Seal Safari
One of the largest colony/group of Common Seals in the UK, possibly the world, is in the Wash. This area has a large expanse of shallow tidal sandbanks and is fed by four large tributaries. There are currently over 3,000 common seals in The Wash.
The Seal Safari Tour starts from the promenade where Wizzy The Wash Monster takes you across The Wash out to one of the sandbanks that are used by the resident population of common seals. Remember your cameras!
1 hour Seal Safari - £20.00
Group discounts available, please enquire.
Board from the Sea Tours Kiosk, Central Promenade, Hunstanton.
Please call 01485 534 444 to check Safari Tour times.
Did you know?
Abilities
Seals travel on land at between 3 and 4mph and can reach 30 to 40mph when swimming submerged! Seals can hunt at night, using their sensitive whiskers to find prey, and will normally spend much of the daytime hauled up on the sandbanks sleeping.
Seals have very good vision in both air and water and have a keen sense of smell in air which allows them to detect predators. Seals hear very well in both air and water. Females and pups often call to each other.
Feeding
Seals are opportunistic feeders. Diving to around 120 metres or sometimes even 300 metres deep, their diet consists mainly of fish such as sand eels, herring, saithe, whiting as well as bottom dwelling fish like plaice and flounder. Squid and octopus are also frequently eaten.
Breeding
UK seals breed in colonies where animals congregate on beaches, sandflats and in caves. Common Seals give birth to their pups on beaches and tidal sandflats within tidal reach, between May to July. Conception to birth takes around 11 months. Common seal pups are dark and mottled and can swim within 5 minutes of being born.