Guided Tour

Seal Watching Kayak Tour

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⏱ 2.5 hours

📍 Itchenor

Beginner Friendly

Single Kayak £70 Members: £49

Double Kayak £95 Members: £66.50

Private Group (Single Kayaks) £350

Private Group (Double Kayaks) £500

Members save 30% on every booking — Join from £30/month

About the Tour

A relaxing paddle to Chichester Harbour's seal colony

Join our expert coaches for a relaxing paddle through the beautiful waters of Chichester Harbour. Launching from Itchenor, we'll journey towards the resident seal colony and enjoy the chance to spot other wildlife along the way, from herons and cormorants to oystercatchers and more.

This trip is suitable for couples, families and even younger paddlers. It's a laid-back adventure, ideal for those with a little prior kayaking experience.

The Experience

Your journey to the seal colony

Setting off from Itchenor Slipway, we paddle east along the shoreline as the harbour opens up around us. The water here is sheltered and calm - perfect for settling into a rhythm. Within minutes, the noise of the road fades and all you can hear is the dip of paddles and the call of oystercatchers picking along the mudflats.

After about forty-five minutes of gentle paddling, the first grey heads start appearing in the water ahead. Chichester Harbour is home to a resident colony of common and grey seals and they're wonderfully curious. We'll drift quietly near the colony, keeping a respectful distance and spend around thirty minutes watching them bask on the sandbanks, play in the shallows and occasionally pop up right beside the kayaks for a closer look at us.

The return journey takes us on a slightly different route, passing through narrow creeks where herons stand motionless and little egrets pick through the shallows. By the time we're back at the slipway, you'll have covered around six kilometres and seen a side of Chichester Harbour that most people never experience from the shore.

Before You Go

Preparing for your trip

Meeting Point: Itchenor Slipway, PO20 7AW. Free parking nearby.
Duration: Approximately 2.5 hours including briefing
Distance: Around 6km round trip at a relaxed pace
Weather: Trips are weather dependent. We'll contact you if conditions change.
Experience: No formal experience required, but comfort around water is essential

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be able to swim?

We recommend that all participants are comfortable in water. You don't need to be a strong swimmer, but you should be confident being in or near water. Buoyancy aids are provided and worn at all times.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Our tours are weather dependent. If conditions aren't suitable, we'll contact you to offer an alternative date or location. Safety always comes first.

Is there a minimum age?

Children are welcome on this tour when accompanied by an adult. We recommend a minimum age of around 8, but please get in touch if you're unsure — it depends on the child's confidence around water.

Will we definitely see seals?

The seals are wild animals, so we can't guarantee a sighting. However, the colony is resident in Chichester Harbour and we see them on the vast majority of trips. Even without seals, the harbour wildlife is fantastic.

What if I've never kayaked before?

This tour is suitable for beginners. We provide a full briefing before we set off, and our guides are with you throughout. The harbour is sheltered and calm — ideal for first-timers.