From gentle harbour cruises to high-speed RIB adventures — everything on the water along the Jurassic Coast.
Dorset's coastline is one of the most spectacular in England — and there's no better way to appreciate it than from the water. Whether you're after a gentle harbour cruise, a high-speed RIB blast past Durdle Door, a traditional mackerel fishing trip, or a luxury afternoon tea afloat, you'll find it here. All operators are listed with pricing, parking, and dog policy so you can plan your trip with confidence.
Classic boat trips — ideal for a relaxing introduction to the Jurassic Coast's stunning geology and scenery.
The main operator for scenic trips from Poole. Offers a range of cruises including a 70-minute Harbour & Islands Cruise past Brownsea Island and Sandbanks, and a Poole to Swanage Sightseeing Cruise along the Jurassic Coast. Comfortable, reliable choice with live commentary.
Harbour & Islands Cruise (70 mins): Adult £15.50, Child £10.50. Poole to Swanage Cruise (1 hr): Adult £22, Child £16, Infant (0–4) Free, Dog £2.
A superb 1.5-hour cruise from Weymouth taking in the highlights of the Jurassic Coast. You'll cruise past the Georgian seafront into Weymouth Bay, passing landmarks like Redcliffe Point and White Nothe. A very popular and well-regarded tour for a comprehensive coastal overview.
Adult £16.50 per person.
A one-hour, dog-friendly cruise from Weymouth Harbour through Weymouth Bay to Portland Harbour. Excellent views of historic forts, castles, and the Jurassic Coast. Skippers are locals known for their in-depth knowledge — scenic and informative.
Adults £15, Children (12 and under) £10, Babies under 1 and dogs ride for free.
A highly-rated company offering both sightseeing cruises and mackerel fishing trips from the historic Cobb. The sightseeing tours are an excellent way to appreciate the dramatic coastline from a local's perspective, with friendly and knowledgeable skippers.
One-hour sightseeing cruise: Adults £15, Children £10. Prices subject to change.
A long-standing and popular operator from Lyme Regis, famous for fishing trips but also offering coastal cruises. Custom-built boats for passenger comfort, with a fantastic reputation for being family-friendly and welcoming.
One-hour mackerel fishing trip: Adult £15, Child £10. 3-hour deep sea fishing: Adult £45, Child £30.
The essential 20-minute boat ride to the National Trust's Brownsea Island — a wildlife-focused transport service. Once on the island, explore the reserve famous for its red squirrels and wading birds. Tickets available from the yellow kiosk on the quay.
Return fare: Adult £14.50, Child (5–17) £6. National Trust island entry is separate: Adult £12, Child £6, NT members free.
High-speed Rigid Inflatable Boats offering an adrenaline-filled way to see the coast and access secluded coves.
A multi-award-winning operator offering an exhilarating ride along the coast. Their 'Fast Bay Blast' takes you at speeds up to 40mph to see iconic landmarks like Durdle Door. A fantastic, fun experience for families with children over five.
'Fast Bay Blast' or similar cruises: Adult £16.50, Child £11.
For a truly unique adventure, hire a jet ski and follow a guide to explore the Jurassic Coast. A thrilling way to get up close to Old Harry Rocks, Swanage Bay, and even spot wildlife like seals and dolphins.
Prices vary by tour length. A 2-hour Jurassic Coast Safari for one jet ski is around £200.
A multi-award-winning company operating from West Bay. Offers a range of RIB experiences, from coastal sightseeing tours to high-adrenaline blasts. A great way to see the famous golden cliffs of the Jurassic Coast from a dynamic new perspective.
Prices vary depending on the trip — check their website for details.
A traditional seaside activity — mackerel fishing trips are fantastic fun for families and novices. You're often allowed to take your catch home for supper.
The go-to operator in Lyme Regis for fishing. Their one-hour mackerel trips are perfect for beginners and families, with all gear provided. They offer a unique 'catch and cook' service where a local restaurant will prepare your fish with chips for a small fee.
1-hour mackerel: Adult £15, Child £10. 3-hour deep sea: Adult £45, Child £30.
An excellent choice for both fishing and sightseeing from Lyme Regis. Their one-hour mackerel trips are a fantastic, no-fuss introduction to sea fishing, with friendly and knowledgeable skippers who are great with families.
1-hour mackerel fishing trip: Adult £15, Child £10.
For a more dedicated fishing experience, Snapper Charters offers half-day and full-day trips from Weymouth. Geared towards catching a wider variety of fish in Weymouth Bay, with views of the Jurassic Coast as a stunning backdrop.
Half-day fishing trips typically start from around £40–£50 per person.
A local operator in West Bay offering 2-hour mackerel fishing trips. A great option for families staying in and around Bridport — and you get to keep your catch for dinner.
Adult £20 per person.
Educational and conservation-minded experiences for those who want to observe Dorset's rich marine and coastal wildlife.
A brilliant, eco-focused tour of the Fleet Lagoon — a nationally important marine protected area behind Chesil Beach. The hour-long trip is led by experts who help you spot an incredible array of birdlife. All profits support the Trust's conservation work.
Adult £10, Child £8. All profits go towards conservation.
Step aboard a classic sailing vessel for a more hands-on and atmospheric experience — feel the power of the wind.
A unique opportunity to sail on a 1930s steel-hulled Gaff Cutter. Get involved with hoisting the sails and taking the helm, or simply relax and enjoy the views of Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove. A brilliant, memorable experience for all ages.
Per person: 1-hour sunset sail £27 · 2 hours £42 · 4 hours to Durdle Door £80 · 5 hours to Lulworth Cove £90.
For a truly bespoke experience, charter a yacht for a half-day or full-day sail. Ideal for a family celebration or a group of friends wanting to explore the Jurassic Coast at their own pace. The trip is fully tailored to your group.
From £750 for a half-day sail (up to 12 people) in April/May/October.
For a special occasion — these trips combine beautiful views with food and drink for a truly memorable experience on the water.
An exclusive and relaxing experience limited to just 22 guests. Enjoy a luxury cruise around Poole Harbour while being served a full afternoon tea with prosecco, sandwiches, scones, and cake. A perfect treat for a special occasion.
Prices vary — check their website for details. A similar Cream Tea cruise in Weymouth is priced at £27.50 per adult.
A lovely 2.5-hour cruise combining stunning coastal views with a delicious homemade cream tea. Upgrade to a full afternoon tea for a more indulgent experience. A very civilised way to see the coast.
Adult £27.50, Child (under 12) £20, Family (2+2) £80, Infant (under 2) £10. Excludes booking fee.
A special day trip aboard the Dorset Queen — a vintage motor yacht and member of the UK Historic Ships' Register. The cruise travels from Poole Quay along the tranquil River Frome to the historic town of Wareham, where you have time to explore before the return journey.
From £47.50 per person, including the cruise.