Dorset Boat Trips & Harbour Cruises | Brownsea, Swanage & More

Dorset’s coastline offers some of the best boat trips, harbour cruises and passenger ferries in southern England, from relaxing river cruises to scenic sailings along the UNESCO-listed Jurassic Coast. Whether you’re visiting Brownsea Island, exploring Poole Harbour or cruising beneath the famous chalk stacks of Old Harry Rocks, there are boat trips to suit all ages.

Below you’ll find our guides to the main boat trip departure points across Dorset.

Boat Trips from Poole Quay

Poole Quay is Dorset’s main centre for scheduled passenger ferries and sightseeing cruises.

From here you can:

Visit Brownsea Island
Take a Poole Harbour Cruise
Cruise to Swanage
Explore the Jurassic Coast
Enjoy a River Frome cruise to Wareham

Read more: Boat Trips from Poole Quay

Boat Trips from Sandbanks (Haven Point)

The former passenger ferry between Haven Point (Sandbanks) and Brownsea Island no longer operates.

All scheduled passenger ferries to Brownsea Island now depart from Poole Quay.

The Sandbanks Ferry (chain ferry) between Sandbanks and Studland continues to operate throughout the year for vehicles, cyclists and foot passengers.

Read more: Sandbanks Ferry

Boat Trips from Swanage

Swanage Pier is the departure point for scenic cruises along the Jurassic Coast and passenger ferries to Poole Quay.

These cruises provide spectacular views of Old Harry Rocks, Studland Bay and the entrance to Poole Harbour.

Read more: Boat Trips from Swanage

Boat Trips from Wareham

Although Wareham has no regular sightseeing cruises departing from the town, limited one-way boat journeys between Wareham and Poole Quay are available on selected sailings, allowing visitors to combine a scenic river cruise with bus or rail travel.

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Boat Trips from Christchurch

Seasonal boat trips from Christchurch explore the beautiful waters of Christchurch Harbour, with harbour cruises and passenger ferries to Mudeford Sandbank. These relaxing trips offer excellent views of Hengistbury Head, Stanpit Marsh and one of Dorset’s most scenic estuaries.

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Boat Trips from Bournemouth Pier

Scheduled sightseeing cruises no longer operate from Bournemouth Pier.

For the nearest scheduled passenger boat services, head to Poole Quay, approximately 15 minutes by car or 30–45 minutes by bus.

Boat Trips from Weymouth

Weymouth is one of Dorset’s best destinations for boat trips, offering Jurassic Coast sightseeing cruises, harbour cruises, wildlife trips, high-speed RIB rides and traditional fishing excursions. With several operators to choose from, it’s an excellent choice for families and visitors wanting the widest range of experiences.

Read more: Boat Trips from Weymouth

Boat Trips from Lyme Regis

Lyme Regis is the ideal departure point for exploring the western Jurassic Coast. Choose from traditional sightseeing cruises, high-speed RIB rides and private charters while enjoying views of Golden Cap, Black Ven and the famous Cobb.

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Boat Trips from West Bay

West Bay specialises in Jurassic Coast boat trips, ranging from leisurely coastal cruises to exhilarating RIB adventures. Trips provide spectacular views of West Bay’s sandstone cliffs, Golden Cap and the coastline towards Lyme Regis, while a seasonal water taxi also links the two resorts.

Read more: Boat Trips from West Bay

Which Departure Point Should You Choose?

Poole Quay – Dorset’s main centre for harbour cruises, Brownsea Island ferries and trips to Swanage and Wareham.
Swanage – Jurassic Coast cruises, Old Harry Rocks and ferries to Poole.
Christchurch – Harbour cruises and Mudeford Sandbank.
Weymouth – Dorset’s widest choice of sightseeing cruises, wildlife trips, RIB rides and fishing boats.
Lyme Regis – Scenic cruises exploring the western Jurassic Coast.
West Bay – Jurassic Coast sightseeing, RIB adventures and the Lyme Regis Water Taxi.
Wareham – Scenic River Frome cruises connecting with Poole.