boat trips dartmouth

River Cruises

River Cruises are one of the best ways to enjoy the stunning scenery of the River Dart

River & Harbour Cruises:

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. A lovely addition to your day out in Devon. Full, informative (and usually amusing!) commentary is provided. This is a circular trip that starts and finishes in Dartmouth. This cruise departs daily at 11:00, 12:00, 12:45, 13:30, 14:15 & 15:15. Tickets may be​ purchased at the kiosks close to the entrance to the town pontoon.

Rail & River Cruises:

Why not enjoy a full day excursion combining a steam train ride and a river cruise.

Travel on the steam railway from Paignton to Kingswear, then cross the river Dart on our foot passenger ferry to Dartmouth, where you board one of ​the​ boats for a circular ​river cruise (approximately 1 hour duration) around the river and estuary. The cruise takes you to the mouth of the river passing Kingswear & Dartmouth Castles, Dittisham village, Britannia Royal Naval College and Greenway House – home to the late Dame Agatha Christie.

Tell the children to keep their eyes peeled for the varied wildlife that can be seen – Dolphins, Seals, Herons, Egrets, Buzzards and​ ​Kingfishers​​ if you’re quick enough! Pick up a colouring in sheet in ​the visitor centre ​at Kingswear ​railway​ station. Why not get the children to colour in the wildlife they spot.

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 Contemporary Fizz Cruises on The River Dart

Call 07446 015135.

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British vineyards, private boat trips and cruises on the river dart, dartmouth.

Are you looking for a way to create an occasion that's unique, memorable and fun?

In a stunning setting with fabulous service and a boat load of fizz....

then you're in the right place!

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Every celebration begins with the popping of a cork!

We love to pop corks! That sumptuously sophisticated sound which usually heralds a celebration and there is no better way to enjoy the experience than cruising on the beautiful River Dart, fizz in hand and admiring the view.

Whatever the occasion...

The Fizz Boat  and our ‘Corks Crew’   will make sure that whatever the occasion, whether celebrating or simply enjoying the company of friends, family or business colleagues, it has that certain pizzazz and class that will be talked about for years to come.

Whatever you’re planning, your cruise on The Fizz Boat will provide the perfect environment to entertain, share, have a great time and make memories.

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Go South West England

Totnes to Dartmouth boat trips – all you need to know

Are you researching Totnes to Dartmouth boat trips? You’re in the right place with this article!

The River Dart’s a rich tapestry of lush green fields, sleepy villages, and diverse wildlife.

And how’s the river best experienced? From the water itself! 

You can do this by embarking on a cruise with the Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat Company – which I recently did on a trip to Totnes and Dartmouth. 

If you’re planning on taking the Totnes to Dartmouth cruise, this blog post is a full guide to everything that you’ll need to know about the trip. 

Table of Contents

Totnes to Dartmouth boat trips: my experience

The charm of the river and its surroundings gently unwound as my boat slowly chugged down the river. 

As we began our journey, the boat’s movement was mirrored by the smooth, blue ribbon of the river that snaked through a panorama of green fields. 

Serene and spectacular, the river began as a ribbon cutting through Totnes but as we followed the bright green fields, the river broadened gradually.

The verdant banks gave way to different villages, each a world in itself, imbued with its own unique history and charm.

Things to see along the River Dart

The River Dart isn’t just a pretty place to visit. The running commentary on board kept us entertained, weaving fascinating stories about each sight we passed.

We learned about the curious ‘Hole in the Wall’ , which was caused by damage to a river wall built by Dartmoor prisoners. 

There were also beautiful viaducts built by famous South West architect Brunel .

“And over there’s the village of Duncannon” , the guide said, motioning to a collection of three houses on the side of the bank. “No, I haven’t gone mad – it’s actually a village and not a hamlet”.  

“This is due to a census error where a few extra zeros were added onto the population and number of houses of the village!”. 

We sailed past the villages of Stoke Gabriel – home to a scrumpy so potent that it’s only served in half-pint glasses – and Dittisham , where Kate Winslet and the lead singer of Jamarouquai both have properties. 

