Avocet Bird Watching Cruises on the River Exe

Bird Watching Cruises on the River Exe are very popular. All the information you will need is on this page. Contact us if you would like to book or have any other questions.

You can use the links below to navigate this page.

• The Avocet Bird Watching Cruise
• The Commentary
• The Dartmouth Castle
• Cruise Dates
• Departures and Local Information
• Booking Information

The Cruise

We offer a number of Avocet Bird Watching cruises on the River Exe through out the winter. The cruise begins at Exmouth and heads up the river heading towards Topsham.

The River Exe is renowned for its wildfowl and other bird life. All Bird Watching Cruises on the River Exe are timed to coincide with the low tide, as many as 40 species of wildfowl and waders totalling 20,000 plus birds can be expected, including Pintail, Wigeon, Goldeneye, Red-breasted Merganser, Greenshank, Golden Plover, both Godwits, Brent Geese, Slavonian Grebe in handsome monochrome winter plumage and of course hundreds of Avocets. 

These cruises are 3 - 4 hours long with an expert commentary. Hot and cold drinks and snacks available on board make our Bird Watching Cruises really enjoyable.

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The Commentary

The commentary will be provided by local experts including John Waldon. John worked for the RSPB for over 20 years and during this time became the South West Regional Officer. He has watched birds on the Exe for even longer and will be able to identify all the birds, rare and common, that you will see.

On previous cruises almost 50 different bird species have been identified - its a great introduction to estuary birds.

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The Dartmouth Castle

The Dartmouth Castle seats nearly 300 passengers, in complete comfort and safety, with over twice the passenger space of the Devon Princess II & III previously used on our Avocet Cruises. With a maximum load line draft of only 95cm the Dartmouth Castle really is perfect for river and bird watching cruises.

With over 100 seats under cover, in the "on deck" Observation Saloon, she is perfectly suited to winter bird watching cruises. We only permit 56 passengers on the Top Deck of the Dartmouth Castle, this allows at least 50% more room per passenger than on the main deck. These seats can be reserved for an extra £2 per seat and are on a first come, first served, basis.
So book early if you want to get a top deck view.

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Avocet Bird Watching Cruise Dates

Other times and dates may be available for group bookings. Contact us for more information.

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Departures and Local Information

These Avocet Bird Watching Cruises on the River Exe all depart from Exmouth Dock at the times stated. Subject to weather and other circumstances permitting these cruises run only on the specific times and dates listed above.

The River Exe can be a very cold place during the winter months. Always make sure you dress appropriately. Hot Drinks and Snacks are available on board.

Always leave plenty of time for car parking. Accommodation is available locally. Check our links page for details of Hotels and Guest Houses in the area.

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Booking Information

Advance booking is essential for all seats! The prices are Adults £12 and Children £7 (1 - 12yrs) Under 1yrs Free. You can book individual tickets or group (discount rates available) tickets for these cruises by contacting us now.

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Photos 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, & 9 courtsy of John Waldon

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