Best South Devon Boat Trips, Dartmouth, South Devon

Best South Devon Boat Trips, Dartmouth, South Devon

Boat trips from South Devon's major coastal holiday destinations

There are many boat trips you can take in South Devon. Most leave the major coastal holiday destinations such as Dartmouth, Salcombe, Brixham, Torquay and Plymouth. Some follow popular routes and run regularly. Others are more specialist. The range of boat trips can be bewildering. Here are some ideas.

First, we list by destination. These cover boat trips and ferries in Dartmouth, Salcombe, Brixham, Paignton, Torquay, Plymouth, Teignmouth and the Exe Estuary/Exmouth.

Second, we list by theme. These cover RIB rides, wildlife trips, boat/bus/train trips and boat trips/walks.

 

Dartmouth boat trips and ferries

Round Robin on the Dartmouth Totnes River Cruise

The classic Dartmouth trip is the Round Robin provided by the Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat Company.

Take the Dartmouth Kingswear Lower Ferry (see ferry section below) to Kingswear. Hop on the Dartmouth Steam Railway to Paignton Station. Ride on the bus to Totnes Steamer Quay. Follow the River Dart downriver on the Dartmouth Totnes River Cruise. Clearly, you can take the trip in the other direction.

Dartmouth Totnes River Cruise

If you only want the boat trip then book a return on the Dartmouth Totnes River Cruise. Head down to the embankment and pontoon by Dartmouth Harbour.

Dartmouth River Cruise

Try also the Dartmouth River Cruise. Head down to the embankment and pontoon by Dartmouth Harbour.

The Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat Company provides a service. 'Take a wonderful circular boat trip (starts in and returns to Dartmouth) viewing Bayards Cove, Kingswear and Dartmouth Castles, Britannia Royal Naval College, Dittisham Village, Sir Walter Raleigh's Boathouse, Greenway Quay and The Estate of the late Dame Agatha Christie.' (The Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat Company website)

Greenway & Dittisham Ferry River Boat Cruises provides a service. 'Enjoy a fabulous value for money special offer cruise viewing Kingswear, Britannia Royal Naval College, the quaint village of Dittisham, Sir Walter Raleigh's Boathouse, Greenway Quay and the Agatha Christie Estate of Greenway.' (Greenway & Dittisham Ferry River Boat Cruises website)

Dartmouth/Greenway/Dittisham Ferry

The ferry to Greenway Quay and the National Trust's Greenway is a super boat trip. Greenway was once Agatha Christie's home. Note that you can walk back to Kingswear on the Dart Valley Trail before taking a ferry across the water to Dartmouth.

Alternatively, take the ferry to Dittisham and walk back on the Dart Valley Trail.

Head down to the embankment and pontoon by Dartmouth Harbour.

Greenway/Dittisham Ferry

Note that a small ferry runs between Greenway and Dittisham. Ring the ferry bell when there.

Dartmouth Castle Ferry

For a short boat trip, use the ferry to get to Dartmouth Castle. Head down to the steps on the embankment south of the pontoon by Dartmouth Harbour.

Steamer Kingswear Castle

There are trips on the paddle steamer Kingswear Castle.

Special boat trips

Limited services run out to sea to explore the South Devon coast and wildlife.

You can also day trip to Salcombe. Look out for the Coastal Trip and Salcombe Voyager.

Day trips to Dartmouth from The English Riviera

Note that you can take trips from Torquay/Brixham to Dartmouth on the Dartmouth Day Cruise.

Dartmouth Higher Ferry

Higher Ferry is the main River Dart crossing point for vehicles. It's at the north end of town by the Dart Marina Yacht Harbour.

Dartmouth/Kingswear Lower Ferry

Lower Ferry runs between Dartmouth and Kingswear. This runs from Lower Street near Bayard's Cove Fort towards the centre of town.

Dartmouth RIB rides

Marine Xped 'operates out of Dartmouth and use the beautiful Start Bay as our playground.  We also run trips up and down the river Dart and can arrange a variety of pick up and drop off points'. Refer to their website for detail.

 

Salcombe boat trips and ferries

Salcombe East Portlemouth Ferry

A passenger ferry runs between Salcombe and East Portlemouth.

South Sands Sea Tractor/Ferry

A ferry and sea tractor connect Salcombe and South Sands near the National Trust's Overbeck's.

Salcombe Kingsbridge Ferry

You can also take a ferry up/down The Salcombe Kingsbridge Estuary to Kingsbridge on the Rivermaid.

