port.”
Seal trips and Wildlife Encounters
One of the highlights of boat trips in North Norfolk is the chance to see the region’s incredible wildlife. Seals are regularly spotted around Wells Harbour, delighting visitors of all ages with their curious nature and playful antics. While sightings can never be guaranteed, they are a common sight throughout the year and add an extra touch of magic to the experience.
The harbour and surrounding salt marshes are also home to a variety of bird species. Egrets, oystercatchers, curlews and terns are frequently seen, while lucky visitors may even catch sight of spoonbills or kingfishers. The ever-changing landscape and abundance of wildlife make every journey unique.
For those keen to experience North Norfolk’s natural beauty from a different perspective, a harbour cruise offers a relaxing and memorable way to enjoy the coast with family and friends.
Types of Harbour Tours Available
Wells Harbour Tours offers several ways to experience the beauty of Wells-next-the-Sea.
Beach tour
The popular beach tour takes passengers along the outer harbour and coastline. This provides wonderful views of the beach, boating activity and surrounding scenery.
Marsh tour
The marsh tour explores the winding creeks and salt marshes that make this stretch of coastline so special. Depending on the season, visitors may see flowering sea lavender, samphire beds and an abundance of birdlife.
Mini cruises and private charters
For those short on time, mini cruises provide a condensed introduction to the harbour, while sunset cruises offer the chance to enjoy North Norfolk’s spectacular evening skies from the water. Private charters are also available, making a harbour tour a wonderful option for celebrations, family gatherings or special occasions.
A Happy Customer’s Perspective
Ben Milner, 47, from Gorleston-on-Sea, visits North Norfolk with his wife regularly to soak up the beautiful scenery. Ben loves to spend time exploring everything the North Norfolk coastline has to offer.
On Ben’s most recent trip to the area with his wife, he came across an advert for Wells Harbour Tours while on a day out.
“We both enjoy boat trips, and I thought it would be good to find out a bit more about Wells. We were given descriptions of where we were, how the creeks all connected and information on the history of Wells.
“The boatman was great – very knowledgeable, funny and happy to answer questions. The trip was organised very well; the boat left on time and arrived back on time.
“We would like to go again. We went on the marsh trip, but I would like to go on the beach trip as well. I would recommend Wells Harbour Tours to others, and I have done so already.”
Prices and Further Information
The sightseeing tours depart daily on the tide from the main pontoon outside Wells Harbour Office, and they last approximately 60 minutes. Specific departure times are on the notice boards on the quayside. Tours operate from April through to October.
Customers can turn up and will usually get a seat. However, booking is recommended to guarantee a place, especially for larger groups.
There are two sightseeing routes to choose from, to discover either the beach or marshes. The tours are a fantastic opportunity to view the local area from a different perspective and to catch a glimpse of the birds and other wildlife.
Wells Harbour Tours also offer a mini cruise, which lasts 30 minutes and includes a tour of the main harbour with a short view of the marsh. There’s also a 30-minute sunset cruise and trips that land on the east hills for a walk along the foreshore.
For bookings and enquiries visit the Wells Harbour Tours website.
Departure Information and Booking Advice
Tours depart from the main pontoon outside Wells Harbour Office and generally operate daily from April to October, with sailing times dictated by the tides. Most standard trips last approximately 60 minutes, although shorter mini cruises and special excursions are also available.
Departure times are displayed on the notice boards along the quayside. While visitors can often simply turn up and secure a seat, booking ahead is recommended during school holidays and busy summer periods to avoid disappointment.
Arriving a little early gives passengers time to soak up the atmosphere around Wells Harbour and ensures a relaxed start to the trip. Comfortable clothing and a camera are highly recommended, as there are plenty of opportunities to capture memorable views and wildlife sightings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most sightseeing tours last around 60 minutes, although shorter mini cruises and other special excursions are available.
Seals are regularly spotted in and around Wells Harbour. In addition to seals, visitors may also encounter a wide variety of coastal birds and other wildlife.
Booking is recommended, especially during the summer months and for larger groups. However, visitors can often turn up on the day and obtain a seat if availability allows.
Are the tours suitable for children?
Yes. The gentle pace and opportunities to spot wildlife make Wells Harbour Tours a popular activity for families. Children often enjoy seeing seals and learning more about the local area.
When do the tours operate?
Boat trips in North Norfolk typically run from April to October, with departure times depending on the tides. Information is available at the harbour and through Wells Harbour Tours.
Location
Wells Harbour Tours is a 20-minute car ride from The Blakeney Cottage Company HQ. There’s also a regular Coast Hopper bus service that runs between Blakeney and Wells.
Experience the Beauty of North Norfolk via Boat Trips
A trip with Wells Harbour Tours offers a unique way to experience the beauty of North Norfolk. From peaceful journeys through the marshes to scenic cruises along the beach, there’s plenty to enjoy both on and off the water. Add in the possibility of spotting seals and birdlife, and it’s easy to see why these tours remain a favourite with visitors to Wells-next-the-Sea.
After a day spent exploring the coast, return to the comfort of a holiday cottage with The Blakeney Cottage Company. Our handpicked self-catering properties place you within easy reach of Wells and many of North Norfolk’s most popular attractions. Browse our collection and book your stay today to make the most of your coastal escape.