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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.
The Hythe, Maldon
Saturday 13 July. See the Blackwater Barge Match from the vantage point of a traditional Thames Sailing Barge.
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…
Bradwell-on-Sea
Residential sailing voyages aboard traditional vessels. Groups of 7 to 16 people, ages 12 years and upwards. No experience necessary.
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…
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
Various dates. Explore the River Blackwater on board a traditional Thames Sailing Barge with experts from Swallow Birding. Fully catered from breakfast to tea.
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…
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.
The Hythe, Maldon
Wednesday 27 to Friday 29 December & 13 January. A leisurely one and half hour cruise from Maldon Quay to Mill Beach and back. Add an optional warm baguette filled with slow roast pork and apple chutney.
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.
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. 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.
West Mersea
Estuary Rib Tours is a family run business that provides boat trips starting from Mersea Island to enjoy the Blackwater Estuary, often stopping for lunch in Bradwell-on-Sea. The tours are on our 8m Cobra Rib, ‘Hi Fizz’, which carries up to 8 guests…
The Hythe, Maldon
Various dates. Enjoy a two-hour chill-out cruise on a traditional Thames Sailing Barge with live Blues music and a cheese grazing platter.
Heybridge
Welcome to Chigborough Fisheries, we are a 53 acre complex of lakes catering for both Trout and Coarse Anglers situated just 40 Miles from London.
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.
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…
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.
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.
Bradwell-on-Sea
Get on the water with Essex Outdoors and experience a day out with a difference on board a high speed RIB powerboat on the River Blackwater Estuary. Whether you want to learn the ropes and try your hand at helming or simply sit back, relax and enjoy…
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