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The top 12 boat trips in Dorset to experience
Dorset is famous for its stunning Jurassic Coast, unique landscape and diverse marine life. With so much to explore, often off the shore, boat trips in Dorset offer some of the most exciting and picturesque ways to soak in the views.
From leisurely cruises to adrenaline-pumping adventures, there's a Dorset boat trip for everyone. What are you waiting for? Read our guide to the top 12 Dorset boat trips you can experience on your next holiday.
Poole Harbour & Islands Circular Cruise
The Poole Harbour & Islands Circular Cruise, operated by City Cruises, is a delightful way to explore Europe's largest natural harbour. This 70-minute trip takes you around Brownsea Island, famous for its red squirrels and as the birthplace of the Scout movement.
Find out moreYou'll also see the Sandbanks peninsula, home to some of the most expensive real estate in the world. The cruise also provides excellent bird-watching opportunities and stunning views of the Purbeck Hills.
Coastal cruise
Lyme Bay RIB Charter offers exhilarating coastal cruises along the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage site. These trips provide a unique perspective of the dramatic coastline, featuring famous landmarks like Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove.
Find out moreThe high-speed RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) adds a thrill to the journey while the knowledgeable crew shares insights about the area's geology and history. For this Dorset boat trip, height and age requirements can vary depending on the weather and sea, so check these out before you visit.
Moonfleet Adventure Sailing
Moonfleet Adventure Sailing provides a hands-on experience if you’re interested in learning the art of sailing. Based in Portland Harbour, these trips allow you to be part of the crew, learning basic sailing skills under expert guidance. Whether you're a complete novice or have some sailing experience, Moonfleet's trips cater to all levels.
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Swanage Sea Fishing
If you’re looking for a fishing boat trip in Dorset, Swanage Sea Fishing combines the thrill of angling with the beauty of the Dorset coastline. Operating from Swanage Pier, these trips cater to anglers of any experience. Depending on the season, you could catch species like mackerel, bass, or sharks. The experienced skippers know the best fishing spots and provide all the equipment.
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Poole Jurassic Circular Cruise
Another Dorset boat trip from City Cruises, the Poole Jurassic Circular Cruise, is a more extended trip that takes you further along the Jurassic Coast. This cruise passes by Studland Bay, Old Harry Rocks and Swanage Bay, offering unique views of the chalk formations that make Dorsets coastline so famous. The experts on board also share insights into the areas geology and history.
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Private RIB Blast
If you fancy renting a private boat in Dorset, Lyme Bay RIB Charter's Private Half-Hour RIB Blast is the perfect option. This high-speed adventure takes you zooming across Lyme Bay, with sharp turns and wave-jumping adding to the excitement. It's a great option for small groups or families looking for a shorter, thrilling sea experience.
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Golden Hour Cruise
The Golden Hour Cruise, also offered by Lyme Bay RIB Charter, is a unique Dorset boat trip that takes you to the views from Chesil Bank in the east across the coast to Lyme Regis in the west. These boat trips in Dorset are timed to capture the best light on the Jurassic Cliffs, allowing for the best photo opportunities.
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H20 Powerboat Experience
H2O Powerboat Experience is a boat trip in Dorset that offers a range of high-speed boat trips from Christchurch. Their experiences range from gentle sightseeing tours to high-octane thrill rides. One popular option is the trip to Old Harry Rocks, where you can see these iconic chalk formations up close while enjoying the excitement of a fast boat ride.
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Jurassic Boat Trips
Operating from Lyme Regis harbour, Jurassic Boat Trips offers a variety of excursions along the Jurassic Coast in their trusty boat ‘Susie B’. Their trips provide excellent opportunities to see the majestic Golden Cap and the surrounding coastline. They offer leisurely sightseeing trips and mackerel fishing excursions alongside deep-sea fishing experiences.
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Poole Bird Watching Cruise
Nature lovers will appreciate the Poole Bird Watching Cruise offered by City Cruises. This Dorset boat trip can pick you up from Pool Quay or Swanage Pier, taking you through Poole Harbour, a haven for various bird species. Depending on the season, you might spot species like avocets, black-tailed godwits, and even ospreys, and an expert guide provides information about the birds.
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Kayak Tour at Old Harry Rocks
For a more active adventure, Fore Adventure's Kayak Tour at Old Harry Rocks is an excellent way to spend your day. This guided three-hour kayaking trip takes you up close to the famous chalk stacks. You'll paddle along the coast, exploring caves and learning about the local geology and wildlife. You will need to bring swimwear and footwear and be over the age of 12.
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West Bay Canoes Guided Experience
West Bay Canoes offers a guided canoe experience that allows you to explore the River Brit and the harbour at West Bay. This gentle trip is suitable for families and beginners and is a peaceful way to enjoy the scenery and spot local wildlife.
Find out moreFun facts about boat trips in Dorset
In case you’re still wondering why you should embark on a boat trip in Dorset, here are some fun facts:
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Poole Harbour, where many boat trips operate, is the second largest natural harbour in the world after Sydney, Australia.
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Many boat trips explore the Jurassic Coast, which spans 95 miles and represents 185 million years of geological history.
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Old Harry Rocks were once connected to the Isle of Wight's Needles by chalk hills.
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Brownsea Island often circled on Poole Harbour cruises, is home to one of the few populations of red squirrels left in southern England.
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The waters around Dorset are home to various marine life, including dolphins, seals, and even the occasional basking shark!
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Lulworth Cove, visible on many coastal cruises, is almost a perfect circle and was formed by the power of water over millions of years.
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The Golden Cap, viewable on some of these Dorset boat trips, is the highest point on the south coast of England at 191 meters (627 feet) above sea level.
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Chesil Beach, seen on some western Dorset boat trips, is one of three major shingle structures in Britain and runs for 18 miles.
Enjoy some of the best boat trips in Dorset on your next getaway!
Dorset's boat trips offer something for everyone, from relaxing cruises to exciting, scenic adventures. Whether you're interested in wildlife, geology, history, or just enjoying the sights, there's a boat trip that is sure to enhance your Dorset getaway.