RSPB seabird cruises

This page is specifically about the cruises that the RSPB run using our boat. If you are interested in our own cruise which goes to the same place with a full commentary from the skipper. Please see here and scroll down to ‘2.5hr Bempton Cliffs cruise’. Our prices for these trips are just £25 adults and £12.50 for children.

The below cruises are organised and run by the RSPB Bempton Cliffs and NOT the Yorkshire Belle – contact details at the end of this page.

From April onwards the towering cliffs at Bempton, part of Yorkshire’s stunning heritage coast, come alive with almost half-a-million seabirds including the iconic puffin and the UK’s largest seabird the gannet.  The RSPB, in partnership with the Yorkshire Belle, run a series of 3-hour cruises from Bridlington harbour to Bempton Cliffs, ideal for both beginners and experienced wildlife enthusiasts alike. 

 Sailing from Bridlington Harbour with the RSPB aboard the famous MV Yorkshire Belle is a chance to get nose-to-beak with the stars of the show on an incredible wildlife adventure.

 Puffin & Gannet cruises (May to July)

 On this journey of discovery passengers will sail to Bempton’s 400-foot chalk cliffs as clouds of seabirds swoop, soar and circle above and around the boat. RSPB volunteers are on hand to identify what's what and the on-board commentary gives a unique insight into the seabird spectacle. For nature lovers of all ages, this is the stuff that memories are made of. 

 Our last 3 sailings will see puffins bobbing around on the sea rather than the cliffs, whilst gannets dive around the boat for mackerel that is thrown for them – a truly unforgettable sight as they plunge like lightning into the waves.

Diving Gannet cruises (August)

With an enormous 6-foot wingspan, the UK's largest seabird - the gannet - is a sight to behold, but to watch diving gannets is a spectacular experience.

This cruise first sails to the cliffs where gannets can be seen with their fluffy chicks on their nests. Then head out to sea to marvel at gannets diving around the boat for hand-thrown mackerel. These graceful giants dive spear-like into the water at up to 60 miles an hour. It's an amazing experience you should not miss!

It may still be possible to see puffins at sea during these cruises, as well as skuas and other migrating seabirds.  The last cruise on 24 August will also include throwing chum for migrating seabirds.  RSPB volunteers are on board every cruise, and the running commentary gives a unique insight into this seabird spectacle.

Pelagic cruise (September)

When summer turns to autumn this area can be a great place to watch multitudes of migrating seabirds. Sail out into the North Sea and look for seabirds such as shearwaters, skuas, divers, auks, gulls and terns, in addition to marine life such as porpoises and seals.

Fish bits are thrown overboard to bring the birds close to the boat, helping with good views and photographic opportunities of these often hard-to-see birds.

RSPB volunteers are on board to share their knowledge and the on-board commentary helps everyone to get the most out of their experience.

For more information, dates and to book please click on the link for all RSPB Bempton Cliffs events: https://events.rspb.org.uk/bemptoncliffs

For any other queries about RSPB cruises, please contact their cruise office on 01262 422211 or email bempton.cruises@rspb.org.uk