If you’re visiting Poole and Poole Quay, you’ll notice all the boat trip kiosks along the quay side. A Coastal Cruises Poole Harbour & Islands cruise is one of the popular circular cruises leaving the harbour at regular intervals during the peak Summer season. If you’re visiting outside of the Summer months, then fear not, as this cruise from Poole Harbour runs all year round on varying schedules.
Related post – Boat trips in Dorset
There is plenty of parking in Poole close by if you’re visiting specifically to take one of the Coastal cruises from Poole Quay.
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Accessing The Coastal Cruises Boat
You’ll spot the Coastal Cruises boat moored against the quay side close to the booking kiosk. Tickets can be purchased online, or via the booking kiosk, and boarding begins 15 minutes prior to your departure time.
There is plenty of seating onboard split across four sections of the boat. You can choose from seating at the front, middle, back and below deck.
Coastal Cruises Facilities
Once onboard, you have access to the refreshment area which is located below deck. As soon as the captain begins the cruise, refreshments including hot and cold drinks, wine, beer and snacks are available to be purchased.
There are also toilets on board which are located at the rear of the boat in the back section near the steps to gain access to the below deck.
During the cruise you will be treated to a commentary from the captain. This includes local knowledge and fun facts, many of which we didn’t know as locals which was fun. Dogs are also welcome on a short lead on board.
Our Experience
We booked our tickets for the circular Poole Harbour cruise half an hour prior to departure after a nice lunch in a pub opposite. Our cruise was taken on a hot sunny day in the middle of August, and the boat still had plenty of room.
Over the 70 minutes we were treated to some amazing views across Poole Harbour, and got to see sights from many different angles. The cruise passes Brownsea Island, which is lovely to admire from the water. You also tour the private islands around Poole Harbour, and pass through millionaire’s row where all the expensive houses are located.
The cruise also takes you through the path of the Sandbanks chain ferry which passes across to Swanage and Studland on a regular basis.
We all thoroughly enjoyed our cruise around Poole Harbour, and it’s well worth the money to experience sights from a different perspective.
Other Coastal Cruises From Poole
If you don’t wish to take the Poole Harbour and Islands cruise, you can also take some other fun cruises departing from Poole Quay. There are also special cruises for events including fireworks nights, sailing with Santa and afternoon tea cruises.
- Poole to Swanage sightseeing cruise is a one hour cruise each way with the chance to depart in Swanage and return later.
- Poole Jurassic Circular cruise is a 2 hour and 15 minute cruise departing from Poole but stopping in Swanage for a short break.