Osprey Pandion Haliaetus Rutland Water summer - David Tipling/2020VISION
Osprey Cruises
Wildlife Cruises on Rutland Water
One of the most exciting ways to see Ospreys at Rutland Water is to take a guided trip aboard the Rutland Belle, set sail on our evening cruise and enjoy a different perspective on the reservoir.
Cruises 2025
We sail to parts of the reservoir where we stand a very good chance of seeing ospreys flying by and fishing, and lots of other gems that Rutland Water has to offer including Little Egret, Great Crested Grebe, Red Kite, Buzzard, Common Tern and occasionally Barn Owls and Grey Wagtails.
The cruises depart from Whitwell Harbour for an hour and a half cruise – light refreshments are available on-board served within social distances.
You will be joined on the cruise by a member of the Rutland Osprey Project team, who will be your guide for the trip, walking you through the exciting success story that is the Rutland Osprey Project and answering any questions you may have.
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.
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.
Book on an Osprey Cruise
View of Rutland Water nature reserve in early summer - David Tipling/2020VISION
The Rutland Belle
The Rutland Belle has both a covered lower deck and an open upper deck. It is wheelchair and pushchair friendly (bottom deck only). There is a toilet on board, and a bar on the lower saloon providing a selection of drinks and snacks. Please note wellies are not permitted on the upper deck of the Rutland Belle, so please wear alternative footwear if you intend to sit upstairs. Dogs and bicycles are not permitted on board the boat. The boat leaves promptly at the specified time, and cannot wait.
Other information
Whitwell Harbour is located at Whitwell Park, North Shore, Rutland, LE15 8BL
Please arrive at least 20 minutes early for your cruise. It can be chilly out on the water even in warm weather, so please dress appropriately. The Rutland Belle is accessible by wheelchair to the lower decks, but don't worry - you get fantastic views of the reservoir whether you're on the upper or lower decks.
Parking at Whitwell is included with your cruise booking – we will issue tickets on the cruise for use at the exit barrier at Whitwell car park.
PLEASE NOTE: Cruise tickets are non-refundable, under any circumstances. However, provided we have no less than two weeks’ notice, we can move your booking to a different date should you be unable to attend the one booked. We are only able to do this once. We cannot reschedule cruise dates for those who fail to turn up on the day or arrive late.