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Welcome return of Bristol Channel historic paddle steamer trips

The steamer will offer a variety of cruises from Swansea, Porthcawl, Penarth, Tenby and Milford Haven

By Ian Lewis

Chief reporter for Carmarthen Journal and also write for Llanelli Star, South Wales Evening Post and Western Mail.

The world’s last seagoing paddle steamer is returning to the South Wales coast this summer as it cruises the Bristol Channel for the first time in five years.

Waverley will give passengers the opportunity to step aboard for a nostalgic trip on the famous steamship from June 2 to 18.

The steamer will offer a wide variety of cruises from Swansea, Porthcawl, Penarth, Tenby and Milford Haven.

Since Waverley last cruised the Channel  in 2018 she has received a multi-million pound refurbishment with new  steam boilers installed.

Thanks to a recent successful £180,000 public  appeal to meet the annual dry docking fees, the ship’s charitable owners  have taken the decision to offer the most extensive sailing programme for more than a decade.

Waverley first visited the Bristol  Channel back in 1979 in the wake of the famous White Funnel Fleet of pleasure steamers which operated until the 60s.

Nowadays only Waverley offers pleasure steamer trips from South Wales to the popular North  Devon resort of Ilfracombe.

Waverley’s general manager, Paul  Semple, said: “I am delighted to announce that Waverley will make her much anticipated return to the waters of the Bristol Channel.

"The ship offers a truly unique experience and I know many will welcome the sight  of her famous red, white and black funnels and the distinct sound of her paddles beating.

“To relaunch her sailings on the Bristol Channel there are several special offers to take advantage of  with kids fares from £1, over 60s can ‘Bring a Friend Free’ on June 13  and 15, and NHS workers can claim a 15% discount when booking in advance.

"I am delighted with the response since  we released the timetable and opened bookings just a few days ago.  

"There is a clear demand for Waverley to reunite with the Bristol Channel."

During the programme of cruises  Waverley will offer trips from Penarth and Swansea to the remote Lundy  Island.

There are options to combine a cruise on Waverley with a trip on  the West Somerset Railway and visit Minehead. Passengers from Porthcawl  can enjoy the ultimate steam day out on Thursday, June 8, by combining a  cruise on Waverley with a visit to the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway,  and spend time in Ilfracombe before re-joining Waverley for the  homebound voyage.

A highlight of this year’s schedule  sees Waverley returning to Tenby for the first time in over 30 years.  

The final cruises will then take place from Milford Haven on Sunday June  18 with the unique opportunity for those aboard to cruise round  Skokholm and Skomer, and Ramsey Islands. To close her season of  sailings in South Wales Waverley will offer a cruise from Milford Haven  round Caldey Island and along the Pembrokeshire Coast.

Tickets for all sailings can be booked online at waverleyexcursions.co.uk or by calling 0141 243 2224.

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MV Balmoral - White Funnel Limited - Day Trips

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MV Balmoral - White Funnel Limited - Day Trips - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

THE BEST Penarth Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat rides & cruises in penarth.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
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• Good for Kids
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• Good for a Rainy Day
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1. Challenge Wales

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Motor Vessel Balmoral

Updated 29 June 2016

M.V. Balmoral is a classic passenger ship built in 1949 and sailed around the coasts of England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man every year from 1985 to 2012.    She was operated during this period by Waverley Excursion Ltd in support of Paddle Steamer Waverley .   Subsequently she has been laid up in Bristol City Docks, latterly under the care of the M.V. Balmoral Fund Limited.   Ownership was formally transferred from Waverley Steam Navigation Co Ltd to MVBFL on 25 March 2015.   For full details of the latest news visit the MV Balmoral Fund Limited web site or White Funnel Ltd web site.

This unofficial Paddle Steamer Waverley web site is maintained by Martin Longhurst [email protected] . Please note that all enquiries regarding all business matters must be addressed to MV Balmoral Fund Limited. by post, phone, fax or email.

The views expressed on this site are not necessarily those of Waverley Excursions Limited, MV Balmoral Fund Limited, White Funnel Limited or the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society.

