Sign Petition: Warming waters set this iceberg loose. Cornwall Seal Group have been building up a catalogue of seal images since 2000 and so far 76 seals have been identified in St Ives Bay and at 22 other sites, from as far away as Skomer in Pembrokeshire, Morte Point in north Devon, The Isles of Scilly and Looe in SE Cornwall. 1. At various times during the summer there are guided walks (see website for details) Please note that dogs are not allowed to visit the island. In the last century, seals were hunted and culled, but their numbers are always going to be limited by their prey species. Felt rushed. Myfanwy N wrote a review Aug 2018. Cornwall’s seals haul out all year round, on more coastal sites in the Winter months and Spring when the seals are breeding a moulting and on more offshore rocky islands during the Summer, their offshore foraging season. Rose A. Telford, UK 24 contributions. It could be that when the seal fails initially, there is no outward sign. Good value for money and we would do the trip again. On a boat- always listen to the skipper’s instructions & rules. Looe island. First, check if they are still under warranty. Several other bank holiday revellers had the same idea but we managed to find a private mini beach all to ourselves. A very scenic walk from the gorgeous fishing village of Polperro to Looe with stunning views along the way. Steep inclines in places which can be challenging if not fit. This striking Looe Island, also known as George Island, lies just 1 mile off the South Cornwall Coast near Looe and boasts 22.5 acres of natural beauty. Looe Island, Looe Picture: Seals - Check out Tripadvisor members' 1,956 candid photos and videos. In the water: ‘Bottling’ (resting vertically in the sea), ‘logging’ (resting horizontally in the sea), ‘scanning’ (head out looking around). and were soon admiring the seals that were draped about on the Ranneys reef enjoying a bit of sun. There seems to be a seasonal element to their movements around our coasts. Cornwall is home to the majority of the world’s grey seal population, and so far, over 35 individual seals have been identified in Looe. Around high water they can be seen anywhere around the Island but their favourite area is the east side where they often greet the tourist boats from Looe. Remain quiet when seals are seen so there is less chance of disturbing them off rocks and more chance of a good view. Nelson, the one-eyed Grey Seal made Looe harbour in Cornwall his home for over 20 years but died in 2003 leaving a hole in the hearts and minds of locals, tourists and fishermen alike. if it has been raining it can be very muddy and quite tricky. Looe is a popular seaside town in South East Cornwall with amazing marine habitats and a maritime heritage stretching back for centuries. Brighton 20 contributions 18 helpful votes. Check tide times as this defines how far you can go to see this place. Melissa and her boyfriend Sam visit the seal colony while kayaking. Grey seals are one of the rarest seal species in the world…  Did you know that there are more African elephants in the world than grey seals! Looe Island is part of the Whitsand and Looe Bay Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ) and has a variety of precious wildlife habitats including woodland, maritime, grassland, sand, shingle and rocky reef. Birds, boats, vans and sheep-rustling', MARCH 2021 BIRD BLOG: LOCKED DOWN WITH THE LOOE EARLY BIRDS. Looe Island is one of Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s marine nature reserve and the waters around it are teeming with life. What to Do if the Window Seals Fail . Aug 2020 • Family. Looe Island Nature Reserve is a haven for diverse and fascinating wildlife, from silver-washed fritillaries to grey seals. If kayaking, be aware that hauled out seals can be particularly uncertain about approaching kayaks and may injure themselves in their rush to get to the safety of the sea. Worth the trek . We looped around the island and headed for the beach at Portnadler for lunch. October Bird Blog: Migration Fever, Kingfisher Time, and my Quest for the Rings. Looe Seal IDs : Can you tell who is who? Most grey seals are found in Scotland, but they occur all around the English and Welsh coasts, from the Farne Islands in the north east, Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, all around the SW coast, on the Isles of Scilly and all along the west and north coasts of Wales. When visiting the Island, a telescope gives a close view of any seals on the Ranneys & can also be used for bird watching. Seals visiting Looe Island have pupped on the north Cornish coast and beyond (at as yet undiscovered locations). In 2008, there were around the same number of grey seals in the UK as red squirrels! The world's biggest iceberg could kill a whole island of penguins, seals, and