We’ve aimed to make your experience of booking a Chichester Harbour boat trip as easy as possible. To help with any queries, here are some of our most frequently asked questions:
Will the weather affect any sailings?
Trips are weather-dependent. Our main concerns are forecasted winds and wind gusts. We generally won’t cancel just for rain if the wind is light. A skipper will make the final call the day before and will cancel if forecasted winds are above safe operational levels for the vessel. Please check your emails/phone messages before travelling to join your trip. We don’t like to cancel so will only do so if absolutely necessary, you will receive a full refund and then can book onto an alternative trip if you wish. We run trips all year round so please dress suitably for the weather. It is always cooler on the water, even during the summer months, so we advise bringing extra layers and a coat.
How many people can travel in Solar Heritage?
Solar Heritage seats up to 50 people and offers an accessible and stable deck with plenty of space to move around. Our nature trips are restricted to 34 people.
Can I hire the whole boat?
Yes, the Solar Heritage is a great venue for a group event. You can book the whole boat for private hire for group trips and social events. To discuss your plans please contact us on 01243 512301 or activities@conservancy.co.uk.
Is the boat accessible?
Solar Heritage has a wheelchair lift and is wheelchair-accessible. If you require the use of the lift, please select the appropriate ticket on booking or let the harbour office know in advance of your trip on activities@conservancy.co.uk or 01243 512301. Otherwise there are a couple of steps up on to the boat with a rope handrail. The crew member will be on hand to provide assistance up the steps if required
Is there a toilet onboard?
There is a small toilet on board, although this is unfortunately not wheelchair-accessible. The nearest public toilets for Emsworth departures are situated in the South Street Car Park and by the harbour office for Itchenor departures. There are disabled toilets available at both of these locations.
Can I bring my dog?
We have dedicated trips if you’re looking to bring your four-legged friend! Check the timetable for dog-friendly trip dates. Assistance dogs are welcome on all of our trips.
Can I just turn up on the day?
Walk-on tickets are available if there are spaces but we recommend pre-booking to guarantee your space. We recommend you check the website before you travel as we may cancel trips for poor weather or for low booking numbers.
When is the best time to see Seals?
Chichester Harbour is home to the largest Seal population in the Solent. If you want to see the see Seals we suggest you book one of our Seal Safaris which will take you to see seals resting on the mud flats at low tide. We run these from Itchenor from April until October. We are unfortunately unable to run Seal trips from Emsworth, where our boat is during the summer, as we can only access the jetty at high tide and the Seals need to be observed at low tide. On our Discovery Tours or Evening Cruises you may be lucky enough to spot a seal bobbing in the water but sightings are not guaranteed.
Can I bring food and drink on board?
You are welcome to bring your own refreshments, but we ask you to avoid bringing glass drinking glasses in case of breakages.
What should I wear?
Please dress for the weather and bring extra layers and a coat as it is always cooler on the water. Do bring binoculars if you have them or there are some available on board.
Are trips suitable for children?
Our Harbour Discovery tours are ideal for the whole family and we have various family rates available. We have activity sheets and children’s binoculars on board. However our Seal Safaris are not recommended for children under 8 years of age due to extended trip duration and the requirement for passengers to keep still and quiet, avoiding sudden movements and noises, when at the Seal haul out site.
Can I exchange my ticket?
Please contact the office on 01243 512301 in good time if circumstances mean that you need to exchange your booking for another date.
What happens if I miss my boat trip?
We are a scheduled trip and trips need to depart at the scheduled time. If you miss your trip we cannot offer a refund. Please check the traffic before you leave and allow plenty of time for travel and parking.
Do I need to wear a lifejacket?
Lifejackets are available for all ages in the event of an emergency. They are not required to be worn but you are welcome to wear one if you wish.
Will I get seasick?
We have not known anyone to get seasick on the solar boat. She has a large deck with plenty of space and, due to twin hulls, is very stable on the water. Also, due to solar power, there are no fumes which can sometimes exacerbate queasiness. You are free to stand and move around once the trip is underway or stay seated if you wish. The boat is open-sided allowing all passengers a view of the harbour and landscape.
Do you offer a group discount?
Yes, we offer the tenth ticket free for every nine booked. Please select this option when booking. For larger groups of 20+ you may find a private charter is more cost-effective than booking places on a public trip. Please contact Jenny in the Harbour Office to discuss your needs: activities@conservancy.co.uk or 01243 512301.
What is a National Landscape?
As of November 22, 2023, all Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) in England and Wales were renamed as National Landscapes. The rebranding is the result of a 2019 review by Julian Glover that recommended new purposes, powers, and resources for AONBs. The new name is intended to:
- Reflect the national significance of AONBs
- Increase their profile
- Enable additional funding sources
- Bring them in line with National Parks
- Highlight their importance to the UK’s goals for health and wellbeing, climate change, nature recovery, and sustainable public access
The new name also reflects the vision of National Landscapes to enhance the landscape’s beauty, restore ecosystems, provide food, store carbon, and safeguard against drought and flooding. However, the legal designation for AONBs is still Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Who do I contact about Oyster Boat Terror?
For all questions about Terror Trips please visit: Oyster Boat Terror and use the contact form. Terror is a non-profit making venture, run by volunteers from the charity Friends of Chichester Harbour
