sail, explore, swim, forage and eat - in the protected salt marsh
A Family Adventure
Family adventures under sail on the North Norfolk coast — exploring hidden creeks, wildlife-rich salt marshes and the timeless beauty of the North Sea aboard traditional wooden fishing boats.
Salt marsh sails are gentle, sheltered family days under sail — winding creeks, grey seals on the sandbanks, samphire to forage and a swim if you're brave. Here's how a day with us tends to go.
Early one summer morning the family arrived at Wells-next-the-Sea, kit bags packed and adventure ahead.
The skipper welcomed them aboard My Girls, a traditional Norfolk crab boat that had worked these waters for generations.
With sails set they slipped out into the winding creeks of the salt marsh, where grey seals watched them pass.
At low tide they waded ashore to forage for samphire and sea purslane among the reeds.
Back aboard, they feasted on crusty bread, fresh crab and the samphire they'd gathered, the boat rocking gently at anchor.
The children, brave as anything, plunged from the gunwale into the cool tidal water.
And as the sun dipped low over the dunes, they sailed home full of stories of the sea.
Family questions
Everything parents tend to ask before booking.
Is it suitable for children? What's the minimum age?
All ages are welcome. We've had babies in slings and grandparents in their eighties aboard, and everyone in between. For very young children we'd usually point you to a calm-weather Salt Marsh Sail rather than a Sea Exploration — sheltered creeks, no swell, plenty to see at a child's pace. Just let us know ages at the time of booking and we'll match you to the right boat and tide.
Is there a toilet on board?
Our smaller traditional boats are open vessels with no facilities aboard — it's part of their working-boat character. Loos are available at the quay before you set off, and on a longer sail your skipper will plan a comfort stop ashore if needed. We'll talk you through it at the start of the day.
What if a child falls in?
Honestly, it's rare. The salt marsh creeks are sheltered and shallow, life jackets are worn whenever the boat is underway, and your skipper will brief everyone on safety before casting off. If the worst did happen, our skippers are trained, prepared, and would have you out and warming up in minutes.
Will anyone get seasick?
Very unlikely on a Salt Marsh Sail — the water in the creeks is sheltered and flat, more like a slow river than the open sea. If you're heading out on a Sea Exploration on the open coast and someone in the group is prone to seasickness, do mention it at booking and we'll guide you to the right experience.
What happens if the weather's bad?
Norfolk weather is changeable and a bit of cloud or breeze is part of the adventure — we sail in most conditions within reason. If your skipper decides conditions are unsafe on the day, we'll reschedule for another date that suits you, or refund. The call is always made with your comfort and safety first.
What should we wear and bring?
Layers are your friend. Warm jumpers, a waterproof, and shoes you don't mind getting wet or salty. Sun cream, a hat, a water bottle. We provide life jackets, foul-weather gear if needed, and breakfast and a meal aboard.
Can you cater for fussy eaters or allergies?
Yes. Our food is locally sourced and freshly prepared, and we work around dietary needs — vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, allergies. If your eight-year-old would rather have a cheese sandwich than samphire and crab, we'll sort that too. Let us know at booking.
Can we bring our dog?
Absolutely. Sea-dogs are very welcome aboard — just mention them when you book so the skipper knows who's joining the crew.
Do we need any sailing experience?
None whatsoever. Your skipper does all the sailing. You're welcome to take a turn at the tiller, learn a knot or two, or help raise a sail if you fancy it — but you're equally welcome to sit back with a cup of tea and watch the salt marsh slide past. Both are perfectly good ways to spend a day.