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Explore Havergate Island

Join us on one of our extremely popular boat trips to Havergate Island.

This is a self guided trip where you are free to explore the hides and trails at your own pace. A guide will be present on the island should you prefer to stay with someone and learn more about Havergate.

After the 20 minute boat journey from Orford Quay you'll spend around 5 hours exploring this unique island in the Alde-Ore estuary before returning by boat to Orford.

You should see a variety of ducks and wading birds in autumn and winter; gulls, terns and wading birds in spring and summer; spoonbills and salt marsh flowers in summer; hares can be seen all year round.

Places on these trips are strictly limited because of the small capacity of the RSPB boat, so please book early. We have no life saving equipment for under 3 year old children on our boat and therefore can not accept bookings for this age group.

We highly recommend stout footwear, warm clothing, wet weather clothing and sun protection at all times of year.

You need to have a reasonable level of fitness for this trip because it requires getting on and off the boat and a lot of walking on uneven and sometimes muddy ground on the island.

There are no refreshments available on the island. Visitors need to bring their own food and drink for these trips. We have one public toilet on the island.

The RSPB boat 'October Storm' will depart Orford Quay at 10am and will return to Orford Quay by 3.20pm.

Please ensure you arrive at Orford in good time and leave your car at the pay-and-display car park situated close to the quay.

There are bicycle racks and public toilets at the car park.

In adverse weather conditions, the trip may be cancelled at short notice at the warden's discretion; in this case, you will get a full refund of your booking fee.


For general enquiries other than booking please contact us on havergate.island@rspb.org.uk

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