NORTH NORFOLK SAILS
Salt Marsh Sails
Calm & tranquil sails, foraging and swimming through tidal salt water creeks
Our Salt Marsh fleet
The Mussel Flats
Our two 16' lug-rigged mussel flats based in Wells; ideal for exploring the smallest of the tidal creeks from Wells to Stiffkey.
Up to 4 per boat
On the tide (3–4 hrs) — from £395
Day sail (8–12 hrs) — from £595
My Girls
Our 20' Norfolk lug-rigged crab boat based in Wells, she was made for sailing the North Sea and crossing the sand bars.
Up to 6
On the tide (3–4 hrs) — from £595
Day sail (8–12 hrs) — from £795
Salford
Our 30' lug-rigged whelk boat, based in Wells; she can navigate the main channels and larger creeks on Spring tides.
Up to 10
On the tide (3–4 hrs) — from £795
Day sail (8–12 hrs) — from £980
Mabel
A 16' lug-rigged Norfolk beach boat based in Blakeney; ideal for the tidal creeks around Cley, Morston and Blakeney Pit.
Up to 4
On the tide (3–4 hrs) — from £395
Day sail (8–12 hrs) — from £595
Salt Marsh Sailing - Key facts
Sail through calm, protected creeks between Wells-Next-the-Sea, Warham, Stiffkey, Morston, Blakeney and Cley — in a mussel flat, beach boat, crab boat, or, on very high tides, the whelk boat.
Starting points
Wells-next-the-Sea
Mussel flats, crab boat, whelk boat — for Wells, Warham and Stiffkey saltmarsh.
Blakeney Quay
Beach-boat trips to Cley or Morston.
Duration
Half day — 3–4 hours
Day — 8 hours, with low-water exploration; return by taxi
Full day — 12 hours, back on the evening tide
Provisions
Breakfast
Bacon & eggs or a vegetarian option, tea & coffee.
Lunch / supper
Homemade soup, fresh tomatoes, bread, chutney, local cheese and cake.
No experience needed
All ages welcome
Dogs welcome
A sail on the Salt Marsh
We sail on the tide, so times shift with the water — here's the shape of a typical trip.
Meet at the quayside
Gather on Wells quay, meet your skipper, fit your lifejackets with a safety brief and check the plan for the sail ahead.
Cast off on the flood
Slip lines and hoist the tan sail (or electric engine if no wind!), carried by the rising tide into the salt marsh.
Into the creeks
Wind quietly through the samphire and sea lavender in summer, with curlews and redshanks working the banks, or return on bright winter days to the sound of cackling geese gathering across the marshes.
Pause and explore or swim
Run the boat up a quiet beach or anchor in the creeks, stretch your legs and wild-swim if the mood takes you.
Food on deck
A locally sourced Norfolk breakfast of bacon and eggs (or a vegetarian alternative), or a homemade soup with a selection of Norfolk cheeses and chutney, followed by cake, served with Sandringham apple juice, tea or freshly brewed coffee.
Home on the ebb
Ride the falling tide back down the channel and step ashore at Wells, salt-air-tired and recharged.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need any sailing experience?
None at all. Your skipper handles the boat — you're welcome to take a turn on the helm or the sheets, or simply sit back and take in the marsh.
Will I feel seasick?
The salt-marsh creeks are calm and sheltered, so there's very little movement. Seasickness is rare on these trips, even if you don't usually have sea legs.
What should I wear and bring?
Warm layers and a waterproof, flat non-slip shoes, a hat and sunscreen. We provide lifejackets. Bring a camera and any medication you need.
Are children welcome?
Yes — all ages are welcome, and the sheltered creeks make for a gentle first sail for little ones.
Can we bring our dog?
Well-behaved dogs are welcome aboard — just let us know when you book so we can plan for them.
What time will we set off?
The tide sets our times, so departure changes from day to day. We'll confirm your exact meeting time when you book and confirm 48hrs before your booking.
Where do we meet?
Most trips leave from Wells-next-the-Sea; beach-punt trips leave from Blakeney Quay. We'll confirm your starting point when you book.
Is there a toilet on board?
These are traditional open boats, so there are no facilities aboard — we'd recommend visiting before you set off from the quay.
What happens if the weather turns?
We keep a close eye on the forecast and sail when it's safe and enjoyable. If conditions mean a trip can't run, we'll rearrange a new date or talk through the options with you.
Is food included?
Yes — depending on the length of your trip you'll be looked after with breakfast and/or a homemade lunch or supper aboard.
Salt Marsh Sail Enquiry
Contact CEC HQ who will be pleased to assist you with booking options:
+44 (0) 7817 30755
explore@coastalexplorationcompany.co.uk
Alternatively fill in the form below