Photo credit, Paul Naylor
Rockpool Safaris
Explore a Remarkable Place
D. Carter
Wembury Bay has long been recognised for its amazing rocky shore environment. In fact, Wembury is often found on the list of the top rockpooling spots in the UK!
Devon Wildlife Trust works hard to protect this special place and encourages all rockpoolers to follow the Seashore Code.
Come and join us for one of our popular Rockpool Safaris and we'll take you on a guided tour of Wembury's rockpools! Regular characters we meet include cushion starfish, blennies, velvet swimming crabs, worm pipefish and much much more!
Before you come and join us, why not have a look at our Wonderful Wembury Bay film below and discover the world beneath the waves...
Wembury Marine Centre's Rockpool Safaris are delivered by Devon Wildlife Trust staff and volunteers. We run a busy programme of events between April - September each year.
View our upcoming rockpool safaris below or visit our What's On page for a full list of events.
Wembury Marine Centre's upcoming Rockpool Safaris
Rockpool Safari events - Frequently Asked Questions
Interested in one of our Rockpool Safari events but want to know more? read our FAQs below or Contact Us for more information.
How much does a Rockpool Safari cost?
Regular Rockpool Safaris are usually £5 per person (plus the Eventbrite fee). All money goes to Devon Wildlife Trust to support the work of Wembury Marine Centre and keeping Wembury special.
Booking in advance is usually required. Please click on a specific event for more details.
Please note car parking charges in the National Trust beach car park will also apply - National Trust members park free of charge.
When do you run Rockpool Safaris?
Rockpool Safaris normally start at Easter each year and run through until end of September. We plan these events for weekends throughout our season and on weekdays in school holidays and bank holidays.
We plan these events carefully to coincide with low tide so if the dates and times are not what you are looking for then it may be because the tide is not suitable for rockpooling.
Do I need to book for a Rockpool Safari?
Yes please, booking in advance via Eventbrite is usually required. Please click on a specific event for details on how to book. If you are unable to book online beforehand, then please just turn up to the Centre before the event starts to see if you can book on.
Please note all children must be accompanied by a paying adult (over 18 years).
What age are your Rockpool Safaris suitable for?
Our Rockpool Safaris are open to all - children and adults alike! There are fascinating species to discover and unbelievable facts to learn, thanks to our expert team of staff and volunteers. We find more as a group and share the knowledge.
We recommend our Rockpool Safaris for children aged 4 years and over (but you know your child and younger children are of course welcome to join us.) We run Mini Rockpool Safaris for younger pre-school aged children as an introductory session to rockpooling and we recommend children are aged 12 and over for our night-time rockpool safaris. Please see our What's On page for more details.
At all of our Rockpool Safari events, all children must be accompanied by a paying adult.
What do I need to wear for a Rockpool Safari event?
We recommend sturdy waterproof footwear for rockpooling as you will walk over slippery seaweed covered rocks. Wellington boots are ideal as you can get your feet wet whilst you explore the rockpools fully.
Please come dressed for the weather and bring a coat or extra layer as there can often be a breeze out on the rocky shore.
Rockpool Safaris do go ahead on rainy days unless a severe weather warning is forecast.
Shall I bring my own net?
Please don't bring nets! We work really hard to protect Wembury's rockpools by following the Seashore Code at all of our events.
Instead, we only use our hands and buckets and we will teach you how to do the same. We provide the buckets so there's no need to bring anything but yourselves!
Please consider leaving your nets at home whenever and wherever you go rockpooling, thank you.
Can I bring a group or Birthday Party group to a Rockpool Safari?
We can usually offer private guided Rockpool Safari events to group of all ages. Please Contact Us to discuss dates and details and we'll be happy to arrange a booking with you.
We also offer Birthday Parties which include guided rockpooling sessions, plus other activities and private hire of Wembury Marine Centre, please Contact Us to discuss in further detail.
Will the Rockpool Safari go ahead in poor weather?
Rockpool Safaris will go ahead on rainy days, but please be aware the rocks can become more slippery. Please bring a warm waterproof coat and sensible footwear such as wellington boots.
In the event of a severe weather warning issued by the Met Office then we will cancel our events and full refunds will be issued.
Should you choose to cancel your booking, then you must give us at least 24 hours notice in order for a refund to be issued (minus the Eventbrite booking fee).
Credit. Dr Paul Naylor