A few years ago, you would have been lucky to spot avocets anywhere, but today - a conservation success story.

The Exe Estuary in winter is one of the best places in the UK to get great views of avocets. With their black-and-white plumage, and slender, curved bills, you can’t miss them especially a flock of up to 500 when they’re sweeping the mud to search for tasty morsels. Every winter, over 40,000 birds, including hundreds of black-tailed godwits, Brent geese and red-breasted mergansers, flock to the Exe Estuary from as far a field as Siberia and Greenland.

With expert commentary on each cruise, you'll learn something new and exciting about the Exe Estuary and its residents.

Mini Avocet Cruises of 1- 1.5 hours take place on:

Monday 28th January - 2pm
Sunday 10th February - 1pm

Price: Adults £11, child (under 13 years) £4. Booking essential

Full Avocet Cruises lasting 3 – 4 hours take place on:

Friday 25th January - 11.30am
Saturday 26th January - 12.15pm
Friday 8th February - 11am
Saturday 9th February - 12noon
Sunday 24th February - 12noon

Price: Adult £14, child (under 13 years) £7. Booking essential

Special Avocet Cruises (prices may differ so please check details at time of booking)

Family Cruise - 9th March at 10.45am - departs from Starcross.

The Exe Estuary can be a very cold place in winter, so please bring extra warm clothing and waterproofs.

Full cruises depart from Starcross. The mini cruises depart from Topsham. You are advised to check website or call to confirm times as there may be tidal variations on all cruises as all trips are tidal dependent.

Expert commentary is provided on all the cruises. The boats are partially covered and have a toilet. For more information and details of prices telephone: RSPB South West Regional Office on 01392 432691 or visit the website.

Booking Conditions:

PLEASE NOTE: In extreme weather conditions it may be necessary to cancel a cruise on the day of departure. All bookings are accepted on this basis. In the event of such a cancellation, a full refund of the ticket price will be made or the booking transferred to an alternative sailing by mutual agreement. Although every effort will be made to sail, the final decision will remain with the skipper of the boat.

A recorded message detailing latest sailing and weather information will be available prior to every cruise on 01392 453770.