About the event

Join us aboard the Rutland Belle for a special Osprey Cruise on Rutland Water. A member of the Osprey Project team will be on board throughout the trip, sharing fascinating insights into Ospreys, the Osprey Project and the wildlife of Rutland Water.

The Rutland Belle will take you to parts of the reservoir where we have the best chance of seeing Ospreys. With a little luck, you could be treated to spectacular views as they plunge into the water to catch their prey! It’s a truly memorable experience and one that regularly delivers breath-taking wildlife encounters. Even if the Ospreys prove elusive, there is always plenty of other wildlife to spot around the reservoir, making this an enjoyable cruise for nature lovers of all ages.

The cruise departs from Whitwell Harbour (LE15 8BL) and lasts approximately 1½ hours. During the trip, live commentary will highlight points of interest around the reservoir, while volunteers of the Osprey Project team will be on hand to answer questions and help you get the most from your experience.

Tea, coffee and snacks will also be available to purchase on board.

Please arrive in good time prior to the set sail time.

Please note no dogs are permitted at this event, only assistance dogs.

In addition to your cruise place, you will also receive a 20% discount on the permit entry price to the nature reserve on the day of the cruise. Nature reserve permits cover the Egleton and Lyndon sites of Rutland Water and with nearly 40 hides and lots of wildlife to see! The permit includes parking at both reserves making it easy to explore more of Rutland Water before your cruise.

As part of your Osprey Cruise ticket, we also welcome you to join a knowledgeable member of the Rutland Osprey Project team, who will be offering an 'Introduction to Ospreys' talk at 2pm on the day of the cruise from the Lyndon Visitor Centre. If you are interested in starting your Osprey experience day with this exciting talk, then do head over to the Lyndon Visitor Centre and make yourself known to a member of staff.

All parking costs at Whitwell are covered by your cruise booking. We will issue tickets on the cruise for use at the exit barrier at Whitwell car park.