Dartmouth Marine Wildlife with Monty Halls Great Escapes

Exploring the wildlife of the River Dart Estuary

Last week we were invited by those awfully nice Monty Halls Great Escapes people to go for a boat ride out of the estuary on a wildlife boat trip that they run regularly throughout the year.

We really wanted to find out what their boat trips were like. Marine biologist Emily took us out as to the Mew Stone and gave an excellent commentary on wildlife, birds, mammals and local history, it was fascinating.

The trip started by meeting in their wonderful shop in Market Square to run through a safety briefing and be fitted with our life jackets. Safety at sea is an essential aspect of any trip and this was handled very well and our group then set off confidently for the South Embankment and the awaiting bright orange Rib called Jason.

As we 'poodled' our way to the mouth of the River Dart, Emily entertained us with her local knowledge of places and facts about our wonderful town and this was both unexpected and welcome. We all love to hear about things about the place where we live and Dartmouth of course, has a particularly rich history.

The weather was fantastic for mid April and the sea was calm enabling us to make great progress out towards the Mew Stone. We were all hoping to see Dolphins and Porpoises which are regular visitors to these waters but not today! Instead we were treated to a great variety of bird life including Cormorants, Shags, Great Black Backed Gulls, Herring Gulls, Oyster Catchers and loads more. The highlight of the trip however were the Seals basking on the rocks in the late morning sun. Females and cubs were in evidence and we were able to get really close up without disturbing these wonderful creatures in any way. 

As we navigated around the Mew Stone we were treated to great displays of flying from the resident Cormorants who were inquisitive and a little bit wary about our presence. 

All too soon our trip was coming to a close, hastened by an approaching bank of sea mist we really wanted to avoid. So we headed back to Dartmouth harbour and on the way back learned about Dartmouth Castle, Kingswear Castle and lots more.

Emily also mentioned there were Peregrine Falcons nesting just around the headland and she had seen them, albeit briefly, in flight quite regularly. Another good reason to re-book this enjoyable trip. Every trip is different and unique and whatever wildlife you get to see there is always the wonderful boat ride out along our gorgeous river and coastline to soak up.

Thanks guys, we will be back.