Merry Mince pies and Birds in the Skies! Boat trip on Solar Heritage (departing Itchenor)

We invite you join us for this special festive boat trip to enjoy the natural winter delights of Chichester Harbour with a warming mulled wine and festive mince pie! (Alternatives available). Our boat trips continue all year round with birds being the star of the show in winter as tens of thousands of them arrive to spend their winter months here. Our nature cruises on our solar-powered boat offer the perfect way to discover the hidden delights of the harbour and discover the unique coastal habitats it has to offer. The boat virtually-silently glides through the water allowing passengers a quiet and peaceful way to observe our special over-wintering birds with minimal disturbance.

Join us for this special trip, timed to coincide with the low tide, to observe wading birds and wildfowl congregating on the mudflats and saltmarsh to refuel as the water recedes and a rich store of food is exposed. Glide almost silently through the landscape, watching beautiful birds feed, rest and take flight in their natural habitats and enjoy a festive drink and snack yourself as you go. A local bird guide will be on board all trips to share key facts and point out internationally protected species. The boat is open-sided with superb panoramic harbour views providing a wonderful way to observe the wildlife with minmal disturbance and for you to connect with nature and reap the wellbeing benefits of being in this beautiful harbour landscape. 

There is a large, stable deck and freedom to move around once the trip is underway. Sorry no dogs except assistance dogs.

These trips are suitable both for experienced bird-watchers and those eager to know more. 

This trip is up to 1.5 hours duration. 

Keep watch for other wildlife too both in the water and on the shoreline: seals and even dolphins have occasionally been spotted in Itchenor Reach, although sightings can’t be guaranteed. If seeing seals is your priority, we recommend booking one of our 'Seal Safaris', a 3-hour trip travelling to the seal haul sites around the harbour. These run April to July and Mid-Sept until October.

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 carpark).
• 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. Check the traffic before you leave and allow plenty of time for travel and parking. The car park can get busy during peak times.

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 the harbour office on 01243 512301 or by emailing [email protected] (monitored during office hours, Monday-Friday 9am-4.30pm excluding bank holidays).
• 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. 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.
• Please note it is a 175m (200yd) walk to the boat from the meeting point/closest drop off point and a further 350m (380yd) walk from the car park to the meeting point. 

Travel 

• 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.
• Sorry no dogs except assistance dogs. We offer dog-friendly- sailings on our general harbour discovery tours which run April to September.
• 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.
• There is a small toilet on board (apologies 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.
• Please note that the following allergens may be present: wheat, dairy. There will be no known products containing nuts but we cannot guarantee that food is allergen free. Oat milk alternatives are offered. 

Cancellation Information  

• Outdoor events and boat trips are weather-dependent (winds above safe operational levels, heavy rain, poor visibility).
• If you have booked, we endeavour to 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 (including spam/junk) the night before and before leaving home in case of cancellations. We encourage you to also check the boat trip listing on www.boattripschichesterharbour.co.uk to ensure that the event is still going ahead before you travel.
• On occasion we may need to cancel trips if there are insufficient bookings.
• On-the-day tickets are available if there are spaces (pay on board cash or card).

 For further information and answers to frequently asked questions, please see our website: www.boattripschichesterharbour.co.uk.

We look forward to welcoming you aboard!