Guest blog: Guided Bird Watching with Stuart Line Cruises

The transition into the winter season does not mean that boat trips with Stuart Line Cruises come to an end.

The tranquil waters of the River Exe provides the perfect setting for any cruise during the autumn or winter seasons and allows us to cruise throughout the year no matter the weather. Our boats have inside heated lower decks with large windows for great viewing and outside upper decks for the whole outdoor experience! There is a fully licensed bar on board serving a range of local ales and gins, alongside a range of hot and cold refreshments snacks. Whilst out boats are modern, they also keep their traditional features, they are exceptionally clean, well maintained and there are also toilets on board.

During the colder months, the River Exe turns into a haven for wildlife which is one of the top places in the country for migratory and wading birds. It is widely known that the Exe Estuary holds SSSI status and Ramsar designation, thousands upon thousands of birds migrate to these waters every winter having travelled many miles from the likes of Greenland, Iceland and Artic Siberia.

The reason why they flock here is because the tidal mudflats on The Exe are home to a high quantity of various invertebrate species, making the estuary a rich biodiversity site and in fact, this is why the River Exe has earnt its SSSI status. The River Exe is of course tidal and when the mudflats become exposed, it becomes a feeding ground to all of the birds that migrate to the area. 

We really do live in an area of outstanding natural beauty and a captivating ecological interest, and we are delighted we are able to share this via our Guided Bird Watching Cruises.

Our Guided Bird Watching Cruises are the ideal way to learn all about the species that visit the area during the winter season. Interesting commentary throughout the cruise by expert local ornithologists Dave Smallshire and Derek Carter. Not only do our ornithologists have a rich diverse knowledge of the wildlife on the Exe Estuary but also a superb local knowledge too. Whether you consider yourself a novice or an expert, Derek and Dave are highly personable and will guide you with an informative live commentary - they really are very good at pitching the commentary for all to understand and are always more than happy to answer questions. 

Alongside the live commentary you will also be given a Bird Watching Checklist for you to mark off the birds that you have seen on your cruise – which is also a great souvenir to take home!

These cruises are an excellent way of enjoying the stunning winter scenery alongside experiencing the many types of birds who choose to make the River Exe their home for the winter!

This cruise is extremely popular, and we would always suggest booking in advance, for more information or to booking online click here.