Balmoral Blurb

Articles about the ship and her sailings

Two Thames Trips June 2016

From the Purser's Office - July 2012

From the Purser's Office - June 2012

The 2011 Purser's Tale – Part 2

The 2011 Purser's Tale – Part 1

The 2010 Purser's Tale - Part 4

The 2010 Purser's Tale - Part 3

The 2010 Purser's Tale - Part 2

The 2010 Purser's Tale - Part 1

A Purser's Tale - Part 4

A Purser's Tale - Part 3

A Purser's Tale - Part 2

A Purser's Tale - Part 1

Two Ships Day 2009

Final Sailings of 2008

September's Indian Summer

Stormy Channel Season

Mid Term Report

Balmoral's Manx Visit

Balmoral's Start of Season

Manx Weekend

HTV Charter

The QE2 from Balmoral

Millport Illuminations

Balmoral from the QE2

  North East Visit

  Day Trip to Rye

  Visit to the Republic of Ireland

Balmoral Draw Prize Winners 2006

Bournemouth to Yarmouth

Sailing down the Avon

Winter Work 2005-06

Setting sail for the start of the Season

Winter Work 2004/05

In Dry Dock - 2

In Dry Dock - 1

Balmoral on the Thames

Into Service 2004

New pictures in Gallery

Regeneration Year 2 - 3 May 2004

Regeneration Year 2 - 28 April 2004

Regeneration Year 2 - 16 April 2004

Regeneration Year 2 - 14 April 2004

Regeneration Year 2 - 3 April 2004

Regeneration Year 2 - 20 & 24 March 2004

Regeneration Year 2 - 16 March 2004

Regeneration Year 2 - 5 March 2004

Regeneration Year 2 - 18 February 2004

Regeneration Year 2 - 7 February 2004

Regeneration Year 2 - 31 January 2004

Balmoral Sails to Sharpness 9 January 2004

Winter Work Parties

Leaving Ilfracombe

  Off Swansea

  In the Avon Gorge

  Cruise from Clacton

  Passing Broadstairs

  At Whitehaven

  Northern Ireland Report

  At Bangor, Co Down

Sailing Reports 28 & 29 June 2003

Balmoral Gallery

Voyage Report 29 June 2002

From Southwold to the Capital

Balmoral re-opens Southwold Pier

Mostyn Duck Broken!

Balmoral in Dry Dock

Balmoral Regeneration Project

Progress Reports

Articles about the 2002 Season

Sailings in 2001

Balmoral becomes a MacBrayne 'Steamer'

A Bonny Day at Carrick Castle

Millport Illuminations 2001

Red Funnel Friday

Forth Five Islands Cruise

Cruise to Newcastle

Bal and Ben, 19 May 2001

Sailings in 2000

Down the Thames from Tower Pier, 9 July 2000

Cruise to view P&O's Aurora 18 June 2000

Fort William, the Four Lochs and Corryvreckan

Columba’s Sacred Isle

Through the Small Isles to Canna

Round the Mull to the Hebrides

Through the Kyles to Tighnabruaich

First Glasgow Sailing of 21st Century

Tall Ships Cruise 16 April 2000

Balmoral returns to Service 11 April 2000

Refit Pictures

Pictures of Balmoral in Dry Dock at Sharpness

Sailings in 1999

Eclipse Report - Cruise to Totality (Non-landing) - 11 August 1999

Report on Balmoral's First Cruises of the 1999 Season

P.S. Waverley Home Page

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Discover Flatholm Island

Visit flatholm island.

Since 2020 we have provided excursions to Flatholm Island leaving from Penarth for all to enjoy. Our newly refurbished bright red ship is the only ship. We departs from the Penarth boat landing and pass through one of three locks of the Cardiff Bay Barrage next to the Bristol Channel, sailing farther than any other tour operator, past Penarth Pier and toward Flatholm Island where you can spend the day.

These exciting, fun, and educational Penarth Boat Trips are available every weekend March to the end of October and every day during school holidays, if weather is favorable. Special groups/tour rates for private gatherings are available for groups of 20 or more; a group of more than 20 is eligible for up to a 10% discount.

