Calling all seal enthusiasts! If you fancy getting up close to some of county’s cutest coastal residents, you can head to Hunstanton. It’s one of the best places to see seals in Norfolk to watch seals in their natural habitat.
This lovely seaside town offers not just one, but two fantastic ways to see seals up close. You can watch them lounging and playing in their natural home at The Wash, or stop by the Sea Life Centre’s seal hospital to learn about how these amazing animals are cared for. However you choose to spend your day, Hunstanton is the perfect place to learn more about seals.
Get ready for an adventure that will make you appreciate these adorable creatures even more!
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About Seals in The Wash
The Wash has become the home of one of the largest colonies of common seals in the UK, and quite possibly, the world. Fed by four rivers, this unique stretch of coastline is famous for its wide, sandy flats that seem to go on forever. More than 3,000 common seals, also known as harbour seals, live here.
When the tide is out, you’ll spot seals lounging on the sandbanks, soaking up the sun or slipping into the water for a swim. There’s something really special about seeing them like this, you can’t help but pause and take it all in.
When June arrives, something special happens. Common seals start having their pups. You’ll see the seal parents looking after their little ones, who seem to grow bigger every day. The pupping season for common seals runs right through August.
You might also spot grey seals in The Wash. They have their pups a bit later, during the late autumn and winter months.
How to See the Seals in Hunstanton
Unlike at Horsey Beach where you can spot seals lounging on the beach most of the year, in Hunstanton it is rare to see any right on the beach. However, fear not, for we have two exciting alternatives to fulfil your seal-watching dreams. Hop aboard the Wash Monster or pay a visit to the Sea Life Centre for unforgettable seal encounters.
Let’s look into both options so you can choose the one that is best for you. (Or you could always do both!)
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Sea Life Centre Hunstanton
Discover the world of awe-inspiring marine animals at Sea Life aquariums, where colourful marine habitats and displays await the whole family. With multiple locations across the country, including two in Norfolk — Hunstanton and Great Yarmouth — Sea Life offers an unforgettable experience.
If you are interested in seals, then a visit to the Hunstanton Sea Life Centre is a must, as it houses a seal hospital. You’ll have the chance to see their world up close, watch how they recover and heal, and get to know these amazing animals even better.
Book your visit in advance here to get the best price. Unlike the Wash Monster, Sea Life Centre is open all year.
Seal Hospital & Seal Rescue Centre
Since 1989, the Seal Hospital has been a beacon of hope for seals in need. Over the years, they have rescued and rehabilitated over 750 seals.
Often, these seals are discovered injured or suffering from infections, unable to fend for themselves. Once the dedicated animal care team is alerted, they investigate each case and make the decision to bring the seal to the safety of the Seal Rescue Centre.
Many of the pups that come into their care are mere days old, having not yet learned the skills of catching and eating fish. The staff at the centre assume the role of surrogate mother, providing everything these pups need to grow fit, healthy, and strong. They prepare a nutritious fish soup, using herring as a natural food source, which is combined with rehydration fluid to aid their recovery from dehydration.
As the seals improve they are moved to one of the pools to develop social skills. When the time is right and they have reached their target weight, Sea Life carefully orchestrates their safe release back into the wild, giving them a second chance at life in their natural habitat.
Seal Pup Recovery Pool
As the adorable pups grow and start eating whole fish, they move into the sea pup recovery pool, a larger space where they can mix with other seals at a similar stage. It’s a nurturing environment where they can build confidence, develop their social skills, and learn from one another under the watchful eye of the dedicated team.
Adult Seals and Underwater Seal Viewing Area
Once the pups are ready, they join the main seal pool and get to spend time with the six resident common seals. It’s a big step in their journey, and being part of this little seal community helps them build strength and confidence as they work towards their release weight.
While you’re there, don’t miss the underwater viewing area. Watching the seals glide through the water is truly mesmerising. Their grace and beauty are something else, and it’s an experience that really sticks with you.
VIP Seal Feed Experience
For something a bit special, the Seal Feed VIP Experience is a real treat. You’ll get to meet the six resident common harbour seals – Sally, Amber, Tyne, Lora, Macey, and Pippa – up close, and learn all about their diets, routines, and the little quirks that make each of them unique.
The experience also includes entry to Sea Life Hunstanton, so you can enjoy everything the aquarium has to offer while you’re there.
Book your VIP Seal Feed Experience here.
Wash Monster
Hop aboard the Wash Monster, a unique amphibious vehicle that will take you on an unforgettable seal safari. Originally designed as a landing craft for American Marines in Vietnam, this remarkable vehicle now offers thrilling tours to spot seals in their natural habitat. Brace yourself for an hour of pure excitement and seal-watching delight.
While the seals can be found in The Wash throughout the year, these seal tours operate exclusively from April through October, with daily departure times varying based on the tide. Due to their popularity, it’s highly recommended to book your spot in advance, so you don’t miss out.
When you arrive, you’ll board the Wash Monster via a handy ramp, which makes it easy. The team recommends getting there a little early so everything runs smoothly and you’re ready to set off on time. After a quick safety briefing, it’s time to head out on your seal-spotting adventure, with a knowledgeable guide on hand to share insights and answer any questions along the way.
As we set off, our guide was quick to spot some distant dots on the horizon, which turned out to be seals. One of the best things about the safari is that you’re free to stand up and move around the vehicle to get a better view. They even provide binoculars, so everyone gets a chance to see these amazing creatures up close.
As we approached the seals, the vehicle gradually slowed down, keeping a safe and respectful distance for observation. It was a privilege to witness the seals in their natural habitat. Most were snoozing peacefully while a few displayed their playful personalities.
During our excursion, we saw around 20 to 30, but do keep in mind that seal numbers can vary. Some lucky visitors may even witness a larger gathering of these adorable creatures, while others might not see any at all.
Eventually, it was time to bid farewell to the seals and make our way back to the promenade. Even though the Wash Monster is an amphibious vehicle, the tide was so low during our trip that we could drive right out to the seals without the water even reaching the tyres. We didn’t need to use the boat functions at all, which just added to how unique and fascinating this safari really is.
Get more information about the Wash Monster operated by Searles Sea Tours here.
Read reviews of Searles Sea Tours here.
Seals in Hunstanton FAQs
Seals grace the waters of The Wash near Hunstanton throughout the year, but if you want to do a seal safari on the Wash Monster, it’s only available from April to October. However, you can see the seals all year round at the Hunstanton Sea Life Centre.
While it is possible to catch a glimpse of seals on Hunstanton Beach, such sightings are not very common. These creatures tend to prefer the sandbanks located a few miles away from the beach, where they spend most of their time basking in the sun and enjoying their natural habitat.
The majority of seals you’ll encounter in The Wash are common seals, also known as harbour seals. However, keep your eyes peeled, as you might also be fortunate enough to spot a few grey seals mingling among them.
In summer, common seals welcome their adorable pups, and if you’re lucky, you might spot some during a seal safari. That said, nature has its own timing, so sightings aren’t guaranteed.
For a more certain seal pup experience, head to the Hunstanton Sea Life Centre. Their dedicated recovery pool is home to young seals all year round, where you can watch them play, grow, and charm just about everyone who visits.
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