RSPB Seabird Cruises from Bridlington: A Yorkshire Insider Guide
From April onwards, the towering chalk cliffs at Bempton burst into life. Almost half‑a‑million seabirds return to Yorkshire’s heritage coast — puffins, gannets, kittiwakes, guillemots, razorbills — all turning the cliffs into one of the most dramatic wildlife spectacles in Britain. And there’s no better way to experience it than from the water.
The RSPB seabird cruises, run in partnership with the iconic MV Yorkshire Belle, offer a front‑row seat to this coastal theatre. These trips are organised and operated entirely by RSPB Bempton Cliffs, and they’re perfect for beginners, seasoned birdwatchers, families and photographers alike.
If you’re looking for the Yorkshire Belle’s own 2.5‑hour Bempton Cliffs cruise, with full skipper commentary and prices of £25 for adults and £12.50 for children, you’ll find that separately under Bempton Cliffs Cruise. This page focuses specifically on the RSPB‑run cruises.
🐧 Puffin & Gannet Cruises (May–July)
As the boat leaves Bridlington Harbour, the sea opens out and the cliffs begin to rise — 400 feet of chalk alive with movement. Clouds of seabirds swoop, soar and circle overhead, creating a scene that feels almost otherworldly.
RSPB volunteers are onboard every sailing, ready to help you identify each species, while the running commentary adds depth and insight to everything unfolding around you. It’s relaxed, atmospheric and full of “wow” moments.
During the final sailings of the season, puffins begin to spend more time bobbing on the water rather than nesting on the cliffs. Meanwhile, gannets dive around the boat for hand‑thrown mackerel — a breathtaking sight as they plunge like lightning into the waves.
Explore more in Puffins Up Close or Gannet City.
🪶 Diving Gannet Cruises (August)
By August, the cliffs are still busy — gannets perched with their fluffy chicks, stretching their enormous wings. But the real show happens out at sea.
These cruises head beyond the cliffs to watch gannets diving for mackerel thrown from the boat. With a wingspan of up to six feet, they slice into the water at speeds reaching 60 miles per hour. It’s dramatic, powerful and unforgettable.
You may still spot puffins at sea, along with skuas and other migrating seabirds. The final cruise on 24 August includes throwing chum to attract migrating species, offering incredible photographic opportunities.
Learn more in Diving Gannet Cruises.
🌊 Pelagic Cruises (September)
As summer fades into autumn, the North Sea becomes a highway for migrating seabirds. The pelagic cruise heads further offshore, searching for:
shearwaters
skuas
divers
auks
gulls
terns
Alongside seabirds, porpoises and seals are often spotted too.
Fish scraps are thrown overboard to bring birds closer to the boat, giving passengers rare, close‑up views of species that are normally difficult to see from land. RSPB volunteers and onboard commentary make this a brilliant learning experience for anyone curious about migration and marine wildlife.
Explore more in Pelagic Wildlife.
📅 Booking & Contact Information
For dates, availability and booking, visit the official RSPB events page: https://events.rspb.org.uk/bemptoncliffs
For queries about RSPB‑run cruises: 📞 01262 422211 📧 bempton.cruises@rspb.org.uk
Final Thoughts from The Yorkshire Insider
Whether you’re chasing puffins, photographing diving gannets or exploring autumn migration, these cruises offer one of the most spectacular wildlife experiences on the Yorkshire coast. Peaceful, dramatic and full of life — it’s Yorkshire at its wildest.
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