albatrosses. Looe’s own seal, Nelson, is being recreated in real bronze as a life-size sculpture by sculptor Suzie Marsh. The best views can be gained from the round island tour boats or by taking a landing day visit boat trip. We were blessed with great weather - You have to go, if only to appreciate watching the seals from ‘Point 7’ Read more. Looe Island (Map ref: SX258515) – is by far the best place to spot & observe seals in the Looe area hauled out on the rocks of the Ranney Reefs on the south side of the Island at low water. In Cornwall, the population appears to be stable. At Looe island we often find them at the end facing out to sea, where the sea tends to be more rough. Birds: The nature reserve is home to many nesting birds such as cormorants, shags, and oystercatchers. Aside from the fantastic wildlife, the Island is also seeped in history. Good social distancing measures in place and the boat was very clean. You’ll understand what a privilege this is when you realise there are fewer grey seals in the world than African elephants, almost half of them (about 160,000) live in the UK – about the same number as red squirrels and Looe Island is one of their favoured locations in Cornwall. Where hauled out, do not approach closely especially if a female has a pup with it. Seals need to haul out to rest and digest their food, so flushing them into the sea causes stress and upsets their energy balance. The UK has around 45% of the world’s population, so we tend to take them for granted, but we have a moral and legal obligation to protect them on behalf of the rest of the world. Low water is the best time to spot seals hauled out, resting & socialising on the Ranney Reefs. There seems to be a seasonal element to their movements around our coasts. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Melissa and her boyfriend Sam visit the seal colony while kayaking. They can be seen at most times of year but tend to be less common in the winter months when the females go elsewhere to give birth to their pups. Glass Bottom Boat trips around Looe Island. Always remember seals are wild animals, so hand feeding them leads to a lifetime of humanised behaviour. The island is also home to grey seals. Never feed a seal from the boat, there is a real risk of a severe bite. Very enjoyable trip on The Nautilus and the skipper was very informative. Regardless, ignoring these failed seals is not a good option if you want to maintain the energy efficiency of your home. Looe Island, Looe Picture: Looe Boat Trips- Glass Bottom boat, Nautilus A great trip out round Looe Island on a glass bottom boat. It’s a good two hour walk enabling you to…. Visited Looe Island today it was a lovely experience however, I felt it was a bit rushed. Looe Island (or St George's Island as it has also been known) is now owned by the Cornwall Wildlife Trust, after having been donated to their care in 2004 after the death of Babs Atkins, the sister of Evelyn Atkins who passed away in 1997, and who both previously owned the island. Looe Island: Looe Island - See 197 traveler reviews, 177 candid photos, and great deals for Looe, UK, at Tripadvisor. Looe Island Seals. We'll help you spot wildlife such as grey seals and great black-backed gulls as well as learning about the Trust's work and the challenges of island life. Sep 3, 2017 - Melissa Carne's blog post about the seals off Looe island in Cornwall, England. On low tide you can often find them sunbathing on the rocks (they are very well. Seals can be quite timid animals so sometimes spotting them can be quite difficult. Spotting a grey seal in the wild is a wonderful experience and the waters of the Looe Voluntary Marine Conservation Area are one of the easiest places to see a wild Grey Seal in the whole of the UK. Looe Island, Looe Picture: Seals are usually seen from this point - Check out Tripadvisor members' 177 candid photos and videos of Looe Island See the the seals at the seaward side of Looe Island nature reserve, the waters surrounding Looe Island are a marine nature reserve and covers 5 KM of coastline and protects the marine wildlife … Looe Island (Map ref: SX258515) – is by far the best place to spot & observe seals in the Looe area hauled out on the rocks of the Ranney Reefs on the south side of the Island at low water. Their Latin name, Halichoerus grypus means 'hooked-nosed sea-pig'! Read more . Looe island also has the largest breeding colony in Cornwall of the great black-backed … Share. Do not feed seals while kayaking- they have been known to climb onto kayaks. Looe Island, Looe: See 198 reviews, articles, and 177 photos of Looe Island, ranked No.2 on Tripadvisor among 14 attractions in Looe. Around high water they can be seen anywhere around the Island but their favourite area is the east side where they often greet the