ILFRACOMBE BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Two hours on the Atlantic edge: seals, a working lighthouse and Woolacombe’s sweeping bay
A focused 2-hour boat safari from Ilfracombe that follows a historic coastline to look for seals and dolphins while passing named landmarks — this guide explains what you’ll see and how to arrive prepared.
Two hours on the Atlantic edge: seals, a working lighthouse and Woolacombe’s sweeping bay.
Embark on a popular two-hour Seals & Lighthouse safari from Ilfracombe that threads the coast past Tunnels Beaches and under the Torrs, rounds Bull Point Lighthouse and probes Rockham Bay for seals before crossing into Woolacombe Bay and Baggy Point in search of common dolphins. The crew pauses for photographs and provides contextual commentary on the historical coastline.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Seals at Rockham Bay; dolphins on the return
The route takes you to Rockham Bay to look for seals, then across Woolacombe Bay and back in search of common dolphins, with multiple stops designed for sightings.
Tunnels Beaches, Bull Point Lighthouse and sweeping headlands
You pass well-known coastal landmarks — the famous Tunnels Beaches, beneath the Torrs and past Bull Point Lighthouse, the defined start of the Atlantic into Rockham Bay — which set the tour against a dramatic historic shoreline.
Photo stops and local narration
The crew plans plenty of stops for photographs and offers informed commentary on the coastline and its history as the boat moves on to Morte Stone, Woolacombe Bay and Baggy Point.
What the day feels like
What the two hours feel like
The trip is compact and purposeful: from the harbour you move past Tunnels Beaches and the Torrs, skirt Lee Bay, round Bull Point Lighthouse into Rockham Bay to look for seals, then continue via Morte Stone into Woolacombe Bay and on to Baggy Point before returning across the bay to search for common dolphins — all punctuated by photo stops and commentary from the crew.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and what to watch for.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This is a two-hour Seals & Lighthouse safari.
Meet at Kiosk 5 on Ilfracombe Harbour 15 minutes prior to departure time.
There is plenty of parking around the harbour; the long-stay car park at the swimming pool is about a 15-minute walk to the kiosk and boat landings. Allow plenty of time—parking can be extremely busy in the summer holidays and boats cannot wait for late passengers.
The crew provides commentary on the historical coastline. The route includes numerous photo stops and dedicated searches for seals and common dolphins while passing Tunnels Beaches, Bull Point Lighthouse, Morte Stone, Woolacombe Bay and Baggy Point.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the trip?
Two hours.
Where is the meeting point?
Meet at Kiosk 5 on Ilfracombe Harbour 15 minutes prior to your departure time.
Where can I park my car?
There is plenty of parking around the harbour. The long-stay car park at the swimming pool is about a 15-minute walk to the kiosk and boat landings. Allow plenty of time as parking can be extremely busy in the summer holidays.
What will we see on the safari?
The trip passes Tunnels Beaches, the Torrs, Lee Bay and Bull Point Lighthouse into Rockham Bay to look for seals, then continues via Morte Stone into Woolacombe Bay and Baggy Point with a return crossing to search for common dolphins. There are multiple photo stops and crew commentary.
What happens if I arrive late?
Boats cannot wait for you; if you miss your trip you will still be charged.