Enjoy an adventure filled with oohs, ahhs, and oars in search of dazzling dragonflies and other amazing wildlife.
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. As you glide past reed beds and beneath overhanging tree branches, keep your eyes peeled for dazzling dragonflies skimming across the water’s surface – as well as other wetland wildlife like kingfishers, otters and herons.
You don’t need any previous experience to enjoy this activity. Our canoes are safe, stable and easy to paddle for beginners, while our waterway trail is clearly marked. 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 Slimbridge?
Date: Every day until Tuesday 30 September 2025.
Time: 11am – 5pm (last hire 4pm).
Cost: £10 per canoe or coracle. Canoes can seat up to 3 people. Canoe (or coracle) safari tickets are available on the day of your visit by card only at the Canoe Hut or by cash at the Canoe Kiosk or Gift Shop in the Visitor Centre.
Restrictions: Suitable for children aged 3+. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Please note schools are not permitted to undertake the Canoe Safari experience due to supervision ratios.
Ready to visit?
Canoe safaris cannot be booked in advance, however, you can save time by booking your entry tickets online.
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 aged 3+ 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 as part of your hire. 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.
Our Canoe Safaris usually take between 30 minutes and an hour. The amount of time you take will depend on how fast you paddle and how long you spend stationary watching the wildlife, but the maximum amount of time you can spend out on the water is one hour.
You can discover all kinds of wildlife on a Canoe Safari at WWT Slimbridge. 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.
Canoe Safari’s may not run during very cold, wet or windy weather. We recommend checking at admissions on arrival to see if the Canoe Safari is running or call us on 01453 891900 on the day you intend to visit to ensure you are not disappointed.
Our Canoe Safari is not wheelchair accessible, however our 4x4 Wild Safari can be adapted for wheelchair users. Find out more here.
Yes, we also have coracles for hire. Coracles are an ancient one-person boat and an important part of the heritage of the River Severn. The lightweight circular boats are notoriously unstable so can leave you in a bit of a spin. Give it a try if you’re feeling adventurous! Coracles are £10 per boat and hirers must be aged 18+.
