Seven Sisters Boat Trip: Newhaven Cliffs & Coastal Wildlife
See the Seven Sisters from the water — the only way the cliffs make sense
You board at Newhaven Marina and spend 90 minutes cruising the Sussex coast with local guides who know the history and the wildlife. You pass Splash Point and Seaford Bay, arrive at the Seven Sisters Cliffs from the water, and spot seals and seabirds along the way. Life jacket and small-group format are included; the boat is designed to keep motion minimal. Return time depends on your chosen departure, so pick the slot that leaves your afternoon open.
1m–30m
Step-by-step itinerary
Seven Sisters Boat Tour Experience
- Depart from Newhaven Marina
- Cruise along Seaford Bay
- Pass by Splash Point
- Visit Tide Mills and Hope Gap
- Arrive at Seven Sisters Cliffs
- Enjoy close-up cliff views
- Spot dolphins, seals, and birds
- Hear local smuggling stories
- Return to marina
The Experience
You've just landed in South East England, or maybe you're staying nearby for a few days. Either way, you've got an afternoon free and the coast is calling. The boat leaves Newhaven Marina at a time that works — you'll board a small Italian pleasure boat, the kind designed so the motion doesn't catch you off guard, and for the next 90 minutes you're moving east along the Sussex coastline with nothing between you and the water. The chalk cliffs rise up as you go, first pale and distant, then close enough that you can see the erosion happening in real time, the way the sea is slowly taking them apart. This is what the Seven Sisters Boat Trip actually is: a chance to see those cliffs from underneath, which changes everything about how they look.
Your guides are Paul and Sarah, brother and sister, both born and raised here. They know the coast the way locals know a neighborhood — not from a script but from growing up in it. As you cruise past Splash Point and into Seaford Bay, they point out the turquoise water (it's real, not a filter), the spots where porpoises surface, the seals that haul out on the rocks. They tell you about the smuggling history that runs through the area — their own family line goes back to one of the most famous smugglers Sussex ever had — and they'll mention the smaller beaches and coves worth visiting if you want to come back on foot. The boat itself is stable enough that seasickness is rare, which matters if you're not a confident sailor. Life jackets are provided and everyone wears one, no exceptions.
The Seven Sisters Boat Trip takes you to Cuckmere Haven, where the river meets the sea and the cliffs reach their most dramatic. You'll have time to take photos, to just sit with the view, to watch for kittiwakes and other seabirds that nest in the chalk. The whole thing is 1.5 hours from start to finish, which means you're back on land by late afternoon with the rest of your day still ahead. If you're traveling with children or using a wheelchair, the boat is accessible and the crew knows how to make it work. If you're on your own or with a partner, you're in a small group — never a crowded ferry feel. Book a departure that fits your schedule and show up 15 minutes early.
What’s included
- Your 1.5-hour boat trip includes pickup at Newhaven Marina, a life jacket, and guided commentary from local operators Paul and Sarah, who share stories of the Sussex coast and its smuggling history.
- The tour covers Seaford Bay, Splash Point, and concludes at Cuckmere Haven with views of the Seven Sisters Cliffs.
- Wildlife spotting (seals, porpoises, seabirds) is included as conditions allow.
- All areas of the boat are wheelchair accessible, and specialized infant seats are available on request.
Operated by Maverick Boat Adventures
Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see the Seven Sisters Cliffs from the water — the only angle that shows you their scale and the way the sea is reshaping them — and you'd rather have a local guide than navigate the coast on your own. The 1.5-hour length means it fits into an afternoon without eating your whole day.
Traveler reviews
Top questions
How long is the Seven Sisters Boat Trip?
1.5 hours from Newhaven Marina to Cuckmere Haven and back.
What wildlife might I see?
Porpoises, seals, kittiwakes, and other seabirds. Sightings depend on season and conditions.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes. Infants can travel in a pram or stroller, and specialized infant seats are available. The boat is designed to minimize motion.
Can I bring a wheelchair?
Yes, all areas of the boat are wheelchair accessible.
What's included in the price?
The boat trip, life jacket, and commentary from local guides. No additional fees during the tour.
Do I need to be fit or experienced at sea?
No. The boat is suitable for all fitness levels and is designed to reduce seasickness. Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries.
Where do I meet?
Newhaven Marina in South East England. Public transportation options are available nearby.
Can service animals come on board?
Yes, service animals are allowed.
Seven Sisters Boat Trip: Newhaven Cliffs & Coastal Wildlife
1m–30m · EN
from £ 40 per person
★★★★★★★★★★4.96246 reviews
