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 three hour cruise first sails to the cliffs where gannets can be seen with their fluffy chicks on their nests. We 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.
RSPB volunteers are on board and the running commentary gives a unique insight into the seabird spectacle.
The beautiful Yorkshire Belle is the last of the great pleasure cruisers. She has indoor and outdoor seating, toilet facilities, and drinks and snacks are available from the bar.
Our last sailing on 24 August will also include throwing chum overboard to attract migrant (and other) seabirds to fly in close to the boat.
Suitable for adults and families and, to make your experience more exclusive and comfortable, we will be sailing with fewer passengers on board than pre-Covid.
Early booking is essential as these cruises do sell out very quickly.
· All tickets are non-refundable unless the skipper has to cancel due to rough sea conditions in which case refunds will automatically be given.
· Tickets can be transferred to a different date within the same cruise group if tickets are still available.
· Accessibility - please check the Yorkshire Belle website here for assistance and boarding information as there are unfortunately restrictions based on mobility.
· Bring suitable outdoor/waterproof clothing as it is often cold out at sea.
· Sorry - no dogs (except accessible), tripods, telescopes or smoking on board.
· Children aged 2 and under sail free, but please notify us on 01262 422211 so we can add them to our passenger list.
. All guidelines to avoid recreational disturbance to wildlife will be respected throughout this cruise.
· This amazing wildlife spectacle occurs in the North Sea so please think carefully before booking if you suffer from seasickness.
Why not check out our other seabird cruises:
Puffin & Gannet cruises sail from early May to end July, the last three of which also include diving gannets. Get nose-to-beak with up to half a million seabirds nesting on the cliffs at the height of the breeding season.
A Pelagic cruise sails in September, searching for migrating seabirds as they fly south for the winter.
For any other enquiries please contact the RSPB cruise office on 01262 422211 or email bempton.cruises@rspb.org.uk
Image: Diving gannets by Andrew Locking