Ilfracombe Sea Safari

If you want to experience the raw beauty of the North Devon coastline from the water, Ilfracombe Sea Safari is the operator that makes it happen in the most exhilarating way imaginable. Running high-speed RIB adventures out of Ilfracombe harbour, the team takes you along one of the most dramatic stretches of coastline in England, with towering cliffs, hidden sea caves and the astonishing wildlife of the Bristol Channel all waiting to be discovered from the deck of their powerful rigid inflatable boat.

The wildlife on offer here is genuinely remarkable. Grey seals haul out on the rocks around Lundy Island and the local headlands throughout the year, while common dolphins frequently ride the bow wave of the RIB and put on breathtaking displays just metres from the boat. Basking sharks visit the waters off North Devon in summer and the chance of a sighting is real. Harbour porpoises, gannets, razorbills and a host of seabirds complete a wildlife spectacle that rivals anything you will find anywhere in the British Isles.

Various trips are on offer depending on the conditions and the time of year, ranging from shorter coastal tours to longer offshore adventures that take you out into the open channel where the wildlife is at its most spectacular. The skippers have extensive local knowledge and run commentary throughout each trip, pointing out features of geological interest, sharing stories of the coast and helping you spot wildlife that you might otherwise miss.

Trips depart from Ilfracombe harbour, which is easily reached by road from Woolacombe in around fifteen minutes. Booking in advance is strongly recommended, particularly during the summer months when the most popular tours fill up quickly.

Whether you are a wildlife enthusiast, an adventure seeker or simply someone who wants to see the North Devon coast from a completely new angle, Ilfracombe Sea Safari delivers an experience that genuinely lives up to the scenery.