Wetland Canoe Safari and Boat Tours at WWT Martin Mere
This summer, explore two kilometres of peaceful wetland waterways on a self-guided canoe safari or guided boat tour, keeping your eyes peeled for dazzling dragonflies and other wetland wildlife like kingfishers and water voles.
Our canoe safari and boat tours are part of our multi-attraction play zone, Paddle and Play. There’s fun for all ages, including a brand new natural wet play area, perfect for little ones and a woodland den building area.
Canoe Safari
A canoe safari is an adventurous way to explore the winding waterways of our wetland centre and discover areas you can’t reach on foot. Glide past reed beds and beneath overhanging tree branches as you’re surrounded by nature.
You don’t need any previous experience to enjoy this activity. Our canoes are safe, stable and easy to paddle for beginners. So, you can relax and enjoy the spectacular scenery and wildlife-spotting opportunities on a self-guided expedition.
Perfect for families, couples and friends of all ages, a canoe safari offers the calm of being on the water, the thrill of discovery, and the chance to see the many wonders of wetlands from a whole new perspective.
When can I go on a canoe safari at WWT Martin Mere?
Date: Every day until 30 September 2025.
Time: You can hire a canoe any time during our canoe safari opening hours between 11am - 3pm.
Cost: £12 per canoe. Canoes can seat up to 3 people. All equipment needed included life jackets are provided in the cost of hire.
Restrictions: Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Not suitable for children under 1m tall.
Yes, you will need to paddle yourself on our canoe safari. But even it’s your first time in a canoe, it’s the perfect experience for beginners:
Our canoes are stable, easy to steer and designed for first-time paddlers
You will have a full briefing before setting off
If you need support while on the water, our staff are always nearby to help
Paddling your own canoe is all part of the adventure – making a canoe safari a fun and active way to explore the beauty of wetlands.
Yes, our canoe safari is a family-friendly activity and all children over 1m tall can take part. Children under the age of 18 also need to be accompanied by an adult.
Yes, everyone taking part in a WWT canoe safari needs to wear a life jacket, which we will give you. You’ll also receive a full safety briefing explaining what to do in the highly unlikely event that somebody falls into the water.
A maximum of three people can share one of our canoes. It’s also possible to canoe as a pair or by yourself.
No, our canoe safari requires an additional charge of £12 per canoe. Canoes can seat up to 3 people. You can pay this additional charge at our canoe safari, however we recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment. Book now.
Our canoe safaris last up to one hour. The amount of time you take will depend on how fast you paddle and how long you spend stationary watching the wildlife.
You can discover all kinds of wildlife on a canoe safari at WWT Martin Mere. During the summer, you might spot:
Ducks
Dragonflies
Kingfishers
Sedge warblers
Reed warblers
Water voles
Our waterways are home to so much wildlife that changes with the seasons, so you’ll see something different on every expedition.
If the weather is windy, or we have heavy rain, the canoe safari area may close early.
Please call us on 01704 895181 before your visit to visit to ensure you are not disappointed.
If you have prebooked your canoe safari for a day where we can’t run them, we will contact you to arrange a refund or alternative date.
Guided boat tour
A guided boat tour is the perfect way to get a dragonfly’s eye view of our meandering waterways, peaceful water meadows and tranquil reed beds.
As your electric boat zips silently over the water, your guide will help you spot wildlife like tree creepers, great spotted woodpeckers and reed warblers, and plants such as ragwort and giant hogweed.
No boating experience is needed to take part. With an expert guide at the helm, all you need to do is sit back, enjoy the ride and discover fascinating facts about the plants and animals that live here.
A fun group activity for nature lovers of all ages, a guided boat tour gives you the chance to see hidden wildlife up close, immerse yourself in the calming beauty of wetlands, and see the wonders of nature from a whole new angle.
When can I go on a guided boat tour at WWT Martin Mere?
Date: Every day until 30 September 2025.
Time: Boat tours run hourly between 11am – 3pm.
Cost: £3.50 per person.
Restrictions: Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Not suitable for children under 1m tall.
No, you won’t drive the boat yourself. All our wetland boat tours are led by an experienced guide who operates the electric boat for you. Your guide will also point out wildlife and help you identify a range of wetland animals and plants – making your experience both relaxing and informative.
No, our guided boat tours require a small additional charge of £3.50 per person. You can pay this additional charge on the day of your visit, however we recommend booking the boat tour in advance to avoid disappointment. Book now.
No, you do not need to wear a life jacket on the guided boat tour.
Our boat tours usually take between 30 minutes and 45 minutes. This gives you plenty of time to:
Explore the wetland’s waterways and discover a range of wildlife habitats
See birds and aquatic plants up close
Learn interesting facts about wetland wildlife from your expert guide
It’s the perfect amount of time for both adults and children to sit back, relax and enjoy the spectacular scenery and wildlife-spotting opportunities with the help of your guide.
You can discover all kinds of wildlife on a guided boat tour at WWT Martin Mere. During the summer, you might spot:
Ducks
Dragonflies
Kingfishers
Sedge warblers
Reed warblers
Water voles
Our waterways are home to so much wildlife that changes with the seasons, so you’ll see something different on every tour.
No, you can expect to stay dry during your guided boat tour:
Our boats are very stable and have high sides to prevent water from splashing inside
Our boats move slowly over calm water, minimising spray or splashes
Our experienced guides steer carefully to avoid any sudden movements that might cause water to enter the boat
If the weather is windy, or we have heavy rain, the canoe safari area may close early.
Please call us on 01704 895181 before your visit to visit to ensure you are not disappointed.
If you have prebooked your boat tour for a day where we can’t operate the boats, we will contact you to arrange a refund or alternative date.
Our pathways towards the boat tour are accessible to wheelchairs and pushchairs. The boat tour is also wheelchair and mobility scooter friendly. When booking your tour, please select wheelchair user for your ticket. Carers also go free on the guided boat tour.
