Cruise the secret waterways of our wetlands with an expert guide.
A Wetlands Discovery Boat Safari is the perfect way to get a dragonfly’s eye view of our meandering waterways, peaceful water meadows and tranquil reed beds. As your electric boat zips silently over the water, your guide will help you spot wildlife like kingfishers, reed warblers and fish– along with native plants such as sedges and bulrushes.
No boating experience is needed to take part. With an expert guide at the helm, all you need to do is sit back, enjoy the ride and discover fascinating facts about the plants and animals that live here.
A fun group activity for nature lovers of all ages, a guided boat tour gives you the chance to see hidden wildlife up close, immerse yourself in the calming beauty of wetlands, and see the wonders of nature from a whole new angle.
When can I go on a boat tour at WWT Arundel?
The Wetland Discovery Boat Safari tours run every day in the spring summer and autumn when the wetland centre is open. In December and January the boats only run on weekends, except for the Christmas Holidays when there are boats running each day. We are open 7 days a week, 364 days a year. Find out more about our opening times.
Cost: £3 per person. Boat safari tickets are available on the day of your visit at our admissions desk.
February to November:
Weekends from 10:30am - 3:30pm
Weekdays from 11am - 3:30pm
October and February half term from 10:30am - 3:45pm
December and January:
Weekends and school holidays (20 Dec - 4 Jan) from 10:30am - 3:30pm
Closed all other weekdays
Ready to visit?
Boat safaris cannot be booked in advance, however, you can save time by booking your admission tickets online. You'll also be supporting our vital wetland conservation work.
No, you won’t drive the boat yourself. All our Wetland Discovery Boat Safari tours are led by an experienced guide who operates the electric boat for you. Your guide will also point out wildlife and help you identify a range of wetland animals and plants – making your experience both relaxing and informative.
Each boat seats between 6 - 8 people for the 20-minute trip.
No, our guided boat tours require a small additional charge of £3.00 per person. You can buy boat tour tickets at the admission desk on the day of your visit. Currently, you cannot pre-book the boat trips.
Children aged 7 years and under must wear a life jacket in the boat, which we will give you. You’ll receive a safety briefing once you are seated in the boat.
Our boat tours usually take around 20 minutes. This gives you plenty of time to:
Explore the wetland’s waterways and discover a range of wildlife habitats
See birds, fish and aquatic plants up close
Learn interesting facts about wetland wildlife from your expert guide
It’s the perfect amount of time for both adults and children to sit back, relax and enjoy the spectacular scenery and wildlife-spotting opportunities with the help of your guide.
You can discover all kinds of wildlife on a guided boat tour at WWT Arundel. During the summer, you might spot:
Ducks
Swans
Dragonflies
Damselflies
Kingfishers
Fish - roach and rudd
Peregrines
Buzzards
Red kites
Our waterways are home to so much wildlife that changes with the seasons, so you’ll see something different on every tour.
No, you can expect to stay dry during your guided boat tour. Occasionally, a small amount of water may collect in the bottom of the boat:
Our boats are very stable
Our boats move slowly over calm water, minimising spray or splashes
Our experienced guides steer carefully to avoid any sudden movements that might cause water to enter the boat
You will stay dry providing you take reasonable care and dress for the weather.
The Wetlands Discovery Boat Safari tours run rain or shine but may be cancelled during high winds. In the winter, boat tours may be cancelled due to icy conditions. If a boat tour is cancelled by us, you will be refunded at the admission desk.
The Wetland Discovery Safari Boats are wheelchair accessible. The boats seat six - eight persons, or 2 wheelchairs per trip with four visitors, on each tour.
The boats can accommodate manual wheelchairs only, with a wheelbase of 66cm or less and a maximum chair width of 80 cm. If in doubt our Admissions Team can check your chair’s dimensions.
For a complete Access Guide to the Wetlands Discovery Boat Safari click here.
