Seal Safari

After arriving at our harbour hut you will be shown aboard our beautiful vintage lifeboat “The Chieftain” to join our cruise across the bay during which we will be happy to explain the history of our boat and the coast around us or you can just relax and enjoy the tranquillity of the journey.

Once we arrive at the seal colony sandbank you will have plenty of time to take as many photos as you wish. From July onwards you will hopefully get to see some of their newly born pups on the sandbank and in the water. We will get close enough to see the seals and their pups however we always ensure that our presence does not disturb them.

Our return journey will take us closer to the Whitstable shoreline for a chance to see this historic town from the sea.

People always ask if we will be guaranteed to see the seals however as with any wild animals in their natural habitat it cannot be certain. Up to now we have yet to have a trip where we haven’t seen them.

Price

Adults – £35

Children five and under –  £12

Whole boat charter (up to twelve passengers) – £350

For younger children we ask parents/guardians to consider whether a trip of this length without facilities or shelter onboard would be suitable. Please feel free to contact us to discuss further.

To book either come along to our hut in Whitstable Harbour or get in touch through our Contact Us page.

Once again we have to thank all the crew at Iron Wharf Boatyard for their hard work getting Chieftain out of the water and in to her winter shelter. This isn’t straightforward and involves craning out of the water on to a special trailer, moving her to our shelter where she is then craned on to a small carriage the yard put together this summer for us before she is pushed inside. All done with great care and patience. Now the maintenance begins. Thanks all. ... See MoreSee Less
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And that’s a wrap for the 2026 season. We’ve finished earlier than usual this year due to essential engineering works at the harbour.We’ve had a great time once again meeting lots of passengers old and new. We have hosted an engagement and an Indian festival celebration . Chieftain and her crew carried out two rescues (the same fisherman two weeks apart) which continued the retired Lifeboats record of helping those in trouble at sea and had lots of other interesting days out on the water.We would like to thank everyone who has helped and supported us this year and all those who chose to spend some time out on the water with us. We look forward to doing it all again next year after a well earned rest. ... See MoreSee Less
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Thought we would share the latest two fantastic pictures of "The Chieftain" taken by our friend Simon at Skyfairy with one of his drones. Tomorrow (Tuesday) is the last chance this year to take one of our trips around the bay before we close early due to engineering works at the harbour. Our ticket hut will be open from 11.00 with trips running from 12.00. ... See MoreSee Less
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