Pelagics

Northern Experience Pelagics developed out of Martin's time as Field Trips Officer for the Northumberland and Tyneside Bird Club (we still run our pelagic trips in association with NTBC), and we've been carrying out research into the distribution and abundance of White-beaked Dolphins and other marine wildlife in the North Sea since 2003, when we first encountered these beautiful animals on an evening pelagic out of the River Tyne. We're a partner in the groundbreaking North East Cetacean Project and donate several days of Martin's time each month to voluntary work; coordinating the North East Cetacean Project, leading Marine Mammal and Seabird Surveyor training courses for MARINElife and carrying out transect surveys of the North Sea off Northumberland, all of which supports and informs decision-making processes relating to this fragile and sensitive environment.

On a Northern Experience pelagic, you'll benefit from Martin's 15 years experience of finding North Sea wildlife, knowledge of our seabirds and cetaceans, and insights into current research and thinking, but perhaps, most of all, from our passion for the North Sea :-)

Our pelagic trips from Royal Quays take place on the SarahJFK, a 44ft converted lifeboat, which is used for sea-angling charters and for the last nine years has been chartered for our pelagic wildlife trips. The boat offers an excellent vantage point for observation and some truly outstanding opportunities for photography of wildlife. From Seahouses we sail on Glad Tidings V.

Over recent years the pelagic trips have proved very successful and they are an excellent way to enjoy our offshore wildlife in the company of guides who have been actively involved in re-defining our knowledge of the offshore mammals and birds of Northumberland.

Pelagic birding is very unpredictable but highlights in recent years have included the 1st British North Sea Wilson's Petrel (2002), Long-tailed Skua (2002), Sabine's Gull (2005), Harbour Porpoise (2006), Minke Whale (2006 and 2007), Great Shearwater (2007), Balearic Shearwater (2007), Pomarine Skua (2007, 2012), excellent views of Sooty Shearwater in each of the last eleven years and several very close encounters with White-beaked Dolphins.

All of our trips departing Royal Quays have strictly limited spaces. Please 'phone 01670 827465 to check availability before booking via our online shop

Dates for 2013. Click the date to book

4 hr Evening trips departing Royal Quays Marina at 18:00. £32.50/person
Friday 21st June - SOLD OUT
Friday 28th June - SOLD OUT
Friday 5th July - SOLD OUT
Friday 12th July
Friday 19th July - SOLD OUT
Friday 26th July


8 hr Day trips departing Royal Quays Marina at 09:00. £50.00/person
Saturday 7th September
Saturday 21st September


10hr Seabird and cetacean cruise to the Farne Deeps. £70/person
Wednesday 14th August


4hr seabird and cetacean cruise to the Farne Deeps on a high-speed RIB, departing Seahouses. £75/adult, £35/child.
Wednesday 24th July
Wednesday 31st July


3hr evening cruise on a high-speed RIB, departing Seahouses. £45/adult, £25/child.
Wednesday 17th June
Saturday 27th July
Thursday 8th August
Saturday 10th August

4hr Whale and Dolphin Cruise, departing Seahouses 10:00. £40/adult, £20/child
Saturday 31st August