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The Maldon District has 75 miles of coastline to explore, plus two river estuaries, the Blackwater and the Crouch, so it’s not surprising that you have a good chance of seeing sea mammals on your visit.
The most common creature you are likely to see is the seal, as there are two well-established seal colonies near Burnham-on-Crouch, one in the mouth of the river on the Foulness sands, and the second in the River Roach which joins the Crouch at Foulness. The seal colonies here are common seals, the smaller of the British seal varieties, weighing up to 100kg.
What can be confusing is that the seals that live in the River Roach are remarkable for their almost red colouring – caused by iron deposits in the mud – making them look a little different from other common seals. Common seal pups are born from May to July and are capable of swimming within an hour of birth, and of suckling under water. At low tide they bask on the mudbanks – and this is the best time to see them. They are quite inquisitive and may well slide off the mud and swim over to get closer to your boat!
You might also spot the occasional grey seal; these are larger (up to 250kg) and have a much more pronounced nose that the common seal. Grey seal pups, more commonly seen in Norfolk, are born in late autumn and winter.
If you see a marine mammal with a distinctive fin you are most likely seeing a harbour porpoise, the smallest and most common cetacean (the collective name for all whales, dolphins and porpoises) in British waters. The harbour porpoise, pictured below, has a small, round head with no obvious forehead or beak and has a dark grey back with paler grey patch on its sides and a white belly. It has a low triangular dorsal fin in the centre of its back which you can see when it swims near the surface, although it doesn’t often jump right out of the water.
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You might also be lucky and see the common dolphin in the coast around the Maldon District – one has even been spotted coming right up the river by Promenade Park! You can identify the dolphin as it has a more curved fin that a porpoise and also has a distinctive beak.
To keep our marine wildlife safe, do not try to get too close in a boat or with a jet ski, and if you see a seal resting on the beach keep a good distance away and keep dogs on leads. If you see any marine mammal in distress, particularly if there’s a live porpoise or dolphin stranded on a beach, contact the British Divers Marine Life Rescue’s 24-hour hotline straight away. You can find all the details here.
Get closer to nature...
Number of results: 37
, currently showing 1 to 20.
The Hythe, Maldon
Various dates. Essex as you have never seen it ! A relaxing day sail on a traditional Thames Sailing Barge from Maldon exploring the river Blackwater. Includes meals.
Little Baddow, Maldon
This waterway runs through a largely unspoilt part of rural Essex and connects the county town of Chelmsford with the tidal estuary of the River Blackwater at Heybridge Basin. It is 13.8 miles (22.1 km) long and has 13 locks.
Maldon
Historic sailing barges ‘Hydrogen’ and ‘Thistle’ are available for regular public cruises and also for private hire for groups up to 50 from a variety of East Coast locations including Maldon and Ipswich.
Maldon
From May 2023. This traditional pleasure boat was built locally in 1947 and, following a complete restoration, is once again offering trips around the estuary. Moored at the ‘little blue jetty’, the Viking Saga is the best way to view both the Hythe…
The Hythe, Maldon
Various dates. A "Two Island" evening cruise on a historic Thames Sailing Barge from Maldon Quay past Northey Island to Osea Island and back.
Maldon
Enjoy the quiet beauty of the early spring river during a two-hour cruise aboard a vintage sailing barge. Afterward, indulge in a seated two-course Sunday Roast lunch once back at the Quay.
The Hythe, Maldon
Various dates. A "Two Island" cruise on board a historic Thames Sailing Barge from Maldon Quay past Northey Island to Osea Island and back. Includes posh Ploughmans and hot pudding.
Maldon
A "Two Island" cruise from Maldon Quay past Northey Island to Osea Island and back. Bring a picnic or order a Ploughmans or Smoked Fish Platter.
The Hythe, Maldon
Sunday 14 July. Fully day sail on a traditional Thames Sailing Barge learning about the history of barges, Maldon as a port and the River Blackwater.
Heybridge
Welcome to Chigborough Fisheries, we are a 53 acre complex of lakes catering for both Trout and Coarse Anglers situated just 40 Miles from London.
North Fambridge
Dawnbreaker IV has been built to a high specification to provide you with a fishing experience second to none. Fully insured and licenced for 10 persons and Code of Practice for up to 60 miles. Capable of up to 28 knots and with a comfortable…
The Hythe, Maldon
Various dates. Explore the River Blackwater on board a traditional Thames Sailing Barge with experts from Swallow Birding. Fully catered from breakfast to tea.
Maldon
A "Two Island" cruise from Maldon Quay past Northey Island to Osea Island and back. Includes Afternoon Tea of freshly baked scone with cream and jam, homemade cake, tea or coffee.
Bradwell-on-Sea
Get on the water with Essex Outdoors and experience a day out with a difference on board a high speed RIB powerboat on the River Blackwater Estuary. Whether you want to learn the ropes and try your hand at helming or simply sit back, relax and enjoy…
Maldon
Marigold Charters offers sailing adventures on and around the river Blackwater. Their vessel Marigold is a Gravesend Bawley built upon the lines of the Lilliam in 1869.
Wallsea Island
Discovery Charters offers fishing and seal watching wildlife trips which leave from Essex Marina on Wallasea Island, from Burnham-on-Crouch and from Fambridge Yacht Harbour.
The Hythe, Maldon
Various dates. A "Two Island" cruise from Maldon Quay on board a historic Thames Sailing Barge, past Northey Island to Osea Island and back. Includes posh Ploughmans and hot pudding.
The Hythe, Maldon
Saturday 13 July. See the Blackwater Barge Match from the vantage point of a traditional Thames Sailing Barge.
The Hythe, Maldon
Various dates. A Two Island Cruise on board a historic Thames Sailing Barge from Maldon Quay, past Northey Island, Mill Beach to Osea Island and back.
Bradwell-on-Sea
Residential sailing voyages aboard traditional vessels. Groups of 7 to 16 people, ages 12 years and upwards. No experience necessary.
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