Over the past few months Green Island has been working with Mike Waterhouse from Shalfleet Manor in developing his estuary safaris. The business has now been fully launched and Mike has already received substantial visitors to his new venture. The business has not been fully Green Island graded but that will be finalised during the next few months.

So whats it all about?
Its a 'safari' boat trip giving visitors a unique opportunity to look at the bird and plant life, as well as the history, of Newtown Estuary - a thriving harbour in the Middle Ages.

The estuary is a national nature reserve and home to a rich abundance of plants and wildlife and provides an important feeding station for thousands of migratory and wintering birds such as the Brent Goose, Egret, Oyster Catcher, Kingfisher, Osprey and Peregrine Falcon.

Safaris are available all year round (weather dependent) and leave an hour or so before high tide, from Shalfleet pier, a few minutes walk from Shalfleet Manor (on the A3054 from Newport to Yarmouth) with parking available in Shalfleet Manor yard. The cost is £25 per person and the 17ft vessel is licensed to take up to six passengers (no children under 12 years).  For a leaflet on the service call Isle of Wight Tourism on 01983 813818; to book a safari (with the option of accommodation at the manor) call 01983 531235.