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The Maldon District has 75 miles of coastline to explore, plus two river estuaries, the Blackwater and the Crouch, so it’s not surprising that you have a good chance of seeing sea mammals on your visit.
The most common creature you are likely to see is the seal, as there are two well-established seal colonies near Burnham-on-Crouch, one in the mouth of the river on the Foulness sands, and the second in the River Roach which joins the Crouch at Foulness. The seal colonies here are common seals, the smaller of the British seal varieties, weighing up to 100kg.
What can be confusing is that the seals that live in the River Roach are remarkable for their almost red colouring – caused by iron deposits in the mud – making them look a little different from other common seals. Common seal pups are born from May to July and are capable of swimming within an hour of birth, and of suckling under water. At low tide they bask on the mudbanks – and this is the best time to see them. They are quite inquisitive and may well slide off the mud and swim over to get closer to your boat!
You might also spot the occasional grey seal; these are larger (up to 250kg) and have a much more pronounced nose that the common seal. Grey seal pups, more commonly seen in Norfolk, are born in late autumn and winter.
If you see a marine mammal with a distinctive fin you are most likely seeing a harbour porpoise, the smallest and most common cetacean (the collective name for all whales, dolphins and porpoises) in British waters. The harbour porpoise, pictured below, has a small, round head with no obvious forehead or beak and has a dark grey back with paler grey patch on its sides and a white belly. It has a low triangular dorsal fin in the centre of its back which you can see when it swims near the surface, although it doesn’t often jump right out of the water.
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You might also be lucky and see the common dolphin in the coast around the Maldon District – one has even been spotted coming right up the river by Promenade Park! You can identify the dolphin as it has a more curved fin that a porpoise and also has a distinctive beak.
To keep our marine wildlife safe, do not try to get too close in a boat or with a jet ski, and if you see a seal resting on the beach keep a good distance away and keep dogs on leads. If you see any marine mammal in distress, particularly if there’s a live porpoise or dolphin stranded on a beach, contact the British Divers Marine Life Rescue’s 24-hour hotline straight away. You can find all the details here.
Get closer to nature...
Number of results: 37
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Maldon
A "Two Island" cruise from Maldon Quay past Northey Island to Osea Island and back. Includes Afternoon Tea of freshly baked scone with cream and jam, homemade cake, tea or coffee.
Maldon
Marigold Charters offers sailing adventures on and around the river Blackwater. Their vessel Marigold is a Gravesend Bawley built upon the lines of the Lilliam in 1869.
The Hythe, Maldon
Various dates. Learn to sail a traditional Thames Sailing Barge; set the sails, take the wheel and discover how two people can manage the boat. Fully catered.
Maldon
Enjoy the quiet beauty of the early spring river during a two-hour cruise aboard a vintage sailing barge. Afterward, indulge in a seated two-course Sunday Roast lunch once back at the Quay.
North Fambridge
Cruise Essex runs trips from Fambridge Yacht Haven on board Limoncello, a stylish Sealine F43 Cruiser capable of holding six guests in comfort. The vessel explores the River Crouch, and options include an afternoon tea cruise lasting around two and…
Burnham-on-Crouch
New for the 2023 season, Seal Trips Essex offers a variety of cruises aboard Celtic Prince, a refurbished boat carrying up to 10 passengers, with toilet facilities, ample indoor and outdoor seating with a canopy, and the option of snacks and drinks…
Maldon
Experience the pleasure and excitement of sailing on a historic Thames sailing barge.
The Thames Sailing Barge Trust, a registered charity which owns the sailing barges Pudge and Centaur.
To view and book our trips visit www.bargetrust…
The Hythe, Maldon
Various dates. A "Two Island" cruise on a historic Thames Sailing Barge from Maldon Quay past Northey Island to Osea Island and back. Includes Afternoon Tea.
The Hythe, Maldon
Sunday 14 July. Fully day sail on a traditional Thames Sailing Barge learning about the history of barges, Maldon as a port and the River Blackwater.
Maldon
From May 2023. This traditional pleasure boat was built locally in 1947 and, following a complete restoration, is once again offering trips around the estuary. Moored at the ‘little blue jetty’, the Viking Saga is the best way to view both the Hythe…
Maldon
Historic sailing barges ‘Hydrogen’ and ‘Thistle’ are available for regular public cruises and also for private hire for groups up to 50 from a variety of East Coast locations including Maldon and Ipswich.
The Hythe, Maldon
Various dates. A "Two Island" cruise on board a historic Thames Sailing Barge from Maldon Quay past Northey Island to Osea Island and back. Includes Afternoon Tea.
Heybridge Basin
Spend a day at Heybridge Basin - you can have a picnic, view the boats and hop on a one hour boat trip on our canal boat Blackwater Dawn.
Maldon
A "Two Island" evening cruise from Maldon Quay past Northey Island to Osea Island and back. Choose to add a cheese and ham Ploughmans or Fish Platter.
The Hythe, Maldon
Sunday 11 August. Two hour chill out cruise with vocalist Evangeline Brown on board a traditional Thames Sailing Barge. Includes light nibbles.
Little Baddow, Maldon
This waterway runs through a largely unspoilt part of rural Essex and connects the county town of Chelmsford with the tidal estuary of the River Blackwater at Heybridge Basin. It is 13.8 miles (22.1 km) long and has 13 locks.
Wallsea Island
Discovery Charters offers fishing and seal watching wildlife trips which leave from Essex Marina on Wallasea Island, from Burnham-on-Crouch and from Fambridge Yacht Harbour.
The Hythe, Maldon
Various dates. A Two Island Cruise from Maldon Quay, on board a historic Thames Sailing Barge, past Northey Island, Mill Beach to Osea Island and back.
North Fambridge
Dawnbreaker IV has been built to a high specification to provide you with a fishing experience second to none. Fully insured and licenced for 10 persons and Code of Practice for up to 60 miles. Capable of up to 28 knots and with a comfortable…
Burnham
Burnham Ferry is the sole authorised ferry between Essex Marina, Wallasea Island and Burnham-on-Crouch. The Ferry runs 6 days a week from 1 April or Good Friday (whichever is the earlier) to the end of September. We are closed on Mondays, except for…
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