This purpose built ship, is the only passenger boat that can carry groups to Flatholm Island and is pet-friendly, with comfortable accommodations for adults and children. Start planning that special day with friends and family-contact us about our Penarth Boat Trips for a tour or island visit today.

Cardiff and Penarth Boat Tours

A family outing, a day with friends, a group of tourists experiencing Europe’s largest waterfront development, or local visitors exploring the Cardiff/Penarth area, Penarth Boat Trips provide a 45 minute sightseeing boat trips for all to enjoy. This bright red ship is the only ship with scenic views from our Top Deck when compared to all the tourist carriers operating in the Bay; it departs from historic Mermaid Quay and passes the Cardiff Bay Barrage for a tour of Cardiff.

During a Penarth boat trip, passengers enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and a snack while listening to the onboard commentary providing historical and educational information on the sights. As a memento of the occasion, have a picture taken onboard and bring a camera to record the spectacular Cardiff waterfront as seen from the top deck and many of the sights along the way, such as, the Senedd, BBC Wales studios, Norwegian Church, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Devils Ice Hockey and the St David’s Hotel.

  Start planning that special day with friends and family-contact Penarth Boat Trips today.

You can sail from Wales on the world's last sea-going paddle steamer the Waverley this summer

Waverley will give people the opportunity to step aboard for a nostalgic trip across the Bristol Channel from Penarth, Porthcawl and Tenby

• 20:45, 28 APR 2023
• Updated 21:11, 28 APR 2023

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The world’s last seagoing paddle steamer is returning to cruise the Bristol Channel in June for the first time in five years docking at Penarth, Porthcawl and Tenby. Waverley will give people the opportunity to step aboard for a nostalgic trip on the famous steamship from June 2 to 18 this summer.

Other Welsh stop offs include Newport , Milford Haven and a cruise around Swansea Bay, the Gower coast, Caldey Island and St Brides Bay. It will be the first time the steamer visits Tenby in 30 years. The steamer will also offer a wide variety of cruises from Clevedon, Portishead, Weston, Minehead and Ilfracombe.

The paddle steamer, launched in 1947, was gifted for £1 to the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society in 1974 and is owned and maintained by registered charity Waverley Steam Navigation Co. Ltd on its behalf. Waverley is named after Sir Walter Scott’s Waverley novels and was built to replace the 1899 Waverley which was sunk by enemy action on May 29th, 1940 at Dunkirk.

Read more: Free National Trust Family day passes up for grabs - we've got 200,000 to give away!

The paddle steamer, launched in 1947, was gifted for £1 to the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society in 1974 and is owned and maintained by registered charity Waverley Steam Navigation Co. Ltd on its behalf. Waverley is named after Sir Walter Scott’s Waverley novels and was built to replace the 1899 Waverley which was sunk by enemy action on May 29, 1940 at Dunkirk.

Since Waverley last cruised the Channel in 2018 she has undergone a multi-million pound refurbishment with new steam boilers installed. Thanks to a £180,000 public appeal, to meet the annual dry docking fees, the ship’s charitable owners are offering the most extensive sailing programme for over a decade. Waverley first visited the Bristol Channel in 1979 sailing in the wake of the famous White Funnel Fleet of pleasure steamers which operated until the 60s.

Waverley’s general manager Paul Semple said: “I am delighted to announce that Waverley will make her much anticipated return to the waters of the Bristol Channel. The ship offers a truly unique experience and I know many will welcome the sight of her famous red, white and black funnels and the distinct sound of her paddles beating."

Waverley has made return visits to Milford Haven in recent years but this summer sees its return to Tenby, where in years gone by many residents enjoyed trips through the Bristol Channel to the south coast.

Local member Cllr Sam Skyrme-Blackhall said: “This will bring back memories for many locals in Tenby and is yet another attraction for our wonderful town. It was always a huge attraction in years gone by and many families will have fond memories of going to Ilfracombe and local trips. Many are very excited to see the Waverley return to the harbour and will I am sure receive a huge welcome.”

