Covering many miles of coastline, you can expect some great boat trips in Dorset. Why not see Dorset from the water and get a completely different view.
From speciality cruises, enjoying afternoon tea on the water, to foot ferries to reach a destination, there are boat trips along the Dorset coastline for everyone.
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Lyme Regis Boat Trips
Lyme Bay Boat Trips
View the Jurassic coast from the water. The one hour sightseeing cruises departs from Lyme Regis harbour, before venturing into Devon. You’ll see amazing views of the coastline of Ware Cliffs, Chippel Bay and Pinhay Bay.
Heading back into Dorset, there are views of Charmouth, Stonebarrow, Black Ven and Golden Cap. Not to mention West Bay, Burton Bradstock and Portland. the perfect way to see both Dorset and Devon when visiting Lyme Regis.
Poole Boat Trips
Poole Harbour and Islands Cruise (City Cruises)
Departing from Poole Quay, you can enjoy a 70 minute cruise from Poole around Poole Harbour, Brownsea Island, Sandbanks and Studland Bay. This cruise is daily between April and October, then runs Tues – Thurs and Sat – Sun between November and March.
Read our full review of the Poole Harbour & Islands City Cruise
On board there is live commentary from the captain and a fully licenced bar with booth seating. There are also some great special events happening throughout the year.
Poole Harbour Afternoon Tea Cruise
Imagine enjoying your afternoon tea in Poole whilst touring around Poole Harbour enjoying the sights of Brownsea Island, Sandbanks and more. You can enjoy a 1.5 hour cruise with your afternoon tea, departing from Poole Quay.
Cruises depart at 1.30pm and 3.15pm, and include a live commentary, unlimited tea or coffee as well as a three tier afternoon tea. Prices are £25 for adults and £17 for children.
Dorset Queen Speciality Cruises
There are some great speciality cruises on the Dorset Queen which departs from Poole.
Brownsea Island Ferry
If you’re planning on visiting Brownsea Island, you’ll need to take the ferry from Poole Quay. The ferry runs every half an hour and takes around 20 minutes to the island. Sailings are currently limited and should be pre booked with your National Trust slot for visiting Brownsea Island.
Wareham River Cruise
Departing from Poole Quay, you can enjoy a 3.5 hour trip on the Dorset Queen, a 1938 vintage motor yacht. Cruising along the river Frome to Wareham and back again. Before your return journey, there is a chance to explore Wareham for around an hour. Why not enjoy a drink or snack in one of the Wareham pubs and restaurants.
On board you will be treated to live commentary from the Captain.
Swanage Boat Trips
Jurassic Circular Cruise (City Cruises)
Enjoy a round trip from Swanage to Poole and back. You will pass by Old Harry Rocks, Studland Bay, Sandbanks and more.
On board there is a fully licenced bar, open air deck or lounge areas to relax in. There will be a live commentary from the Captain during your 2 hour 15 minute cruise.
Cruises depart at 11.45am and 2.30pm daily between March and October.
Wareham Boat Trips
River Frome Boat Trip
Departing from Wareham Quay, you can enjoy a historical river trip lasting for one hour. Sailings are up to five times a day depending on weather and tides. Dogs are welcome on board at no additional cost.
Weymouth Boat Trips
Coastline Cruises (Jurassic Coast)
Between April and October, you can enjoy a 1.5 hour cruise along Weymouth seafront and out into Weymouth harbour.
Spot the sights of Ringstead Bay and Whitenoth along the Jurassic Coastline with twice daily sailings at 11.30am and 1.30pm. An additional sailing at 3.15pm is added during peak times.
Portland Ferry
Take advantage of the daily ferry between Brewers Quay and Portland Harbour. The ferry journey lasts around 1.5 hours round trip, passing the sights of Nothe Fort and Mulberry Docks.
Weymouth To Portland Boat Trips
You can experience views of forts, castles and the Jurassic Coast between Weymouth and Portland. The one hour sea cruise is also dog friendly and travels through the waters of the 2012 sailing Olympics.