“You might notice we’re weaving around the river a bit” , our guide said, as we meandered from left to right.

We were in the middle of a place affectionately called “the lake of the Dart” , due to its apparent lack of exits when you’re floating in the middle. 

“We’re not lost, and I promise we haven’t had too much scrumpy”. He continued. “The Dart’s quite a shallow lake, and a vessel of our size has to follow the deep water channel”. 

As the boat glided on, we encountered Greenway House , Agatha Christie’s beloved summer home, and its nearby quay featuring the most photographed thatched roof cottage on the Dart.

“There’s certainly a particular fairytale feel to it”, the guide commented. 

As we sailed into Dartmouth, an unexpected delight was seeing the ‘face house’ , its windows and doors creating the illusion of a face. “In the evening, lanterns glow in the ‘mouth’”, the guide explained. “ Local kids think that they look like teeth!”

Animals in the River Dart

While there was a surprising among of history and culture on the cruise, its significance as a nature hotspot can’t be ignored. 

A popular spot for twitchers , the River Dart is home to cormorants and little egrets , among plenty of other types of birdlife. 

“Seals even swim up this far sometimes”, we were told. “There’s a colony of them right by the river mouth, but it’s not uncommon to see them bobbing around here”. 

Just before reaching Dartmouth, the imposing Royal Britannia Naval College came into view, a proud institution where many members of male royalty have stayed and studied.

90 minutes after departing from Totnes, we disembarked onto the quay at Dartmouth , home to the fascinating Dartmouth Castle – which was my next point of call. 

How to book tickets

Tickets can easily be booked online on the Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat Company’s website .

Or if you prefer, you could buy them in person at their ticket offices in Totnes or Dartmouth . 

Round Robin Ticket

Consider the Round Robin ticket for your return journey – this ticket includes a nostalgic steam train ride between Kingswear and Paignton . 

The short ferry connecting Dartmouth and Kingswear is included in the price of the Round Robin ticket. 

To travel between Totnes and Paignton , the bus connections are also included in the ticket – so you can start in any town on the route, and spend time enjoying them while you’re on your journey! 

The cruise operates regularly between Totnes and Dartmouth, but the timing varies depending on the season. 

Check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

The journey lasts approximately 90 minutes, a leisurely cruise that allows you ample time to soak in the surroundings.

About Totnes

Totnes, nestled at the mouth of the River Dart, is steeped in history and culture. 

From the historic Totnes Castle and Guildhall to a vibrant arts scene, there’s plenty to explore before you embark on the cruise.

Or, if you take the Dartmouth to Totnes cruise the other way , you can enjoy walking around Totnes or having a drink at the Royal Seven Stars pub to toast to a successful day exploring South Devon !

Check out all of the best things to do in Totnes by clicking here.

About Dartmouth

When you reach Dartmouth, you’ll be greeted by a town that beautifully blends history and aesthetic charm. 

The deep-water port , prestigious Naval College , and narrow, winding streets attract tourists in their droves. 

Don’t forget to visit the historically enchanting Dartmouth Castle and take in tremendous views from the South West Coast Path ! 

Check out my full guide to Dartmouth by clicking here. 

Tips for the cruise

Here are my top tips for taking the Totnes to Dartmouth or Dartmouth to Totnes river cruise! 

• Bring cash: There’s a bar onboard for you to enjoy a drink or two, but remember, it’s cash-only.
• Dogs welcome: Dogs are welcome on the cruise, but they must be kept on a short lead.
• Arrive early: Get there about half an hour before the cruise begins and start queuing to secure the best seats.
• Take your pick of seats: The boat has both upstairs and downstairs areas for you to choose from.
• It’s a relaxed journey: The journey is generally calm, posing little risk of motion sickness. However, if you’re prone to it, you might want to take your medication as a precautionary measure.

Are you ready to take the Totnes to Dartmouth cruise boat?

The Totnes to Dartmouth cruise boat is, without a doubt one of the best ways to explore South Devon. 