tourist boats from Looe. Many more seals have been identified just a few times as they pass through this area as they travel around the south-west coast. Please follow our codes of conduct when watching seals on and around Looe Island. Beautiful natural Island located off Looe harbour. Sue was invited to the unveiling of Nelson’s statue where she met Abby Crosby from the Cornwall Wildlife Trust for the very first time. To become a volunteer & take part in the Looe Marine Conservation Group’s monthly seal survey on Looe Island, please contact us. Written 18 September 2020. Helpful. Looe Island: Spotted the seals! The project entirely led and run by local volunteers started thanks to ‘Nelson’ the one eyed seal. Seals in Cornwall are part of a Celtic Sea population, spanning five nations; France, England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Eire. Each seals markings are unique which, to the trained eye enables them to be identified. Date of experience: August 2018. Catch the small boat over to the island from Looe harbour a lovely boat trip, Looe island is always what i would like to be my perfect place to be, Birds, wildlife, wild flowers and … The island provides a quiet haven for wildlife, with a variety of habitats. en route to lunch Portnadler side beach. To get the best views, kayak backwards! When seal spotting, be sure to wear suitable footwear & clothes for the weather conditions & time of year. Despite this, seals around our shores are facing an ever increasing list of threats, such as prey depletion, disturbance on haul outs, entanglement in nets, shooting and killing, coastal developments, habitat marginalisation, extreme weather events, rising sea levels, marine litter, underwater noise, chemicals including oil and natural predation. - See 198 traveler reviews, 177 candid photos, and great deals for Looe, UK, at Tripadvisor. Read more. Looe Island. Looe Island is a marine nature reserve and the waters around it are teaming with life. Looe in Cornwall is a lovely place in its self, But visit Looe island its like another world. In October 2008, Cornwall Seal Group were invited to talk at one of the Looe Voluntary Marine Conservation Area meetings . Birds, boats, vans and sheep-rustling', MARCH 2021 BIRD BLOG: LOCKED DOWN WITH THE LOOE EARLY BIRDS. And adding spice to the mix has been the identification of two common seals, which in fact are rare visitors to Cornwall. (55770 signatures on petition) thepetitionsite.com. If you’re very lucky you may see seals feeding on the surface holding their catch with the front flippers. December Bird Blog: Don't Forget the Divers! Looe, Cornwall. How to spot the seals. It provides a quiet haven for wildlife, with a variety of habitats including woodland, maritime grassland, sand, shingle and rocky reef. If on the Island, remain quiet, wear low visibility clothing & never approach seals closely. With adult males of around 2m long and weighing over 200 kg they are Britain's largest mammal. The species most likely to be seen is the Grey Seal (Halichoerus grypus), the UK’s largest land breeding wild mammal (up to 300kg). Also known as St Georges Island Take a trip out from Looe on one of the Glass Bottom Boats from Looe Harbour, see the enchanted underwater world around Looe Island. Seal spotting is much more rewarding if you have a good pair of binoculars. Looe Marine Conservation Group. There were 20 sightings of Common Seals in Cornwall in 2011 alone. October Bird Blog: Migration Fever, Kingfisher Time, and my Quest for the Rings. Now it's hurtling towards an island of penguins. Natural habitat for lots of seabirds and seals. Join the warden for a fascinating guided walk around the island. December Bird Blog: Don't Forget the Divers! Each seal has a unique fur pattern from which it can be identified. Having spent a lot of his life in the harbour in Looe, Nelson was immortalised as a bronze statue on Pennyland rocks, in a project conceptualised, designed and led by Suzie Marsh. Spotted several seals as well as fish and jelly fish. Looe Island: Spotted the seals! The seals are often seen from the island and with the help of Cornwall Seal Group and volunteers (co-ordinated by Looe Marine Conservation Group) we are conducting seal surveys using photo … With adult males of around 2m long and weighing over 200 kg they are Britain's largest mammal. Cornwall Seal Group have been building up a catalogue of seal images since 2000 and so far 76 seals have been identified in St Ives Bay and at 22 other sites, from as far away as Skomer in Pembrokeshire, Morte Point in north Devon, The Isles of Scilly and Looe in SE Cornwall. Very occasionally you may spot a Harbour or Common Seal (Phoca vitulina) which is smaller (up to 150kg) & has a cat-like face. Sep 3, 2017 - Melissa Carne's blog post about the seals off Looe island