Plymouth Boat Trips
Plymouth Boat Trips is a family-run company based at The Barbican Landing Stage in Plymouth, Devon, operating from the historic Mayflower Steps. They offer a wide range of services including scenic harbour cruises, connecting foot ferries, themed parties, and family-friendly fishing trips.
What to See and Do
Scenic Cruises: Popular options include the 1-hour Harbour Cruise, which showcases Plymouth Hoe, Drake’s Island, and the Naval Dockyard with its warships and submarines.
Day Trips: Longer cruises venture to the River Yealm, Cotehele, or Calstock in the Tamar Valley, providing a more leisurely exploration of the Devon and Cornish coastlines.
Ferries: They operate essential “Waterlinks” like the Cawsand Ferry (to Cornish beaches), the Cremyll Ferry, and services to Royal William Yard and Mount Edgcumbe.
Special Events: Look for themed experiences such as Kids Disco Cruises, Live Music & Party Cruises, and sunset Summer Sundowner trips.
Fishing: You can join 2.5-hour fishing trips suitable for families, with some options even offering a “Cook Your Catch” experience.
Visitor Planning
Duration: Most visitors spend 1 to 2 hours for standard cruises, though half-day river trips or fishing excursions can last 2.5 to 4 hours.
Who Should Go: It is an all-ages destination, being highly family-friendly and dog-friendly (dogs are free on daytime cruises).
When to Visit: Daily cruises typically run from April to early November, with a reduced schedule (mostly weekends and Thursdays) available in March.
What Makes It Unique
Plymouth Boat Trips is the South West’s largest cruise company and is unique for its integrated waterlink network, which serves as both a tourist attraction and a practical transport system between iconic Devon and Cornwall sites. Their fleet includes the Plymouth Venturer, the largest and most luxurious passenger boat in the city, featuring a heated saloon and a large dance floor.
Offers and Booking Tips
Online Booking Discount: Booking in advance through the Plymouth Boat Trips Online System typically saves you 5% on tickets.
Waterlink eWallet: Frequent ferry users can use a digital eWallet to save 10% on every ferry fare.
Group Discounts: Parties of over 20 people can access special rates, and coach drivers travel for free.
Early Bird Special: For private hires, reduced rates are often available for cruises booked between 5pm and 7pm.