The countryside of the South Hams is effortlessly beautiful, but cruising on the river takes the scenic views to a whole new level. 

It’s a unique journey that beautifully captures the charm of the River Dart and its surroundings, combining the enthralling attractions of both the ancient town of Totnes and river-based Totnes. 

This unforgettable river cruise awaits in South Devon—don’t skip it!

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Greenway Ferry & River Boat Cruises

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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Greenway Ferry & River Boat Cruises - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Greenway Ferry & River Boat Cruises

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Similar Experiences

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Greenway Ferry & River Boat Cruises - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• Gift Vouchers
• What's On
• News & Updates
• Private Charters

Our Boats (& Passenger Ferry)

We have a large fleet of vessels that operate on the River Dart and in Torbay for sea going voyages and tours and on the Western Lady Ferry operation. We are also proud operators of the historic vessel the paddle steamer Kingswear Castle, the last remaining coal fired paddles steamer in the UK. We carry out all our vessel maintenance at our own yard at Old Mill, nestled in from the River Dart in a creek just beyond Dartmouth.

The last item on this page provides timetable information for the passenger ferry.

Paddlesteamer kingswear castle.

Join us for an unparalleled experience cruising on the river Dart. The Kingswear Castle is the last remaining coal-fired paddle steamer in the UK. She was built in 1924 at Philip & Son of Dartmouth and has been lovingly restored to her former glory, beautifully reflecting the style and craftsmanship of a bygone era. In addition to scheduled services on the river Dart, she offers the most unique cruise and charter experience in the whole of the UK.

Dart Explorer

Our flagship 'The Dart Explorer' is a wonderfully appointed vessel. The 300 seater luxury Catamaran can accommodate up to 100 guests for informal dining and up to 80 guests for formal dining. The Dart Explorer has a fully stocked bar and small dance floor and is regularly used as a Wedding Reception, Corporate or Party venue.

Cardiff Castle

Our largest vessel in the fleet can carry up to 400 passengers and is ideal for larger groups. The Cardiff Castle now boasts 'The Blues Bar' - a fabulous contemporary bar and a lovely addition to the boat. The Cardiff hosts many functions, live bands, dancing and corporate events. If you are just on her for the day, make sure you take a look and enjoy a bottle of our fantastic wine.

Dartmouth Castle

The pretty Dartmouth Castle is licensed to carry 297 passengers and is a lovely boat to charter for a party or celebration on the river Dart. As with all our vessels she has a fully licensed bar aboard. You may be lucky enough to travel on her on one of our Dartmouth-Totnes river cruises.

Dartmouth Castle is listed on the National Register of Historic Ships.

Dart Venturer

A well appointed vessel which can accommodate 300 passengers with 100 under cover. A fully stocked lounge bar, a great function boat which is ideal for parties. Mainly based in Torquay through the summer season as the Western Lady Ferry service..

Dittisham Princess

The Dittisham Princess is licensed to carry 185 passengers. As with our whole feet, she is available for private charter and has seen a fair few wedding receptions in her time!  Mainly based in Torquay through the summer season as the Western Lady Ferry service.

Dartmouth Princess & Kingswear Princess

Our passenger ferries will be seen toing and froing across the river Dart between Dartmouth and Kingswear - carrying passengers to/from the train station at Kingswear and generally helping locals reach the other side!

PASSENGER FERRY

MONDAY-SATURDAY : 0730 to 1855 1st Departure Dartmouth - 0730 1st Departure Kingswear - 0740 (FERRY BREAK 13:00 – 13:30) Last Departure Dartmouth - 1850 Last Departure Kingswear - 1855

SUNDAY : 0900 to 1855 1st Departure Dartmouth - 0900 1st Departure Kingswear - 0910 (FERRY BREAK 13:00 – 13:30) Last Departure Dartmouth - 1850 Last Departure Kingswear - 1855

Adult single fare £2.00 Child single fare £1.00 Adult book of tickets (x20) £20.00 (i.e. £1 each) Child book of tickets (x20) £15.00 (i.e. 75p each)

