Searles Sea Tours
Searles Sea Tours
4.5
Historical & Heritage ToursBoat ToursNature & Wildlife Tours
Full view
About
Hunstanton, Norfolk, England
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
496 reviews
Excellent
370
Very good
65
Average
33
Poor
13
Terrible
15
Hammie Armitage
Peterborough, UK3 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
Our family thoroughly enjoyed our trip on the wash monster. We went to seal island, to see the largest colony of (poorly named) common seals, there weren’t many, but as they’re endangered we didn’t expect anything less, the vehicle couldn’t go to close to the seals, to which we were explained that there were young seal pups that they didn’t want to spook or scare away from their mums which was totally understandable. Initially we thought the trip was a little pricey, however, the length of the trip, the amount of fuel used and the kindness of the staff and the enjoyment of the trip, it was well worth every penny.
They have very safe and thorough cleanliness amidst this covid pandemic and took appropriate precautions which was pleasantly surprising but fantastic to see. We felt very safe.
They have very safe and thorough cleanliness amidst this covid pandemic and took appropriate precautions which was pleasantly surprising but fantastic to see. We felt very safe.
Written 23 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hseal45
London, UK1,608 contributions
Jul 2022
Looking for things to do whilst visiting and this popped up c/o Trip Advisor. Emailed to ask about booking, received a prompt reply with a telephone number to contact. This we did and after checking the available dates on the website, we booked a tour on Monday 4th July 2022. On arrival, we checked in and once everyone had arrived, around 25 in total, we set off.
It is a really odd feeling on the 'Wash Monster', not like sailing, still felt we were on the ground!! We enjoyed both the scenery and the appearance of the seals (not always guaranteed but that's nature for you)!
Would recommend for all and will share photos later on!!
It is a really odd feeling on the 'Wash Monster', not like sailing, still felt we were on the ground!! We enjoyed both the scenery and the appearance of the seals (not always guaranteed but that's nature for you)!
Would recommend for all and will share photos later on!!
Written 6 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Giovanni S
9 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
Searles sea tours to Seal Island was absolutely Amazing. We got to see so many Seales and the crew were very cautious how we approached them so as not to scare them. As a wheelchair user the crew could not have made it better for me to see them and they made sure I was safe boarding and then disembarking after the tour. They were first class and we thoroughly enjoyed the trip. We will definitely do it again. Gio 🥰🥰
Written 16 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
L0uiseH
Leicester, UK12 contributions
Sept 2021 • Family
Very average, over priced boat trip - you literally drive in a straight line out to the sea and see seals through binoculars before driving back to the shore. Our kids are 3 and were bored but maybe older children would like it.
The poor review, however, is due to the horrendous customer service. I reserved a week in advance but was told on arrival our tickets had been given away. I actually thought the man was joking as we were there on time (despite him trying to say we were literally 2 mins late) and because the way he said it was so rude that I couldn’t believe customers would be spoken to that way. He said he had been trying to call me to get me to pay in advance (despite being told we could pay on the day by the lady I had been dealing with on the phone) and I had been ignoring his calls and “that’s what you get”. I showed him my call record showing they hadn’t called me and, upon checking, it emerged he had written down the number from his office lady incorrectly and been calling the wrong number. At this point, I would have expected an apology and a change in attitude but the gentleman (I use this term very loosely) in the kiosk continued to be aggressive and insisted it was my fault because I should have kept ringing them to pay, despite being told I didn’t need to. I’m astounded this man has a customer facing role in any company.
Finally, I emailed the owner of the company prior to reviewing to give him the opportunity to respond. However, his response was that I should be grateful that they allowed me to pay full price to go on the next tour. Baffled by this response but also now understand the company’s customer service ethos.
