Poole Quay is the main departure point for passenger ferries, sightseeing cruises and harbour tours around Poole Harbour and the Jurassic Coast. During the main visitor season there are regular departures throughout the day, making it easy to visit Brownsea Island, Swanage or Wareham, or simply enjoy a relaxing cruise around one of Europe’s largest natural harbours.
Most visitors buy tickets from the operators’ kiosks on Poole Quay before departure, although advance online booking is recommended during weekends, school holidays and the busy summer months.
There are two main operators offering scheduled daily services from Poole Quay:
- Greenslade Pleasure Boats (Orange Kiosk)
website: https://www.greensladepleasureboats.co.uk - Coastal Cruises Poole (Blue & White Kiosk)
website: https://coastalcruisespoole.co.uk
Brownsea Island Ferry
Greenslade Pleasure Boats operate the direct ferry service between Poole Quay and Brownsea Island. The crossing takes approximately 20 minutes and there are regular departures throughout the visitor season.
Please note that the ferry fare only covers the boat crossing. Entry to Brownsea Island is managed by the National Trust and admission charges apply unless you are a National Trust member.
All scheduled passenger ferries to Brownsea Island now depart from Poole Quay. The former ferry service from Haven Point (Sandbanks) is no longer operating.
Operator: Greenslade Pleasure Boats
| Brownsea Island (Return) | Price |
| Adult | £14.50 |
| Children (5-16 yrs) | £6.00 |
| Under 5 | Free |
Poole Harbour & Islands Cruises
Both Greenslade Pleasure Boats and Coastal Cruises Poole operate sightseeing cruises around Poole Harbour, offering a relaxing way to enjoy one of Europe’s largest natural harbours without leaving the boat.
The cruises pass Brownsea Island, the other harbour islands, Sandbanks, Millionaires’ Row and the Purbeck coastline, with live commentary highlighting the area’s history, wildlife and famous landmarks. Neither cruise lands on Brownsea Island.
Greenslade Pleasure Boats
Greenslade operate a 1-hour circular harbour cruise departing regularly from their Orange Kiosk on Poole Quay.
| Poole Harbour Cruise | Price |
| Adult | £13 |
| Children (1-12 yrs) | £8 |
Coastal Cruises Poole
Coastal Cruises Poole operate a slightly longer 70-minute Poole Harbour & Islands Cruise from their Blue & White Kiosk on Poole Quay.
The cruise operates throughout much of the year, with daily sailings between 1 April and 31 October and a reduced winter timetable.
| Poole Harbour Cruise | Price |
| Adult (16+) | £14.50 |
| Child (5-15) | £9.50 |
| Under 5 | Free |
Wareham River Cruise
Greenslade Pleasure Boats also operate scenic cruises along the River Frome to the historic market town of Wareham.
The cruise lasts approximately 3½ hours, including around 1 hour 10 minutes ashore in Wareham.
As the cruise follows the tides, departure times vary throughout the season so check website for details.
| Wareham River Cruise | Price |
| Adult (Return) | £23 |
| Children 1-12 yrs (Return) | £15 |
| Adult (Single)* | £13 |
| Children 1-12 yrs (Single)* | £10 |
Poole to Swanage Cruise
Coastal Cruises Poole operate daily passenger cruises between Poole Quay and Swanage Pier, offering one of the most scenic ways to reach the Isle of Purbeck without driving.
The one-hour crossing leaves Poole Harbour before passing Sandbanks, Studland Bay and Old Harry Rocks on its way to Swanage. Live commentary is provided during the journey, and a fully licensed bar is available on board.
Passengers can choose from several daily sailings, allowing between 2½ and 5 hours to explore Swanage before returning to Poole, making it an excellent day trip.
The service operates daily from 1 April to 31 October, with departures from Poole Quay at 10:30am, 1:00pm and 3:45pm, and return sailings from Swanage Pier at 11:45am, 2:30pm and 4:45pm. Additional sailings operate on selected dates during school holidays.
| Poole to Swanage Cruise (Return) | Price |
| Adult (16+) | £23.50 |
| Child (5-15) | £17.50 |
| Under 5 | Free |
Poole Sea Train Cruise
If you’re planning to visit Swanage and Corfe Castle, Coastal Cruises Poole also offer a Poole Sea Train Cruise, combining a return boat trip with a journey on the historic Swanage Railway.
After sailing from Poole Quay to Swanage Pier, you’ll have at least five hours to explore the Isle of Purbeck. The package includes an open return ticket on the Swanage Railway, allowing you to travel between Swanage and Corfe Castle before returning to Swanage in time for your ferry back to Poole.
The itinerary is designed to connect with the Swanage Railway timetable, making it an easy way to enjoy two of Dorset’s most popular attractions in a single day without using a car.
| Poole to Swanage Cruise + Train (Return) | Price |
| Adult (16+) | £40 |
| Child (5-15) | £25 |
| Under 5 | Free |
Jurassic Coast Cruise
The Jurassic Coast Cruise is a circular sightseeing cruise lasting approximately 2 hours 15 minutes.
Leaving Poole Harbour, the cruise follows Dorset’s spectacular UNESCO World Heritage coastline, passing Studland Bay and Old Harry Rocks while the captain provides commentary about the area’s geology and history. A licensed bar is available on board.
Unlike the Poole to Swanage Cruise, this is a non-landing cruise, so passengers remain on the boat throughout the journey.
| Ticket Type | Price |
| Adult (16+) | £23.50 |
| Child (5-15) | £17.50 |
| Under 5 | Free |