Special boat trips

You can enjoy other cruises on the Rivermaid as well (estuary cruises/estuary and harbour cruises/evening & creek cruises/estuary & coast cruises).

Boat hire

For boat hire, try Salcombe Boat Hire, Salcombe Dinghy Sailing, Whitestrand Boat Hire and Tuckers Boat Hire.

Salcombe to Dartmouth

You can take coastal trips between Salcombe and Dartmouth. See our Dartmouth listing for more information.

Salcombe RIB rides

Take a rib ride in the Salcombe Kingsbridge Estuary and along the South Devon coast to Hallsands with Salcombe's Sea N Shore. They offer a range of other trips. Refer to their website for detail.

Other suppliers include Adventure South. 'Our high speed rib rides offer adrenaline and excitement as well as stunning view of Salcombe and the surrounding area from in the harbour itself.'

 

Brixham boat trips and ferries

Tor Bay ferries

Ferries run across Tor Bay to Torquay and Paignton.

Western Lady Ferry Service provides the Western Lady Brixham to Torquay Ferry. In Brixham, buy tickets at the Western Lady Ferry kiosk near New Pier. Ferries leave/arrive at the Western Lady Ferry departure point on New Pier. Note that in Torquay, the Western Lady Ferry kiosk is by the Western Lady departure point at North Quay.

Paignton Pleasure Cruises run ferries between Brixham, Paignton and Torquay. 'We have ticket offices at Torquay, Paignton and Brixham Harbours and Paignton Beach.' Brixham Harbour boarding is at Passenger Ferry Pontoon.

Brixham day cruises

You can take The Dartmouth Day Cruise from Brixham to Dartmouth and the Dart Estuary. Provided by the Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat Company, the boat departs from Torquay and picks up passengers in Brixham before skirting the South Devon coast to Dartmouth. See the Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat Company website for detail.

Paignton Pleasure Cruises provides 'Wildlife Cruises, Fishing Trips, Evening Cruises, Sunset Cruises ... leaving and arriving from Paignton, Torquay and Brixham'.

WeFerry offers The Teignmouth Round Robin from Brixham Harbour. Meet at the Teignmouth Round Robin kiosk at Brixham Harbour. 'The coastal cruise to Teignmouth takes just over a couple of hours, and we call at Paignton Harbour and Torquay Harbour to collect other passengers.' The cruise follows the coastline to Teignmouth. Explore Teignmouth and then take the train to Paignton railway station. Wander across to Paignton Habrour and rejoin the boat to retutn to Brixham Harbour. Refer to the WeFerry website for detail.

WeFerry also provides the Boat Cruise to Teignmouth, the Fish & Chips Sunset Cruise and Funfish Fishing Trips.

Special boat trips

For a special experience, try the Pilgrim of Brixham. A 'beautifully restored 1895 Brixham wooden sailing trawler', choose from day trips, short breaks and holidays. Destinations include Devon, Cornwall, Brittany, the Scillies and the Channel Islands.

Brixham RIB rides

Enjoy a Brixham RIB ride with Southwest RIB Rides. 'We are located on the events pontoon at Brixham Marina.' They offer various RIB rides including 'a quick RIB ride or a guided tour cruising the bay discovering the hidden gems the English Riviera has to offer'.

There are many kiosks at Brixham Inner Harbour providing boat trips.

 

Paignton boat trips and ferries

Tor Bay ferries

Paignton Pleasure Cruises run ferries between Brixham, Paignton and Torquay. 'We have ticket offices at Torquay, Paignton and Brixham Harbours and Paignton Beach.' Paignton Harbour boarding at North Quay, East Quay and Paignton Beach.

Paignton day cruises

Paignton Pleasure Cruises provides 'Wildlife Cruises, Fishing Trips, Evening Cruises, Sunset Cruises ... leaving and arriving from Paignton, Torquay and Brixham'.

WeFerry offers The Teignmouth Round Robin from Brixham Harbour. Meet at the Teignmouth Round Robin kiosk at Brixham Harbour. 'The coastal cruise to Teignmouth takes just over a couple of hours, and we call at Paignton Harbour and Torquay Harbour to collect other passengers.' The cruise follows the coastline to Teignmouth. Explore Teignmouth and then take the train to Paignton railway station. Wander across to Paignton Harbour and rejoin the boat to retutn to Brixham Harbour. Refer to the WeFerry website for detail.