The poor review, however, is due to the horrendous customer service. I reserved a week in advance but was told on arrival our tickets had been given away. I actually thought the man was joking as we were there on time (despite him trying to say we were literally 2 mins late) and because the way he said it was so rude that I couldn’t believe customers would be spoken to that way. He said he had been trying to call me to get me to pay in advance (despite being told we could pay on the day by the lady I had been dealing with on the phone) and I had been ignoring his calls and “that’s what you get”. I showed him my call record showing they hadn’t called me and, upon checking, it emerged he had written down the number from his office lady incorrectly and been calling the wrong number. At this point, I would have expected an apology and a change in attitude but the gentleman (I use this term very loosely) in the kiosk continued to be aggressive and insisted it was my fault because I should have kept ringing them to pay, despite being told I didn’t need to. I’m astounded this man has a customer facing role in any company.
Finally, I emailed the owner of the company prior to reviewing to give him the opportunity to respond. However, his response was that I should be grateful that they allowed me to pay full price to go on the next tour. Baffled by this response but also now understand the company’s customer service ethos.
Written 13 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Victoria T
3 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
As there was 50mph gale force winds today we telephoned the office several times to ensure out 2:30pm trip.to see the seals was going ahead and we was reassured that it was. At 1:33pm we recieved a telephone call from them as they were now cancelling the trip due to maintenance issues. As this was our last day on holiday this meant that we was hanging around after having to vacate our accommodation with small children who was looking forward to seeing seals when we could have done something else or headed home. There are at least two vehicles they use for boat trips and I seen them parked up with nobody working on them. I do not believe the reason they gave was legitimate and sorry is not good enough. I have never booked in advance with them before and never will again. Very disappointed family 😒
Written 21 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KevinB
2 contributions
Aug 2020
A bit of a disappointment. The staff were very friendly but the 1-hour Seal Safari left the 4 of us (paying £60) somewhat underwhelmed! The tour left at 2.10pm and we returned at 2.50pm, so it was only a 40-minute trip out to the sandbanks. "One of the largest colony/group of Common Seals in the UK, possibly the world" turned out to be 9 distant specks. All the same, we appreciated a really refreshing sea breeze on one of the hottest days of the year.
Written 7 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Abby
Ipswich, UK10 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
We enjoyed our trip and got to see seals which was fantastic! The man on the boat was also very helpful and knowledgeable.
Unfortunately the start of our visit wasn't great due to several reasons - the website information was difficult to understand about set off times for the tour, we struggled to contact the company as the lines were down and it was not clear anywhere if dogs could come on the boat. The company need to get this updated asap.
We got a call en route saying we had to be there half an hour before the time given, which we were cutting it very fine for, but made it. We took our dog with us as I had sent an email stating how many of us there would be and it wasn't said that dogs couldn't come. Then as we went to get tickets the man at the booth told us dogs aren't allowed and turned us away, even though there was another dog on the boat already?!
My partner then had to dispute this and "on this occasion" they let our dog on ... Very odd and made us feel somewhat unwelcome. We still don't understand what the rules are for dogs!!
It was an average tour and based on our experience at the start, wouldn't visit again.
Unfortunately the start of our visit wasn't great due to several reasons - the website information was difficult to understand about set off times for the tour, we struggled to contact the company as the lines were down and it was not clear anywhere if dogs could come on the boat. The company need to get this updated asap.
We got a call en route saying we had to be there half an hour before the time given, which we were cutting it very fine for, but made it. We took our dog with us as I had sent an email stating how many of us there would be and it wasn't said that dogs couldn't come. Then as we went to get tickets the man at the booth told us dogs aren't allowed and turned us away, even though there was another dog on the boat already?!
My partner then had to dispute this and "on this occasion" they let our dog on ... Very odd and made us feel somewhat unwelcome. We still don't understand what the rules are for dogs!!
It was an average tour and based on our experience at the start, wouldn't visit again.
Written 29 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kim j
1 contribution
Aug 2021 • Family
We booked to go on the seal tour. It was very disappointing from beginning to end.
For a start they did no child reduction so for a family of 4 the cost was £64, which was really not good value for money. The boat was so noisy it was like being on a tractor!! The captain spoke but could hardly hear above the noise. We quite simply drove out over the dunes and stopped to see a small handful of seals in the distance. We sat there for a good 20 mins staring at them in the distance. We then drove past them as we turned round, slightly better view briefly. Now I appreciate they cannot know how many seals are around any time. We then drove back. The whole trip was so boring that my son actually fell asleep 💤. The worse £64 I have wasted in a while!!