• Grand day out! - I thoroughly enjoyed the whole trip, from the steam train to the ferry ride and of course, the boat trip. The designated seating and screens made me feel very safe. Well done!
• Nostalgic - We included a cruise on our trip and spent an hour on the paddlesteamer (the captain pointing out some interesting features and telling a few stories along the way). This was a very enjoyable day and worth every penny.
• An A+ family experience! - >Excellent time< We arrived at the station to friendly welcome and were greeted by a jolly bloke who gave us an upgrade to a cabin on our own which made us feel like Harry Potter! He gave us lots of info about timings and what amount of time we had been given to allow us to make sure we got back okay. A great time.

Read more reviews on TripAdvisor

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THE 10 BEST Dartmouth Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat rides & cruises in dartmouth.

• Kayaking & Canoeing
• Stand-Up Paddleboarding
• Dolphin & Whale Watching
• Speed Boats Tours
• Parasailing & Paragliding
• Surfing, Windsurfing & Kitesurfing
• Fishing Charters & Tours
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• Good for Couples
• Good for Kids
• Good for Big Groups
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Adventurous
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Honeymoon spot
• Hidden Gems
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Sea Kayak Devon

2. Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat

3. The Paddle Shack

4. Greenway Ferry & River Boat Cruises

5. The Fizz Boat

6. Your Escape

7. Dartmouth Boat Hire

8. The Banquet Boat

9. The Devon Concierge Club

10. Dartmouth Yacht Club

11. Dittisham Boats

12. Dartmouth Castle Ferry

13. The Henry Finlay

14. The Fizz Boat

What travellers are saying

• Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat
• Greenway Ferry & River Boat Cruises
• Your Escape
• The Fizz Boat
• The Banquet Boat
• The Paddle Shack
• Sea Kayak Devon
• Dartmouth Yacht Club

The Best Way to see Dartmouth…

We aim to commence services from saturday 30th march,but due to the very changeable weather, please check on this page for service updates.

Thank you for your understanding. 

SATURDAY 30 MARCH SERVICE NOTIFICATION PENDING

“one of the best-loved short boat trips in britain”.

The famously beautiful Dart Estuary should really be enjoyed from a boat and the Castle Ferry with its traditional open launches is one of the best and simplest ways of getting close to the water – an authentic Dartmouth treat.

The trip passes our unique Lower Ferry – the last remaining tug and float ferry in England, ancient Bayards Cove, with its cobbled quay and fort and waterfront houses which were once warehouses and boat-building yards.  You may well see the elegant 1924 paddle steamer, Kingswear Castle, on one of her excursions. She has recently returned after decades away to grace the river where she was built.

There is a good chance you may see one of our resident grey seals or even a leaping Dart salmon and we will try to point out other rarities as we go.

The Dartmouth Castle we see today, run by English Heritage, dates from the late 15th century but it is surrounded by curtain wall sections of an earlier fortification which hint at the story of Dartmouth’s pirate past, as reflected in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales.

The Castle Tea Room offers a wide selection of meals and snacks and is a prime spot for a proper cream tea. Popular bathing coves – Castle Cove immediately adjacent to the castle entrance and Sugary Cove just a few minutes walk away are perfect places for a wild swim, a picnic, or just for sitting and watching the boats come and go.

The South West Coast Path may be joined at Dartmouth Castle and there are a number of circular walks of truly exceptional beauty and variety that start from this point.

take a trip

Prices, Times & Periods of Operation

2024 fares (per trip).

14 Years & Above: £3.00    I    Under 14s: £2.00   I    Dogs Travel Free

There is great walking for dogs around the Castle Estate and they are welcome into the Castle Building on leads.

Periods of Operation

Ferry Starts From Dartmouth 10:00 AM

Last Ferry from Dartmouth 4:45  PM

Last Ferry from the Castle  5:00 PM

Please note that the service finishes ONE HOUR EARLIER in OCTOBER

VISITING DARTMOUTH

Holidays in dartmouth, privacy overview.