Exeter - RSPB Avocet Cruises on the Exe Estuary

A few years ago, you would have been lucky to spot avocets anywhere, but today - a conservation success story.

The Exe Estuary in winter is one of the best places in the UK to get great views of avocets. With their black-and-white plumage, and slender, curved bills, you can’t miss them especially a flock of up to 500 when they’re sweeping the mud to search for tasty morsels. Every winter, over 40,000 birds, including hundreds of black-tailed godwits, Brent geese and red-breasted mergansers, flock to the Exe Estuary from as far a field as Siberia and Greenland.

With expert commentary on each cruise, you'll learn something new and exciting about the Exe Estuary and its residents.

Regular Cruise Dates:

Mini Avocet Cruises of 1- 1.5 hours take place on:

Thurs 10 November 12.30 pm
Sun 13 November 1.45 pm
Sun 27 November 1.45 pm
Sun 11 December 1pm
Sun 8 January 2012 12 noon
Tues 7 February 12.30pm
Sat 25 February 2.45pm

Price: Adults £10, child (under 13 years) £4. Booking essential

Full Avocet Cruises lasting 3 – 4 hours take place on:

Sat 12 November 1.15 pm
Fri 25 November 12.30 pm
Sat 26 November 1.30 pm
Sat 10 December 12.30 pm
Sat 7 January 2012 11.15 am
Sat 21 January 11 am
Sun 22 January 12 15 pm
Sun 5 February 10.45 am
Sun 19 February 11 am
Mon 20 February 12 noon

Price: Adult £14, child (under 13 years) £7. Booking essential

The Exe Estuary can be a very cold place in winter, so please bring extra warm clothing and waterproofs.

Full cruises depart from Exmouth or Starcross. The mini cruises depart from Topsham. You are advised to check website or call to confirm times as there may be tidal variations on all cruises as all trips are tidal dependent.

Expert commentary is provided on all the cruises. The boats are partially covered and have a toilet. For more information and details of prices telephone: RSPB South West Regional Office on 01392 432691 or visit the website.

Special 30th Anniversary Cruise :
A special new photography cruise is organised to celebrate 2011 - our 30th anniversary of Avocet Cruises on the Exe Estuary! This will take place on Sunday 22 January 2012.

The photography cruise will be a lesson in how to get the most from your compact camera whilst getting some great close up views of avocets and other waders and wildfowl. Depart Topsham 12.15 pm. £25 per person. Maximum number of places: 15 Advance booking essential.

Booking Conditions:

PLEASE NOTE: In extreme weather conditions it may be necessary to cancel a cruise 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.