For a start they did no child reduction so for a family of 4 the cost was £64, which was really not good value for money. The boat was so noisy it was like being on a tractor!! The captain spoke but could hardly hear above the noise. We quite simply drove out over the dunes and stopped to see a small handful of seals in the distance. We sat there for a good 20 mins staring at them in the distance. We then drove past them as we turned round, slightly better view briefly. Now I appreciate they cannot know how many seals are around any time. We then drove back. The whole trip was so boring that my son actually fell asleep 💤. The worse £64 I have wasted in a while!!
Written 28 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stan Brewster
2 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
I phoned Searles Sea Tours last week to book a one hour trip aboard the Wash Monster to see the seals with my wife and 2 children. I was told the trip on June 1st was sold out. Searles took my number in case they had a cancellation. I managed to book a similar trip on June 1st with a rival firm that was 30 minutes from where I was staying. The next day, Aimee from Searles Sea Tours sent me a text saying they had indeed had a cancellation and had booked us on the 12.15 tour on June 1st and would ring me for payment on the day before. This was a better option for us so I rang the rival firm and cancelled. I received a call from Searles the day before the trip but instead of asking for payment I was told the seal trips were all cancelled on June 1st due to the tides and that it was unlikely we would see any seals. This left my little girl in tears as she was so looking forward to seeing the seals. On June 1st we watched the Wash Monster come and go many times. I asked a lady getting off from the boat if they had seen any seals. She said yes they had seen seals. I don't know why Searles Sea Tours cancelled my trip but it certainly wasn't for the reasons they gave me as all the other days were sold out.
Written 2 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Monica B
4 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
Great tour but we paid £15 for 1 hour to see seals. The other group paid £7.50 for half hour and they were with us the whole trip. How is that fair. We also got soaked because we were on the small boat even tho we paid more money. What a con
Written 19 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Searles Sea Tours Location is on the Sea Side Next opposite The Sea Life Centre But is Not Identified on Map after Several Attempts to Rectify.
Also after 3Years holding the Number 1 Attraction in Hunstanton & Reviews very favourable could you please let me Know
Why we have been at Number 2 this Season.
Best Regards
William Searle
Written 22 December 2018
Well, we left full ratings for our visit so not guilty lol, but maybe ask those who didn't leave full ratings...
Another thing to consider are the vagaries of review sites in general, ratings are open to 'sabotage' and 'mates ratings' etc.
Written 24 December 2018
Can I use or get a boat trip to skegness. It would be so much better the drive is awful.
Written 28 August 2018
They are just tours, they don't go to Skegness. One is a short one that gives you some local knowledge, the other one you go out and hopefully see sea lions.
Written 28 August 2018
Is there an optimum time of day to do the tour to see the most seals or is it generally pot luck?
Written 20 August 2018
They only go when the tide is right so you always see the seals there's about a dozen or so
Written 20 August 2018
What was the cost of the trip as we are going back to Hunstanton next year and there are three children to go with me 4,5 and 6 yrs. Look forward to your response with thanks
Written 29 September 2017
It is fairly steep but it’s worth it. I believe it’s about £18 for adults and £9 for children. Don’t quote me on this.
Written 9 October 2017
Hi I have a few questions to ask. Firstly is this place near Great Yarmouth? How would I go about booking and also is it suitable for my children ages 16,9 & 3. Any info/tips and just general how it all works I'd be very grateful to hear. Thank you
Written 27 June 2017
You're looking at about a 70 mile drive from Great Yarmouth.
We popped in to the kiosk on the sea front to book the day before, but paid on the day of the tour. So you can call the number listed on their site to book on, and pay on the day.
We booked the seal safari, and I'd say it would be perfect for a 16, 9 and 3 year old. There were quite a few children on our tour and they all seemed to be having a good time!
Written 27 June 2017
Are there tours at the beginning of June and how much do they cost?
Written 8 April 2017
Hi Suzanne this year tours start 1st May price Adults £17 Under 14 £8.50 if there is a group you can get a discount I hope this helps regards Wayne
Written 9 April 2017
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