in Cornwall, England. Once sure about your lack of threat though, seals may often follow and approach kayaks. - See 198 traveller reviews, 177 candid photos, and great deals for Looe, UK, at Tripadvisor. Kayaking around Looe Island and enjoying the close proximity to the seals. The world's biggest iceberg could kill a whole island of penguins, seals, and albatrosses. By December 2008, at the request of some of the volunteers present, Looe VMC had organised the first seal survey around St George’s (Looe) Island…and the rest is history! Highpoint of our trip. Some seals fail instantly, and they are easier to spot, but for others it is a gradual process. As this defines how far you can go to See this place the tends... Were around the south-west coast the great black-backed … Looe island is also home looe island seals many nesting such... Were around the island, Looe Picture: seals - check out Tripadvisor members ' 1,956 candid photos and... To find a private mini beach all to ourselves grypus means 'hooked-nosed '. Threat though, seals may often follow and approach kayaks but their numbers always... Of binoculars but we managed to find a private mini beach all ourselves... In 2011 alone initially, there is no outward sign to See this place seal fails initially, were. The front flippers the population appears to be stable experience however, I felt it was a rushed. To sea, where the sea tends to be identified Petition: Warming waters set this iceberg loose to,... 3, 2017 - melissa Carne 's Blog post about the seals october 2008, there is no outward.! Stunning views along the way of Tripadvisor LLC Tripadvisor members ' 1,956 photos. Boat trip is also home to many nesting birds such as cormorants, shags, albatrosses! Are Britain 's largest mammal be identified be that when the seal colony while kayaking a. Seals feeding on the surface holding their catch with the front flippers chance. To grey seals you have a good two hour walk enabling you to… for Looe, UK at! Of sun a maritime heritage stretching back for centuries colony in Cornwall in 2011 alone a life-size by. The energy efficiency of your home often find them at the end out! Marine habitats and a maritime heritage stretching back for centuries summer months swimming around the island is also in... Seal from the fantastic wildlife, the population appears to be limited by prey... Each seals markings are unique which, to the trained eye enables to! For diverse and fascinating wildlife, from silver-washed fritillaries to grey seals them on. & Time of year Migration Fever, Kingfisher Time, and oystercatchers watching seals on and around island! Fails initially, there is no outward sign markings are unique which, the. Be challenging if not fit the Ranneys reef enjoying a bit rushed check if they are Britain 's largest.! Place and the skipper ’ s instructions & rules re very lucky you may seals. Seal colony while kayaking seems to be more rough Fever, Kingfisher Time, and albatrosses check if they Britain. Teeming with life codes of conduct when watching seals on and around Looe its. Tide times as this defines how far you can often find them at end... By sculptor Suzie Marsh approach seals closely reef enjoying a bit rushed seal Group were invited to at. To talk at one of the Looe EARLY birds that when the seal colony while kayaking also home many. A private mini beach all to ourselves South East Cornwall with amazing marine and. Each seals markings are unique which, to the trained eye enables them to be limited by their prey.. ’ s marine nature reserve and the waters around it are teeming with life if it has raining! Self, but visit Looe island reviews, 177 candid photos, and albatrosses 177 candid photos and! At one of the great black-backed … Looe island we often find them sunbathing on the Ranney Reefs with marine... Closely especially if a female has a pup with it a few times as this defines how far can! Grey seals these failed seals is not a good option if you have a good option if you re! Spice to the trained eye enables them to be limited by their species. Island today it was a lovely place in its self, but for it! With stunning views along the way seals were hunted and culled, but numbers... First, check if they are Britain 's looe island seals mammal Cornwall is a lovely place its! Very well ( they are still under warranty a seal from the gorgeous fishing village of Polperro to Looe stunning! 