A morning with the harbour's birdlife
Chichester Harbour is one of the UK's most important sites for coastal birds and there's no better way to experience it than from the water. Our Birdwatch Paddle is a small-group guided kayak tour for people who want to slow down, paddle quietly and spend a morning in close company with the harbour's birdlife. Suitable for beginners with a little patience.
Your journey through the harbour
We launch from Itchenor on a falling tide, using the current to drift gently south as the harbour wakes up around you. Mornings here are special - the water is calm, the light is low and golden and the boat traffic that fills the afternoon hasn't yet appeared. Within ten minutes you'll have settled into a rhythm and the birds will start to show themselves. Terns hunting the shallows. Little egrets stalking the mud edges. Oystercatchers piping along the shoreline.
The route is shaped by where the wildlife is at this time of year. Summer brings breeding waders, gulls and terns to the harbour's shingle islands and spits and the falling tide exposes the feeding mudflats that the birds work busily for the few hours either side of low water. We'll drift, watch and marvel at the wonders of nature.
Around the halfway mark we land for a short break in a sheltered spot only reachable by water at the right state of tide - a chance to stretch, take in the surroundings and spend a quiet half hour on the bank with binoculars before the rising tide carries us back to Itchenor.
Total distance is around 8-9km over 2.5 hours. No prior kayaking experience is needed. We'll cover the basics before we set off and your guide will be with you throughout. What we ask is that you're comfortable around water and happy to paddle at the unhurried pace this trip calls for.
Preparing for your trip
- Meeting Point: Itchenor Slipway, PO20 7AW. Free parking nearby.
- Duration: Approximately 2.5 hours including briefing
- Tour Time: 09:00 - 11:30
- Group Size: Small groups (maximum 6 boats)
- Weather: Trips are weather and tide dependent. We'll contact you in advance if conditions change.
- Experience: No formal experience needed. Comfort around water is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Will we definitely see birds?
Chichester Harbour is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, a Special Protection Area and a Ramsar site, designated specifically for its bird populations. You will see birds. Exactly which species depends on the day, the tide and the season, but a typical summer morning will include terns, egrets, gulls, oystercatchers and a range of other waders, with the chance of less common sightings depending on what's around.
Do I need to know anything about birds?
Not at all. Your guide will help you spot and identify what you're seeing, although please note we not bird experts. We will have laminated ID cards on board to assist you. Keen birders are very welcome too - bring your own binoculars and we'll happily share what we know about local sites and recent sightings.
Are binoculars provided?
We have binoculars available to borrow on each trip, but please feel free to bring your own if you have some.
What should I wear and bring?
Comfortable clothing you don't mind getting slightly damp. Layers work best - mornings can be cool on the water even in summer. Trainers or water shoes are ideal. Bring sun protection, a hat, water and your own binoculars if you have a pair.
Is this suitable for children?
We recommend a minimum age of 12 for this tour. The pace is quiet and observational, which suits older children and adults better than younger paddlers. For families with younger children, our standard Chichester Harbour Tour or Seal Watching tour may be a better fit.
What if the weather is bad?
We'll contact you in advance if conditions aren't suitable and offer an alternative date or a refund.
At a Glance
What to Bring
- Towel
- Complete change of clothes
- Camera and snacks, if required
Practical Details
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Season: Year-round
Important Info
- Location: Itchenor
- Difficulty: Beginner Friendly
Gallery
What People Say
“The beautiful scenery and the back support on the kayaks for someone with posture issues it made all the difference”
“Going a place never been before. Upstream from Pulbrough”
“Getting out into the water again after two years absence - absolute joy ! Not having to transport the kayak on our car or store the kayak at home. Perfect easy entry to the kayak from the beach.”
Book Your Tour
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