WeFerry also provides the Boat Cruise to Teignmouth, the Fish & Chips Sunset Cruise and Funfish Fishing Trips.

There are many kiosks at Paignton Harbour providing boat trips.

 

Torquay boat trips and ferries

Tor Bay ferries

Ferries run across Tor Bay to Brixham and Paignton.

Western Lady Ferry Service provides the Western Lady Torquay to Brixham Ferry. In Torquay, the Western Lady Ferry kiosk is by the Western Lady departure point at North Quay. Note that in Brixham, ferries arrive/leave at the Western Lady Ferry departure point on New Pier.

Paignton Pleasure Cruises run ferries between Torquay, Paignton and Brixham. 'We have ticket offices at Torquay, Paignton and Brixham Harbours and Paignton Beach.' Torquay Harbour boarding is at Beacon Quay, Haldon Pier.

Torquay day cruises

Day cruises take you to Dartmouth and the magnificent Dart Estuary. Paignton Pleasure Cruise provides 'Daily Dartmouth Day Cruises. A relaxed 30 mile day trip with beautiful coastal and riverside scenery. See Agatha Christie's house, Philip's famous Shipyard and the Royal Naval College. Enjoy the colourful yachting scene, busy ferries, crabbers and trawlers - perhaps even units of the Royal Navy alongside the Sandquay. Viewing Tor Bay on return. Depart 10.30 am. Return 5.30 pm-ish'.

You can take The Dartmouth Day Cruise from Torquay to Dartmouth and the Dart Estuary. Provided by the Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat Company, the boat departs from Torquay and picks up passengers in Brixham before skirting the South Devon coast to Dartmouth. See the Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat Company website for detail.

Paignton Pleasure Cruises also offer 'Wildlife Cruises, Fishing Trips, Evening Cruises, Sunset Cruises ... leaving and arriving from Paignton, Torquay and Brixham'.

WeFerry offers The Teignmouth Round Robin from Brixham Harbour. Meet at the Teignmouth Round Robin kiosk at Brixham Harbour. 'The coastal cruise to Teignmouth takes just over a couple of hours, and we call at Paignton Harbour and Torquay Harbour to collect other passengers.' The cruise follows the coastline to Teignmouth. Explore Teignmouth and then take the train to Paignton railway station. Wander across to Paignton Habrour and rejoin the boat to return to Brixham Harbour. Refer to the WeFerry website for detail.

WeFerry also provides the Boat Cruise to Teignmouth, the Fish & Chips Sunset Cruise and Funfish Fishing Trips.

Torquay RIB rides

RibRide Adventure provides RIB rides from Torquay Harbour in the summer months. 'Departing from the historic Torquay harbour we turn seawards along a coast strewn with history and intrigue. Passing London Bridge, a spectacular sea arch, we then head to Daddyhole! View millions of years of history in hundreds of layers of rock on this 1 hour guided tour.'

There are many kiosks at Torquay Inner Harbour/Outer Harbour providing boat trips.

 

Plymouth boat trips and ferries

Ferries to East Cornwall

One runs between Plymouth Barbican Landing Stage and Cawsand. Cawsand and Kingsand are beautiful coastal villages. If you're a keen walker, we'd recommend taking the Plymouth/Cawsand Ferry and then following the South West Coast Path to Mount Edgcumbe. You can then catch a ferry to Plymouth Barbican Landing Stage or use the Cremyll/Plymouth Ferry to hop across the water to Plymouth Royal William Yard. Explore then return to your starting point on the Royal William Yard Ferry to Plymouth Barbican Landing Stage or on foot via the South West Coast Path. Having taken every variant of this trip, we recommend them all!

Another ferry goes between Plymouth Barbican Landing Stage and Mount Edgcumbe.

There's also the Cremyll/Plymouth Ferry that runs between Plymouth Stonehouse (by Royal William Yard) and Mount Edgcumbe.

See Plymouth Boat Trips website for details.

Ferries to South Devon

One runs between Plymouth Barbican Landing Stage and Mount Batten. You can then follow the South West Coast Path along the South Devon coast.

Ferries to Plymouth Royal William Yard

Take a ferry to Royal William Yard. One runs between Plymouth Barbican Landing Stage and Royal William Yard Harbour.

Boat trips

You can also book a local trip to experience Plymouth and the local area from boat.

