The Best of South Devon by Land & Sea

Our guide Mike Langman was excellent, both in his knowledge and his attention to each individual in the group. The food at the hotel and service was great. The daily boat trips were all different but equally interesting and we saw a Firecrest for the first time.

A.R. London, Nov 23

Four days of exploring the cliffs, woodlands and coastal regions on foot, and by boat, in search of birds and mammals. We were a small group of 8 led by Mike Langman, tour leader and naturalist. Mike is very knowledgeable on both birds and mammals and is also very knowledgeable on the history and geography of the region which made for a very informative and successful 4 days. 110 species of birds seen as well as dolphins, porpoises and seals. This is my first experience with Naturetrek. I found them to be efficient with their paperwork and very clear as to what was being offered. Queries were quickly dealt with. They also seem to recognise that an interest in nature does not necessarily mean that accommodation has to be spartan and the food simple. A comfortable room, a bath or shower and a good meal at the end of a whole day spent outside is what is needed and what was provided. 

S.P. East Sussex, Jan 22

With a little trepidation as I am not a birder, I booked Naturetrek Best of South Devon Land and Sea. The group size was ideal and whilst almost everyone else was an experienced birder, it was welcoming and friendly from the start. Trip leader Mike instantly put us at ease and very approachable and no detail was too much (he had already rung pre-trip purely to check on preferred filling for a pasty for lunch). The itinerary was well balanced with 2 excellent private boat charters. I happily and easily learnt a lot about local wildlife including birds even though that hadn’t necessarily been my objective. A new interest for me which I will continue. It was lovely to have a leader who knew his area so well and it was charming each time he bumped into fellow enthusiasts on our trips and were welcomed into their accounts of what could be seen where. Booking was an easy experience as the lady in the office did all the hard work for me as the trios were selling out faster than the website could update and she found choices as they were appearing. Perfect customer service. I have travelled with a few good companies including JulesVerne, Just You etc but my experience with Naturetrek is making me reappraise my preferences as the itinerary was so well balanced over such a few days and the service was impeccable throughout. I must add in COVID times that I had already booked with Naturetrek earlier in the year but a lockdown had meant trip could not go ahead. Refunds were received promptly with no hassle.

S.T. London, Nov 21

The Berry Head Hotel was excellent, food delicious, staff very friendly and helpful and the rooms clean and comfortable. Mike was a brilliant guide and made sure that we all saw the birds and mammals on the boat trips and on the land. We enjoyed fantastic views of Tuna jumping, Gannet diving and on our last morning we even saw dolphins in the bay from the hotel just before we set off for our last day of birding.

B.C. Hampshire, November 2021