To relaunch her sailings on the Bristol Channel there are several special offers, with kids fares from £1, over 60s can 'Bring a Friend Free’ on June 13, and NHS workers can claim a 15 per cent discount when booking in advance at waverleyexcursions.co.uk.

During the programme of cruises Waverley will offer the traditional pleasure trips from Portishead, Clevedon, Weston and Minehead to visit Ilfracombe, giving passengers several hours ashore to explore. A special sailing on Sunday, June 4, will allow passengers from Clevedon to visit Lundy Island. Tickets for all sailings can be booked at waverleyexcursions.co.uk or by calling 0141 2432224.

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Bristol Channel 2024 Timetable Released

Latest news.

• 30th Apr 2024 : WAVERLEY IS ANNOUNCED AS NATIONAL FLAGSHIP OF THE YEAR 2024
• 26th Apr 2024 : London & Thames Estuary 2024 Timetable Released
• 7th Mar 2024 : Bristol Channel 2024 Timetable Released
• 25th Feb 2024 : Waverley to Visit Fishguard & Holyhead this Season
• 8th Feb 2024 : Waverley's 2024 Oban & Inner Hebrides Timetable Released
• More Waverley news

7th March 2024

Waverley’s much anticipated 2024 Bristol Channel timetable has been published. This year’s sailing programme builds on the exceptional success of 2023 with an extended season on the Channel from Friday 31st May to Sunday 23rd June.

In a surprise announcement Waverley will make her grand return to Bideford offering two sailings on Friday 31st May and Wednesday 19th June – this will be her first visit to the north Devon town since the 1980s.

Paul Brown, Harbour Master of the Port of Bideford, said “We are delighted to be welcoming Paddle Steamer Waverley back to Bideford for two port visits in May and June this year.  Her visits will create an enormous amount of interest and we look forward to showing the beautiful river Torridge as well as our wonderful town to the passengers.”

This year marks the 45th anniversary since Waverley first visited the Bristol Channel and South Wales back in 1979, sailing in the wake of the famous White Funnel Fleet of pleasure steamers which operated until the 60s. Nowadays only Waverley offers pleasure steamer trips to the popular North Devon resort of Ilfracombe, around the Holm Islands and along the Welsh Heritage Coast.

This year’s sailing programme also features Tenby (Thursday 6th June) and Milford Haven (Saturday 22nd & Sunday 23rd June) following the exceptional demand for tickets and interest generated last year.

Councillor Mike Solomon, North Somerset Council’s Executive Member for Culture and Leisure, said: “I’m thrilled to hear that the Waverley will be returning to North Somerset this summer, sailing from Clevedon, Portishead and Weston-super-Mare.

People loved cruising on the paddle steamer last year, and I’m sure this year’s outings will prove similarly popular. I hope our local community and visitors from further afield alike will climb aboard and enjoy our beautiful landscapes from a fresh perspective. All we need now is for the Balmoral steamer to get back in service. Please do donate if you can, to help keep these wonderful boats afloat.”

To launch her sailings on the Bristol Channel there are several special offers to take advantage of with Kids For £1 and the popular “Seniors Bring a Friend FREE” offer on selected cruises, and NHS workers can claim a 15% discount when booking in advance at waverleyexcursions.co.uk.

During the programme of cruises Waverley will offer the traditional pleasure trips from Penarth, Portishead, Clevedon, Weston, Porthcawl, Swansea and Minehead to visit Ilfracombe giving passengers several hours ashore to explore. There will also the opportunity to sail out to Lundy Island.

This year Waverley has partnered with THREE heritage railways to offer the “Ultimate Steam Day Out” where passengers can combine a trip on a paddle steamer with the ride behind a steam locomotive – passengers can choose from trips on the Brecon Mountain Railway, Lynton & Barnstaple Railway and the West Somerset Railway.

