With expert commentary provided on every cruise, you'll get all the help needed to identify the sheer number and variety of birds that make Bempton Cliffs and Flamborough Head their home.

Gannet and Puffin cruises

23 May to 11 July 2009

From May onwards, the cliffs of Bempton and Flamborough become a little crowded with over 200,000 seabirds setting up home for the summer.

Us gannets might feed miles offshore, but you'll definitely see us flying overhead on our seemingly never-ending task to feed our growing young!

And on our travels, we'll be joined by thousands of other seabirds, from colourful puffins and kittiwakes with their wings dipped in ink, to sleek-looking razorbills.

Take a Puffin Cruise and you'll get so close to the cliff, you'll almost be able to touch us. But don't get too close - those fulmar chicks like to spit out foul-smelling, and sticky oil on intruders. And that includes you!

As well as flying above you, my friends and I will be plunging headfirst into the sea around the boat. As it travels through the water, the boat stirs up a tasty meal, or two, that we're not shy about taking.

On the three-hour round trip from Bridlington Harbour, ideal for both beginners and experienced enthusiasts, you'll visit the spectacular chalk cliffs at Flamborough Head. Just be sure you make an early reservation for your ringside seat to our noisy seabird city - we're very popular.

Tickets cost £15 for adults, £7.50 for children, and £37.50 for family tickets (two adults and two children under 14).

When can you see us?

There are a number of three-hour cruises throughout May to July.

Although every effort will be made to sail, the final decision will remain with the owners and the skipper of the boat. An answering machine service will carry details of whether the trip will be taking place the evening before your departure. Details of this service will be sent with your ticket.

What's at the site?

The 'Yorkshire Belle' offers ample covered and outside seating, and there is a saloon bar serving hot and cold drinks including beer and spirits. There are toilets on board. Please note that tripods cannot be used during the cruises.

Although we try to ensure that cruises take place in reasonable sea conditions, occasionally adverse weather or bigger swells can be encountered on a trip, especially in the autumn.

The boat owners advise us that access to the boats at Bridlington harbour by passengers with restricted mobility is difficult. As the safety and comfort of our passengers is of paramount importance, we ask that any disabled person considering coming on a seabird cruise, please phone 01262 850959 for advice before booking.

How to find us

All cruises depart from Bridlington's North Pier. Details will be sent with your tickets.

What should I bring?

Passengers can buy refreshments on board, or bring their own. There are toilets on board. Passengers will need warm waterproof clothing, however you can go below deck. No tripods please.

Still got some questions?

Telephone: 01262 850959 to book by credit or debit card. Please note, the telephone is manned on a part-time basis. If the phone switches to answerphone please leave a short message and we will call you back.
E-mail: bempton.cruises@rspb.org.uk

Why not make a day of it?

After you have finished the cruise, why not visit our nearby reserve on top of Bempton Cliffs.

• Flamborough peninsula

Thanks to the Yorkshire Belle for kindly hosting the cruises.