RSPB Bempton preparing to enthrall visitors with spectacular seabird cruises

The RSPB has organised 30 different tours on the iconic pleaser cruiser Yorkshire Belle throughout the spring and summer.

The huge white chalk cliffs at Bempton are impressive at any time of year, but visit between April and July, and you’ll find them transformed into England’s largest seabird city.

Around half a million seabirds gather here between March and August to raise a family. The RSPB Puffin and Gannet Seabird Cruises start from Sunday, May 6 with 20 dates available; there’s Puffin and Diving Gannet Cruises starting from Wednesday, July 15 (four dates); Puffin and Diving Gannet Cruises from Wednesday, August 5 (four dates); and three Pelagic Seabird Cruises (from Wednesday, September 2).

People will get the chance to see gannets; razorbills; kittiwakes; guillemots; and puffins as they live life on the edge.

A spokesperson from RSPB Bempton Cliffs said: “Bridlington is next to one of the jewels in Britain’s landscape crown, that crown is there all year but, in the spring, and summer it is transformed into a wildlife spectacle that matches any other – and on board the Yorkshire Belle that spectacle is even more impressive.

“Up in the wheelhouse is an RSPB ‘guide’ who will be relaying tales from the cliffs, and volunteers on board who will help make sure you see the best of the wildlife.

“We never fill the boat, so you have space to move and get good views.

“The RSPB Cruises book up quickly and bring people to the area from far and wide. RSPB Bempton is one of the many drivers for tourism in the area all year but during cruise season it is particularly noticeable with visits from abroad as well as across the UK.

“You’ll have a three-hour journey of discovery as clouds of seabirds swoop, soar and circle above and around the boat.

“The cruises early in the season are good for puffins and on the later ones we entice the magnificent gannet close to the boat with fish – the sight of hundreds of these birds, with their two metre wingspan, diving for fish alongside the boat is a magical sight. For nature lovers of all ages, this is the stuff that memories are made of.

“The beautiful Yorkshire Belle is the last of the great pleasure cruisers. She has indoor and outdoor seating, toilet facilities, and drinks and snacks are available from the bar.”

The cruises are suitable for adults and families! Go to rspb.org.uk/bemptoncliffs to find out more details about the cruises.