Waverley will be offering a very special themed pleasure cruise starting and returning to Clevedon, in collaboration with the SS Great Britain Trust on Tuesday 11th June. As well as enjoying a cruise in the channel, curators and heritage experts will be on hand to share the remarkable similarities between Waverley and Paddle Steamer Great Western, the Bristol ocean liner which was the earlier sister of the SS Great Britain, and first ocean-going paddle steamer ever built. There will be an exclusive prize draw as well as displays showcasing the impact these ships had on Bristol and the world.

Advance booking is recommended for Bristol Channel sailings. Book online or call the Booking Office on 0141 243 2224.

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Cruise Ship   Balmoral

Cruises On Balmoral

Discover Flatholm Island

Spend the day exploring Flat holm Island, discover its fascinating history and learn about its importance to South Wales and the Bristol Channel.

Sailing from Penarth, through the Cardiff Barrage into the Bristol Channel and visit Flatholm Island for 3 hours with a return trip later that day.

Upon arrival at the island you will be greeted by the warden followed by a guided tour. a landing fee of £5 (£2.50 for children) is required to be paid to Cardiff Council (THE ISLAND IS CASH ONLY!)

Flatholm boat trips departs from Barrage South Boat Landing, Penarth . The return departure is from the island jetty with arrival back to Penarth.

Times vary day to day due to the changing tide, a full list is published below on this page once but times may be altered depending on the changing nature of the tide closer to the date.

Flat Holm Island is a unique and stunning destination located in the Bristol Channel off the coast of Wales. The island offers visitors an incredible opportunity to explore the beauty and history of one of the most unique and interesting places in the UK.

The island's rich history is one of the most prominent features, with the island having been used as a monastery, a prison, and a defensive fortification over the centuries.

One of the most iconic features of the island is the Flat Holm Lighthouse, which was built in 1737 and still stands today. Although closed to visitors, you can learn about its fascinating history and importance to the island.

The island is also home to a wide range of wildlife, including nesting seabirds, grey seals, and a variety of insects and plants. Visitors can take guided tours of the island to learn more about the island's ecology and the unique species that call it home.

Visitors can explore the island's rugged terrain and stunning landscapes while enjoying the fresh sea air and breathtaking views.

Overall, a visit to Flat Holm Island is a truly unforgettable experience that offers visitors the opportunity to explore a unique and stunning destination filled with history, wildlife, and adventure. Whether you're looking for a relaxing day trip or an action-packed adventure, Flat Holm Island is the perfect destination for all types of visitors.

2023 Sailing Dates Will Be released in February 2023, join our email list to be the first to know when they are released.

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Paddle Steamer Waverley

Sail aboard the famous Paddle Steamer Waverley for a memorable day at sea on Scotland's beautiful West Coast. Experience the sights, sounds and thrills of travelling on the last seagoing Paddle Steamer in the World, amidst glorious Scottish scenery.

Welcome aboard the famous Paddle Steamer Waverley to enjoy an unforgettable day at sea! Built in 1947, our magnificent steamship cruises the waters of the West Coast of Scotland, linking Glasgow, Greenock and Largs with the beautiful islands, lochs and Highland villages around the Firth of Clyde and West Highlands. Onboard you will experience the power and majesty of Waverley’s giant steam engine, see her paddle wheels turn, listen to their rhythmic beat and hear her melodic steam whistle as she glides between piers and harbours. See her engineers skilfully operating her steam engine whilst her officers and crew expertly navigate her from the bridge. Paddle steamers first sailed on the Clyde in 1812 and Waverley continues the traditions of her predecessors.

Explore Waverley's extensive open decks, admire the shining brasses, marvel at her towering funnels and polished wooden handrails and feel the wind in your face as she effortlessly cruises through time. You can even send a postcard from Waverley’s Victorian post-box! 

Eating and drinking aboard is part of the Waverley experience. You can enjoy lunch or dinner in our traditional dining saloon and relax in the comfortable period lounges beautifully restored to their original nineteen forties style. Our friendly stewards and catering crew look forward to welcoming you.

Waverley offers a great way to see wildlife. Bring your binoculars to spot birdlife, seals and porpoises. You might even see our beautiful dolphins as they escort the ship around the Clyde!

