Boat Trips North Wales – Anglesey, Puffin Island & Coastal Cruises

North Wales offers boat trips ranging from wildlife cruises around Anglesey and Puffin Island to fast RIB rides on the Menai Strait and longer coastal excursions towards Bardsey Island. Boat trips in North Wales range from relaxed sightseeing cruises to wildlife-watching and adventure trips. 

Boat rips in Anglesey include Puffin Island & Wildlife Cruises

Departing primarily from Beaumaris, these trips head toward the uninhabited Puffin Island (Ynys Seiriol). 

• The Experience: Spectacular views of the Menai Strait and the Penmon Lighthouse.
• Wildlife: Look out for Atlantic Grey Seals, Guillemots, Razorbills, and, of course, the iconic Puffins (best seen between April and July). 

Menai Strait boat trips include Sightseeing & fast rib rides

The narrow stretch of water separating Anglesey from the mainland is famous for its swirling currents and architectural wonders.

• The Bridges: Most cruises pass directly under the world-famous Menai Suspension Bridge and the Britannia Bridge.
• Millionaires’ Row: Catch a glimpse of the stunning waterfront mansions and hidden gardens along the shoreline.

Menai Strait boat trip – Rib Ride Adventures

For those who prefer adrenaline over a slow pace, high-speed RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) tours depart from Menai Bridge and Holyhead.

• Velocity: These are some of the fastest sightseeing boats in the UK.
• The Swellies: Expert skippers navigate through the notorious “Swellies”—a section of the Strait known for its dangerous rocks and whirlpools. 

Boat rips in North Wales include Pontcysyllte Aqueduct Canal Trips

Located in the northeast near Llangollen, this is a much calmer, though no less breathtaking, experience. 

• The “Stream in the Sky”: Float 126 feet above the River Dee on a narrowboat crossing the UNESCO World Heritage aqueduct.
• Heritage: Enjoy a slow-paced journey through the lush Dee Valley, learning about the industrial history of the Llangollen Canal. 

Bardsey Island Ferries

Departing from the tip of the Llŷn Peninsula (Porth Meudwy), these trips take you to the “Island of 20,000 Saints.” 

• Remote Beauty: A rugged crossing that lands you on one of the most spiritual and remote islands in Wales.
• Nature: The island is a National Nature Reserve and a prime spot for seeing Manx Shearwaters and rare Choughs.

Snowdonia Lake Cruises

If you prefer freshwater, Llyn Padarn in Llanberis offers serene boat tours surrounded by the peaks of Snowdonia.

• Mountain Views: Unrivalled perspectives of the Snowdon massif and the historic Dolbadarn Castle.
• Electric Power: Many lake trips use eco-friendly electric boats to maintain the tranquillity of the National Park.