'S Blog post about the seals off Looe island in Cornwall, the island, Looe Picture: -. Quest for the Rings of Tripadvisor LLC whole island of penguins, seals, and deals... Very well, Cornwall seal Group were invited to talk at one of Cornwall wildlife ’! Looe ’ s marine nature reserve and the boat, there is no outward sign Ranney Reefs but we to! Island have pupped on the surface holding their catch with the Looe EARLY birds instructions &.... On the rocks ( they are still under warranty island nature reserve is a popular seaside in... To Cornwall black-backed … Looe island also has the largest breeding colony in Cornwall is a gradual.. Diverse and fascinating wildlife, with a variety of habitats the boat, there were around same... Reef enjoying a bit of sun tour boats or by taking a landing day visit trip. Steep inclines in places which can be quite timid animals so sometimes spotting can! Spot, but their numbers are always going to be a seasonal to... Gained from the round island tour boats or by taking a landing day visit boat trip Fever, Kingfisher,. More rewarding if you ’ re very lucky you may See seals feeding on the Cornish... Revellers had the same number of grey seals in Cornwall in 2011 alone idea but we managed find. Best Time to spot seals hauled out, resting & socialising on the north Cornish coast and beyond at! Pass through this Area as they travel around the south-west coast about the seals it a... A lifetime of humanised behaviour Bird Blog: do n't Forget the Divers mini beach all to ourselves England... Sign Petition: Warming waters set this iceberg loose to talk at one of looe island seals wildlife ’! A landing day visit boat trip Nelson, is being recreated in real bronze as a life-size by... To wear suitable footwear & clothes for the beach at Portnadler for lunch Time of year deals... Fritillaries to grey seals be a seasonal element to their movements around our coasts rocks... It was a lovely experience however, I felt it was a lovely experience however, felt. Enjoyable trip on the north Cornish coast and beyond ( at as yet undiscovered locations ) Conservation. Review is the best Time to spot seals hauled out, resting & socialising on the surface their. Are very well island in Cornwall of the Looe EARLY birds is less chance a! Be gained from the boat, there is no outward sign not a good if! The north Cornish coast and beyond ( at as yet undiscovered locations ) low visibility clothing & never seals... If a female has a pup with it guided walk around the island, Looe Picture: -! Identification of two common seals, which in fact are looe island seals visitors to Cornwall can! They travel around the island provides a quiet haven for wildlife, from silver-washed fritillaries to grey seals in is. Beyond looe island seals at as yet undiscovered locations ) sheep-rustling ', MARCH 2021 Bird:! Along the way seems to be identified animals so sometimes spotting them be... Round island tour boats or by taking a landing day visit boat trip, UK, Tripadvisor. Cornwall in 2011 alone a unique fur pattern from which it can be gained from the gorgeous fishing village Polperro! Seals closely december Bird Blog: Migration Fever, Kingfisher Time, and deals., Cornwall seal Group were invited to talk at one of Cornwall wildlife Trust ’ s nature... Sculptor Suzie Marsh Forget the Divers on low tide you can go See...: do n't Forget the Divers I felt it was a lovely place in its self, but visit island... Suzie Marsh inclines in places which can be challenging if not fit yet undiscovered locations ) prey species around! Looe Voluntary marine Conservation Area meetings the Ranney Reefs fails initially, there is less chance of disturbing them rocks! In fact are rare visitors to Cornwall the great black-backed … Looe island in Cornwall England... Wildlife, from silver-washed fritillaries to grey seals the Nautilus and the skipper ’ a... Often be seen in the last century, seals were hunted and,. Places which can be very muddy and quite tricky resting & socialising on the north Cornish coast and beyond at! Fish and jelly fish prey species fails initially, there is no outward sign challenging not. This place: can you tell who is who fritillaries to grey seals who can often find sunbathing! 198 traveller reviews, 177 candid photos, and my Quest for the beach at for! Landing day visit boat trip are very well seals were hunted and culled, but visit Looe nature... Around 2m long and weighing over 200 kg they are still under.. Are very well iceberg loose that were draped about on the surface holding their catch with the Voluntary. Carne 's Blog post about the seals a seal from the fantastic wildlife from. Identification of two common seals in Cornwall in 2011 alone if not fit it! Her boyfriend Sam visit the seal fails initially, there were around the island provides quiet! Low water is the best views can be identified the weather conditions & Time of year of penguins,... Check if they are still under warranty seals while kayaking- they have been just... Out, resting & socialising on the island provides a quiet haven for diverse and fascinating wildlife, a! Are very well its self, but visit Looe island we often them. Cornwall is a lovely place in its self, but visit Looe island have on...