Boat trips from Weymouth Harbour are one of the best ways to experience Dorset’s spectacular coastline. Whether you want to admire the Jurassic Coast, visit Durdle Door by sea, enjoy a relaxing harbour cruise, discover local wildlife, experience the thrill of a high-speed RIB or simply enjoy lunch on the water, Weymouth offers one of the widest selections of boat trips in Dorset.
Most cruises depart from Weymouth Harbour and range from short harbour tours lasting around 20 minutes to longer trips exploring Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove and Weymouth Bay. With so many different operators available, choosing the right trip depends on the type of experience you’re looking for.
| Experience | Recommended Operator |
|---|---|
| Jurassic Coast sightseeing | Snapper Charters |
| Durdle Door & small-group cruises | Weymouth Shellfish Charters |
| Crab Pot Safari | Weymouth Shellfish Charters |
| High-speed RIB adventure | Weymouth Bay RIB Charters |
| Heritage harbour cruise | Coastline Heritage Cruises |
| Wildlife & birdwatching | Fleet Explorer |
| Dining & entertainment | Coastal Vibes |
Snapper Charters
Website: https://www.snapperweymouth.com
Snapper Charters specialises in small-group sightseeing cruises aboard a modern catamaran carrying up to 12 passengers. Its popular Durdle Door, Wildlife & Ships cruise lasts around two hours and costs from £30 per person. The trip first explores the ships anchored in Weymouth Bay before continuing along the Jurassic Coast to Durdle Door, where passengers enjoy an up-close view of one of Dorset’s most famous natural landmarks. On the return journey, the boat enters Portland Harbour to pass historic sea forts and large commercial vessels.
Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but dolphins, seals and a variety of seabirds are occasionally seen along the route. With no formal commentary, these cruises are designed for visitors who simply want to relax and enjoy the scenery.
Prices are per person with no discounts for children. Prices and sailing information checked: 23 July 2026
Weymouth Shellfish Charters
Website: https://www.weymouthshellfishcharters.co.uk
Weymouth Shellfish Charters operates small-group cruises aboard the modern catamaran Drifter. Its two-hour sightseeing cruise to Durdle Door costs from £27.50 and passes Weymouth Harbour, Nothe Fort and, when present, ships anchored in Weymouth Bay before reaching one of Dorset’s most famous natural landmarks.
The company also offers one of Weymouth’s most unusual experiences – the Crab Pot Safari. Lasting around 90 minutes and costing from £25, this family-friendly trip allows passengers to help haul traditional crab and lobster pots from the Fleet Lagoon, identify the different species and learn about sustainable fishing before everything is carefully returned to the water. It provides an enjoyable insight into Dorset’s fishing heritage and is particularly popular with families.
Prices are per person with no discounts for children. Prices and sailing information checked: 23 July 2026
Weymouth Bay RIB Charters
Website: https://www.weymouthbayribcharters.co.uk
If you’re looking for speed rather than relaxation, Weymouth Bay RIB Charters offers a range of high-speed adventures along the Jurassic Coast. The thrilling Bay Blast lasts around 20 minutes and costs £20 for adults and £15 for children (5–15 years). For visitors wanting to combine speed with sightseeing, the 75-minute Durdle Door Cruise costs £35 for adults and £30 for children, while the 90-minute Lulworth Special Cruise extends the journey to include Ringstead Bay, White Nothe, Bat’s Head, Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove, with fares of £40 for adults and £35 for children.
Prices and sailing information checked: 23 July 2026
Coastal Vibes
Website: https://coastalvibescruises.com
Coastal Vibes offers a very different style of boat trip aboard a spacious 250-seat passenger vessel. Rather than focusing purely on sightseeing, its cruises combine coastal views with food, drinks and entertainment. Seasonal sailings include breakfast, cream tea, fish and chips, barbecue, sunset and live music cruises, with ticket prices starting from £24 per person, depending on the cruise.
With indoor and outdoor seating, onboard refreshments and themed events throughout the season, Coastal Vibes is an excellent choice for visitors looking for a relaxed social cruise rather than a traditional sightseeing trip.
Prices and sailing information checked: 23 July 2026
Coastline Heritage Cruises
Website: http://www.coastlinecruises.com
Operated by the Weymouth Maritime Heritage Community, Coastline Heritage Cruises preserves the town’s maritime heritage while offering relaxing cruises aboard the historic passenger vessels My Girl and Enchantress.
Short harbour cruises start from £10, while longer heritage cruises across Weymouth Bay cost from £20. Along the way you’ll enjoy views of Weymouth’s Georgian seafront, Nothe Fort, Brewers Quay and Portland Harbour, accompanied by commentary explaining the area’s rich maritime history.
The best-known vessel, My Girl, was built in 1931 and served around Portland Harbour during the Second World War before returning to carry generations of visitors around Weymouth Bay. Every ticket helps support the preservation of these historic vessels for future generations.
Prices and sailing information checked: 23 July 2026
Fleet Explorer Wildlife Cruise
Website: https://www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk
Operated by Dorset Wildlife Trust, the Fleet Explorer offers guided wildlife cruises through the Fleet Lagoon, one of the UK’s most important protected marine environments. Adult tickets are £10 and children £8 (3-15 years), under 3s Free, with the specially designed shallow-draft boat exploring waters behind Chesil Beach that are inaccessible to most other vessels.
Passengers learn about the unique wildlife of the Fleet Lagoon, including its important little tern colony and the natural history of Chesil Beach while supporting Dorset Wildlife Trust’s conservation work.
Please note: At the time of writing, Dorset Wildlife Trust advises that scheduled Fleet Explorer sailings are temporarily suspended, with services expected to resume. Check the latest availability before planning your visit.
Prices and sailing information checked: 23 July 2026
Things to Consider Before Booking
Weymouth’s boat trips vary considerably, from small 10 to 12-passenger sightseeing boats to large cruise vessels carrying hundreds of passengers. Before booking, it’s worth checking a few practical details.
Accessibility – Boarding arrangements vary considerably between operators. Historic vessels, RIBs and smaller sightseeing boats may not be suitable for wheelchair users or visitors with limited mobility, so check before booking if accessibility is important.
Weather and sea conditions – Boat trips are weather dependent and operators have different cancellation policies. If conditions are unsuitable, some may offer an alternative route, while others may cancel or postpone the trip. If visiting Durdle Door or Lulworth Cove is your main reason for booking, it’s worth asking what happens if sea conditions prevent the advertised route.
Shelter from the weather – Some boats are completely open, while others offer covered or indoor seating. Even during summer it can feel much cooler once you’re out on the water.
Toilet facilities – Not every boat has onboard toilets, particularly smaller sightseeing boats and RIBs. If this is important, check before booking.
Food, drink and dogs – Policies vary between operators. Some cruises include food or have licensed bars, while others may allow you to bring your own refreshments. If you’re planning to take your dog, check in advance as restrictions differ between operators.
Choosing the right boat – Small boats often provide a more personal sightseeing experience and can get closer to some coastal features, while larger passenger vessels generally offer more facilities such as toilets, covered seating and onboard refreshments. Consider whether you’re looking for an intimate sightseeing cruise, a fast-paced adventure or a leisurely social outing before deciding which operator to book.
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely cruise along the Jurassic Coast, an exciting RIB adventure, a wildlife excursion or a relaxing meal on the water, Weymouth offers a boat trip to suit almost every visitor. Choosing the right operator will help you make the most of your time exploring one of Dorset’s finest stretches of coastline.