Dartmouth Ferries and Boat Trips, Dartmouth, South Devon
Ferries and boat trips from Dartmouth Embankment
Many ferries and boat trips run from Dartmouth Embankment which is located on the west side of the River Dart and Estuary.
There are plenty of information boards and kiosks on the southern section of Dartmouth Embankment and around Dartmouth Harbour from where you buy tickets.
Ferries from Dartmouth
Ferries run across the water to the east side of the River Dart and Estuary, down to the mouth of the estuary at Dartmouth Castle and upriver to places like National Trust's Greenway and Totnes.
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.
The A379 runs south of Dartmouth Higher Ferry to the Start Bay coastline and north to The English Riviera.
You can use the ferry as a foot passenger. Dartmouth Steam Railway passes through the Kingswear Hoodown Terminal on the east side of the River Dart and Estuary. Note that the eastern arm of the Dart Valley Trail takes you up to National Trust's Greenway. It's a top walk.
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.
Vehicles and foot passengers can use this ferry but it's quite small.
Dartmouth/Kingswear Passenger Ferry
This foot passenger ferry runs between Dartmouth North Embankment Terminal/pontoon by Dartmouth Harbour and Kingswear.
Dartmouth/Greenway/Dittisham Ferry
Ferries run from Dartmouth to Greenway Quay, National Trust's Greenway and Dittisham.
Head down to Dartmouth North Embankment Terminal/pontoon by Dartmouth Harbour. Buy tickets from the kiosk at Dartmouth Harbour.
Greenway/Dittisham Ferry
A ferry runs between Greenway Quay and Dittisham.
Ring the ferry bell when there. National Trust's Greenway is on the east side of the water. The Ferry Boat Inn is on the west side of the water in Dittisham.
Dartmouth Castle Ferry
A ferry runs to Dartmouth Castle.
Head down to the steps on the embankment south of Dartmouth North Embankment Terminal/pontoon by Dartmouth Harbour.
Boat trips from Dartmouth
You can book a local trip to experience Dartmouth and the local area from boat.
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 or the Dartmouth/Kingswear Passenger 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.
Dartmouth Totnes River Cruise
If you only want the boat trip then book a return on the Dartmouth Totnes River Cruise.
Head down to Dartmouth North Embankment Terminal/pontoon by Dartmouth Harbour.
Dartmouth River Cruise
Try also the Dartmouth River Cruise. Head down to Dartmouth North Embankment Terminal/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 Dartmouth North Embankment Terminal/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 Dartmouth North Embankment Terminal/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 ferries, boat trips and walks
Dartmouth is one of the best places in South Devon to combine a boat trip and walk. Try one of the following:
Dartmouth/Greenway/Dittisham Ferry and the Dart Valley Trail
The ferry to Greenway Quay and the National Trust's Greenway is a super boat trip. Walk back to Kingswear on the east section of the Dart Valley Trail before taking a ferry across the water to Dartmouth.
Alternatively, take the ferry to Dittisham and walk back on the west section of the Dart Valley Trail.
Head down to Dartmouth North Embankment Terminal/pontoon by Dartmouth Harbour.
Dartmouth Castle Ferry and the South West Coast Path
A ferry runs to Dartmouth Castle. Walk back to Dartmouth on the South West Coast Path. You'll pass through the beautiful Warfleet and enjoy amazing views down to Dartmouth, the River Dart and Estuary and Kingswear.
Head down to the steps on the embankment south of Dartmouth North Embankment Terminal/pontoon by Dartmouth Harbour. The ferry drops you off below the church on the north side of the castle.
Dartmouth Totnes River Cruise and the Dart Valley Trail
If you fancy a big walk, take the Dartmouth Totnes River Cruise to Totnes and then follow the Dart Valley Trail back to town.
Head down to Dartmouth North Embankment Terminal/pontoon by Dartmouth Harbour.
Dartmouth/Kingswear Lower Ferry and the South West Coast Path
Take the Dartmouth/Kingswear Lower Ferry to Kingswear. This runs from Lower Street near Bayard's Cove Fort. Walk the South West Coast Path down to Froward Point and Brownstone Battery (National Trust). Wander up to The Daymark Tower and then follow the path through Higher Brownstone Farm to behind Kingswear Castle before returning on the South West Coast Path to Kingswear and then Dartmouth.
Note that you can extend this by walking to Coleton Fishacre (National Trust).
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