And at the end of your journey, you can take home an exclusive Waverley gift from the on-board shop - Waverley has her own range of souvenirs, sweets and chocolate!

Waverley is owned by a Registered Charity and by sailing aboard this magnificent ship, the last seagoing paddle steamer in the World, you are helping to ensure that Waverley can continue to sail for many years to come.

Waverley sails from her base at Glasgow Science Centre on the Firth of Clyde, from late May until August and from Oban in May and June. Waverley also operates elsewhere in the British Isles, including on the Bristol Channel, England's scenic South Coast and the famous River Thames - see our website for full details.

Transport and Parking

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• Public Parking Nearby
• No Pets Allowed

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• Suitable for visitors with limited mobility
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• Accessible toilets
• Wheelchair access throughout
• Level access to dining room, cafe or restaurant
• Partial wheelchair access
• Level access to all public areas
• Partially suitable for visitors with limited mobility

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• Lunch Available
• Breakfast Available
• Licensed Bar
• Catering Available
• Picnic Area
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The content of many of our web listings is provided by third party operators and not VisitScotland. VisitScotland accepts no responsibility for (1) any error or misrepresentation contained in third party listings, and (2) the contents of any external links within web listings ((1) and (2) together hereinafter referred to as the "Content"). VisitScotland excludes all liability for loss or damage caused by any reliance placed on the Content. The Content is provided for your information only and is not endorsed by VisitScotland.

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What’s On

Balmoral is a cultural part of Bristol’s maritime and industrial heritage. Providing learning for all ages. Today the ship brings community engagement through a range of learning programmes, activities and partnership opportunities. 

Explore our events calendar below and escape into a world of year round events! You will find a packed variety of fantastic occasions where Balmoral plays host to the talented and undiscovered. You can explore What’s On by the agenda below, or by date, month and map search.

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Mooring Hotwell Road, Bristol

Telephone 0117 325 6100

THE PERFECT WAY TO EXPLORE!

Based in Ilfracombe harbour the Ilfracombe Princess cruises the coast to see seals, porpoises and dolphins!

Enjoy one of the most dramatic landscapes in England aboard our safe comfortable vessel the 'Ilfracombe Princess'. We have been serving Ilfracombe tourism for more then 20 years, licensed to carry 100 passengers.

Join us to witness spectacular wildlife and coastal cruises aboard our MCA approved vessel, purpose built for coastal cruising!

In case you were wondering... Yes, we welcome dogs on onboard!

On the Ilfracombe Princess, dogs are welcome but on the lower deck only.

Upcoming Trips

Smugglers Caves Cruise

Exmoor Cliffs & Caves

Seals & Lighthouse Cruise

Evening Drinks Cruise

Broadsands Sessions

East Meets West

Bird Watching Cruise

Gift Vouchers

Gift the experience of a lifetime.

Looking for a truly memorable gift? Look no further!

Here at Ilfracombe Princess, we are thrilled to offer gift vouchers, providing your loved ones with an unforgettable adventure aboard our luxurious vessel. Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or just to show someone you care, our gift vouchers are an invitation to enjoy the stunning beauty of North Devon's coastline, discover the diverse marine life, and create lasting memories.

2022 FUN FACTS

TRIPS SAILED

Broadsands Beach Sessions are back for 2024

Feathers and Flights: The New 2024 Bird Watching Cruise Along Exmoor’s Coast

East Meets West: Introducing Our Special Tidal Cruise for 2024

LOOKING FOR EVEN MORE EXCITEMENT?

Try our adventure rib.

We use the rib as well as our big yellow boat as a sightseeing boat, the RIB gives you a more up close and personal experience, taking just 12 passengers. We have taken out 1year olds to 90year olds, it is great fun no matter your age.

Our team are brilliant wildlife spotters - many years at sea teaches you to spot a dolphin or recognise the signs that dolphins or other wildlife are close by. Dolphins absolutely love riding the bow waves and the wake of the boat, it's thought to give them that extra bit of speed!

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