Dockyard/warships

Take the Harbour Cruise with Plymouth Boat Trips and see the warships at the Royal Navy Dockyard. Boats leave from Plymouth Barbican Landing Stage near the Mayflower Steps. Again, Plymouth Boat Trips booking office and The Boathouse Cafe are located on the Barbican.

Plymouth Sound

Explore Plymouth Sound on the Breakwater Cruise supplied by Plymouth Boat Trips.

River Tamar

Head up the River Tamar to Calstock Quay and the National Trust's Cotehele on Plymouth Boat Trips' Calstock Quay Cruise and Cotehele Quay Cruise.

River Yealm

Leave Plymouth Sound and head east along the coast on the River Yealm Cruise with Plymouth Boat Trips. Note that these boat trips are limited. Refer to the River Yealm Cruise Timetable on the Plymouth Boat Trips website for detail.

Plymouth RIB rides

Take a rib ride in Plymouth Sound.

There are many information boards/kiosks on The Barbican providing information/tickets for boat trips.

 

Teignmouth/Shaldon boat trips and ferries

Teignmouth/Shaldon Ferry

Take the ferry that runs between Teignmouth and Shaldon. 'The Teignmouth - Shaldon Ferry is reputed to be one of the oldest passenger services in England. The crossing can be traced back to 1296, but is probably much older, as it saved a 14 mile journey to Torquay and beyond through Newton Abbot.' Head for Teignmouth Back Beach or Shaldon Beach. Both have a 'Ferry' flag telling you where to wait.

Boat hire

Teign Boat Hire rent 'self drive motor boats' from Teignmouth Back Beach.

River and bay cruises

River and bay cruises are also run from Teignmouth Back Beach.

Teignmouth to Brixham boat trip

WeFerrysail from Teignmouth to Brixham. Head for 'Teignmouth Harbour - New Fish Quay Public Pontoon (opposite the New Quay Inn pub), New Quay St, Teignmouth TQ14 8DA. We land at Brixham Ferry Pontoon'. Note that this is a one way trip.

The Brixham Round Robin from Teignmouth, Dalwish & Dawlish Warren

WeFerry provide a round robin trip from Teignmouth, Dalwish & Dawlish Warren. This is a variation of The Teignmouth Round Robin from Brixham Harbour outlined in the Brixham section above.

Teignmouth RIB rides

Explore South Devon's coastline from Teignmouth. Devon Sea Safaris provide RIB rides. 'Tours depart and return from Teignmouth's Fish Quay Pontoon (behind the New Quay Inn Pub on river side of town).'

 

Exe Estuary/Exmouth boat trips and ferries

Starcross/Exmouth Ferry

A ferry runs between Starcross and Exmouth. Other ferries cross the water further up the estuary at Topsham. For example, a ferry runs from Ferry Road in Topsham across to Topsham Lock. Another runs from Topsham across to The Turf pub.

River Exe Cruise

Explore the Exe Estuary by boat. The trip takes between 1-2 hours and is supplied by Stuart Line Cruises.

Round Robin Boat & Train From Exmouth

Take a boat trip between Exmouth and Topsham and return by train. The boat trip part of the experience takes about 1 hour. Supplied by Stuart Line Cruises.

Coastal Cruise.

Leave the Exe Estuary and discover the Devon coast around Exmouth. A 1 hour boat trip supplied by Stuart Line Cruises.

Jurassic Coast Cruise by Stuart Line Cruises

Explore a section of the Jurassic Coast UNESCO World Heritage Site (Dorset and East Devon UNESCO World Heritage Site) by boat. The trip lasts 2-3 hours.

Seaton Bay Cruise/Sidmouth Bay Cruise by Stuart Line Cruises

Explore the East Devon coast around these famous seaside towns.

Day Trip To Torquay or Brixham by Stuart Line Cruises

Visit Torquay or Brixham by boat from Exmouth. A day trip.

Special Cruises.

Stuart Line Cruises provide special trips, for example the Countess Weir Evening Cruise. See their website for details.

 

RIB rides in South Devon

RIB rides in Dartmouth

Marine Xped 'operates out of Dartmouth and use the beautiful Start Bay as our playground.  We also run trips up and down the river Dart and can arrange a variety of pick up and drop off points'. Refer to their website for detail.

RIB rides in Salcombe

Take a rib ride in the Salcombe Kingsbridge Estuary and along the South Devon coast to Hallsands with Salcombe's Sea N Shore. They offer a range of other trips. Refer to their website for detail.

