Boat trips from West Bay Harbour offer one of the best ways to experience Dorset’s spectacular Jurassic Coast. Whether you’re looking for an exhilarating high-speed RIB adventure, a relaxing sightseeing cruise or a scenic journey to Lyme Regis by water, West Bay provides a range of experiences suitable for families, couples and groups.
Departing from West Bay Harbour, Lyme Bay RIB Charter operates a selection of trips ranging from a thrilling 15-minute blast to leisurely one-hour coastal cruises. Travelling by sea offers a unique perspective of this UNESCO World Heritage coastline, with dramatic sandstone cliffs, secluded beaches and the towering summit of Golden Cap all seen from angles that simply aren’t possible on land.
Boat Trips at a Glance
| Experience | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| West Bay Blast | 15 minutes | Speed and excitement |
| Half Hour Coastal Cruise | 30 minutes | Relaxed sightseeing |
| Best of Both | 45 minutes | Sightseeing with some thrills |
| One Hour Coastal Cruise | 1 hour | Exploring more of the Jurassic Coast |
| Water Taxi to Lyme Regis | 30 minutes | Travelling between West Bay and Lyme Regis |
Prices and sailing information were checked on 23 July 2026 but may change. Please visit the operator’s website for the latest availability and online booking.
Lyme Bay RIB Charter
Website: https://lymebayribcharter.co.uk
Lyme Bay RIB Charter operates a fleet of fully skippered rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) from West Bay Harbour between Easter and the end of October, weather permitting. While the boats are capable of impressive speeds, not every trip is an adrenaline ride, with several cruises designed for visitors who simply want to relax and enjoy the scenery.
Experienced local skippers provide a safety briefing before departure and share their knowledge of the coastline throughout each trip. All departures follow part of the spectacular Jurassic Coast towards Lyme Regis, with views of West Bay’s famous sandstone cliffs, hidden beaches, Golden Cap and, on the longer cruises, the historic Cobb at Lyme Regis.
West Bay Blast
The West Bay Blast is the shortest and fastest experience, making it ideal for visitors looking for an exciting introduction to travelling by RIB.
Lasting approximately 15 minutes on the water (allow around 30 minutes including boarding and the safety briefing), the trip combines speed, tight turns and spectacular coastal scenery. It’s particularly popular with families, couples and anyone looking for something a little different during their visit to West Bay.
Price: £21.50 adults, £19.50 for children under 12.
Half Hour Coastal Cruise
If you prefer a slower pace, the Half Hour Coastal Cruise offers a more relaxed sightseeing experience.
During approximately 30 minutes on the water, you’ll cruise beneath West Bay’s dramatic sandstone cliffs before heading towards Golden Cap, the highest point on England’s south coast. Along the way you’ll enjoy excellent views of the Jurassic Coast and several secluded beaches that are difficult to appreciate from land.
This cruise is ideal for families with younger children, first-time boat passengers and anyone wanting to enjoy the scenery without the higher speeds of the shorter blast ride.
Price: £23.50 adults, £21.50 for children under 12.
Best of Both
As the name suggests, the Best of Both combines sightseeing with the excitement of a high-speed RIB ride.
Lasting approximately 45 minutes on the water, it begins with a relaxed coastal cruise before introducing faster sections, allowing passengers to experience both the spectacular scenery and the performance of the RIB. This makes it an excellent option for families or groups where some passengers enjoy sightseeing while others are looking for a little more excitement.
It’s also the operator’s most popular trip.
Price: £35 adults, £33 for children under 12.
One Hour Coastal Cruise
The One Hour Coastal Cruise is the longest scheduled sightseeing trip available from West Bay and offers the best opportunity to explore this stretch of the Jurassic Coast.
Travelling towards Lyme Regis, the cruise passes Golden Cap before continuing along the coastline with views towards the historic Cobb at Lyme Regis and many of the spectacular cliffs and beaches in between. Covering more coastline than any other scheduled trip, it’s ideal for photographers, nature lovers and visitors wanting a more leisurely experience on the water.
Although operated using a RIB, the emphasis is on sightseeing rather than speed.
Price: £37 adults, £35 for children under 12.
Water Taxi to Lyme Regis
One of the most unusual services offered by Lyme Bay RIB Charter is its one-way Water Taxi between West Bay and Lyme Regis.
Rather than returning to West Bay, passengers can travel by sea to Lyme Regis in approximately 30 minutes, spend the day exploring the town, then return later by the X51 or X53 bus service. It’s a particularly good option for walkers exploring the South West Coast Path, visitors wanting to avoid parking in Lyme Regis, or anyone simply looking for a different way to travel between the two resorts.
Price: £23.50 adults, £21.50 for children under 12.
Things to Consider Before Booking
Before booking your boat trip, it’s worth considering which experience best suits your group.
Choosing the right trip – If you’re looking for speed and excitement, the West Bay Blast is the obvious choice. For a more relaxed sightseeing experience, the Half Hour or One Hour Coastal Cruises are better suited, while the Best of Both offers a balance of scenic cruising and exhilarating bursts of speed.
Weather and sea conditions – Boat trips operate between Easter and the end of October and are dependent on weather and sea conditions. Trips may occasionally be cancelled or routes adjusted if conditions are unsuitable.
Accessibility – Boarding takes place from West Bay Harbour and passengers need to be able to step aboard the RIB. Visitors with limited mobility should contact the operator before booking.
Medical restrictions – High-speed RIB trips may not be suitable for pregnant passengers or anyone with back, neck or certain joint conditions. Check with the operator if you’re unsure.
Photography – The Jurassic Coast looks spectacular from the water, particularly around West Bay and Golden Cap. Bring a camera or smartphone, but remember that waterproof protection is advisable, especially on faster trips.
Wildlife – Dolphins, seals and seabirds are occasionally spotted in Lyme Bay, although sightings can never be guaranteed.
Whether you’re looking for a thrilling RIB adventure, a leisurely coastal cruise or a memorable journey to Lyme Regis by sea, a boat trip from West Bay offers one of the best ways to appreciate the beauty of Dorset’s Jurassic Coast.