Other suppliers include Adventure South. 'Our high speed rib rides offer adrenaline and excitement as well as stunning view of Salcombe and the surrounding area from in the harbor itself.'

RIB rides in Brixham

Enjoy a Brixham RIB ride with Southwest RIB Rides. 'We are located on the events pontoon at Brixham Marina.' They offer various RIB rides including 'a quick RIB ride or a guided tour cruising the bay discovering the hidden gems the English Riviera has to offer'.

RIB rides in Torquay

RibRide Adventure provides RIB rides from Torquay Harbour in the summer months. 'Departing from the historic Torquay harbour we turn seawards along a coast strewn with history and intrigue. Passing London Bridge, a spectacular sea arch, we then head to Daddyhole! View millions of years of history in hundreds of layers of rock on this 1 hour guided tour.'

RIB rides in Plymouth

Take a rib ride in Plymouth Sound.

There are many information boards/kiosks on The Barbican providing information/tickets for boat trips.

RIB rides in Teignmouth

Explore South Devon's coastline from Teignmouth. Devon Sea Safaris provide RIB rides. 'Tours depart and return from Teignmouth's Fish Quay Pontoon (behind the New Quay Inn Pub on river side of town).'

 

Wildlife boat trips in South Devon

Tor Bay

Paignton Pleasure Cruises provide a wildlife cruise. 'Coastal wildlife cruises viewing South Devon's natural bird sanctuaries and wildlife on the rocks and islands around Torbay. Full commentary given on board.' From Brixham, Paignton and Torquay.

Teignmouth

Devon Sea Safari provide trips from Teignmouth. Choose from the Labrador Bay Coastal Adventure, Labrador Bay Wildlife Tour and The Marine Wildlife Sea Safari. 'Tours depart and return from Teignmouth's Fish Quay Pontoon (behind the New Quay Inn Pub on river side of town).'

Exe Estuary area

Stuart Line Cruises provide guided bird watching cruises. Depart from Exmouth. Refer to their website for detail.

Try also the RSPB Avocet cruise on the Exe Estuary. These are winter cruises. Again, refer to the RSPB website for details. Head for Trout's Boatyard. 'Trout's Boatyard is on the Exe and is situated between Topsham's Lighter Inn and The Quay and St Margaret's Church steps.'

 

Boat/bus/train trips

Classic South Devon boat/bus/train trip

The classic Dartmouth trip is the Round Robin provided by Paignton & Dartmouth Steam Railway. Take the Dartmouth Kingswear Lower Ferry to Kingswear. Hop on the Dartmouth Steam Railway to Paignton Station. Ride on the bus to Totnes Steamer Quay. Follow the River Dart downriver on the Dartmouth Totnes River Cruise. Clearly, you can take the trip in the other direction.

Round Robin Boat & Train From Exmouth

Take a boat trip between Exmouth and Topsham and return by train. The boat trip part of the experience takes about 1 hour. Supplied by Stuart Line Cruises.

 

Boat trips/walking

Dartmouth/Greenway and the Dart Valley Trail

The ferry to Greenway Halt and the National Trust's Greenway is a super boat trip. Greenway was once Agatha Christie's home. Note that you can walk back to Kingswear on the Dart Valley Trail before taking a ferry across the water to Dartmouth.

Dartmouth/Dittisham and the Dart Valley Trail

Take the ferry to Dittisham and walk back on the Dart Valley Trail.

Dartmouth Castle Ferry and the South West Coast Path

Use the ferry to get to Dartmouth Castle and walk back on the South West Coast Path.

Salcombe Sea Tractor/Ferry and the South West Coast Path

A ferry and sea tractor connect Salcombe and South Sands and walk back on the South West Coast Path.

Tor Bay ferry and the South West Coast Path

Take a ferry across Tor Bay between Torquay and Brixham and wander back on the South West Coast Path.

Plymouth/Caswand Ferry and the South West Coast Path

Take a ferry between Plymouth Barbican Landing Stage and Cawsand. Follow the South West Coast Path to Mount Edgcumbe. Either take a ferry from Mount Edgcumbe to Plymouth Barbican Landing Stage or the Cremyll Ferry that runs between Plymouth Stonehouse (by Royal William Yard) and Mount Edgcumbe and walk back along the South West Coast Path in Plymouth.

Starcross/Exmouth Ferry and the Exe Estuary Trail

Take the ferry between Exmouth and Starcross and walk the Exe Estuary Trail which is a loop around the estuary via Exeter.