Which Cruise to Choose this Summer?
May. 2023
A Round up of Plymouth’s Top Pleasure Cruises
No visit to Plymouth in Devon is complete without experiencing the wonderful water that surrounds Britain’s Ocean City, we’ve put together our top picks from Plymouth Boat Trips scheduled summer cruises for inspiration. From one hour harbour trips, taking in iconic, local landmarks and long leisurely meanders exploring the natural beauty of Devon and Cornwall to rocking boat parties and chilled summer sundowner cruises – there’s something to suit everyone.
Plymouth Boat Trips’ fleet of vessels each have toilets and licensed bar on board. Seated top decks offer fabulous views in the open air and comfortable below decks are furnished with plenty of seating and space to sit back and watch the world go by on the water.
1-Hour Harbour Cruise
The port of Plymouth and the waters that surround it are rich in both stunning scenery and nautical history, there’s plenty to see and learn about past and present packed into this 1-hour cruise. Setting sail from the Mayflower Steps, where the pilgrims began their momentous journey to American shores, you’ll cross Plymouth Sound with the Hoe on the right and Drake’s Island on the left, taking in places of interest, including the spot where Sir Francis Drake spied the Spanish Armada approaching, as he played his famous game of bowls.
Further along the Tamar River, you’ll reach Plymouth’s Royal Naval Dockyard, one of the largest in western Europe. Covering more than 650 acres with four miles of waterfront, His Majesty’s Naval Base, Devonport is one of three operating bases in the United Kingdom for the Royal Navy, from submarines to mighty warships, there is always an awesome sight to behold for all ages.
Calstock Cruise
This leisurely five-hour cruise ventures further along the River Tamar to the Cornish village of Calstock. Passing the Royal Naval Base, you’ll continue under Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s famous bridge that, along with the neighbouring Tamar Bridge, connects Cornwall to the rest of England. The Tamar Valley has been designated as an Area of Outstanding Beauty and you’ll experience stunning views of nature and wildlife on both the Cornish and Devonshire sides as you pass the villages of Cargreen, Wier Quay, Pentille, Holton and Cotehele.
This cruise stops off at the Cornish village of Calstock, a sleepy locale that was once a booming mining town in the 19th century for copper, tin, tungsten, granite and even silver, now pretty cottages line the street, the perfect place to discover quaint Cornish charm before the steady cruise back to Plymouth.
Also offered on selected dates as an evening Sunset and Jazz cruise, this trip is the perfect summer wind down.
River Yealm Cruise
Discover the breath taking beauty of the River Yealm on this idyllic two hour cruise, a favourite for locals and tourists alike. Setting off from the Barbican you will sail across Plymouth Sound passing picturesque Jennycliff and Bovisand beaches, before curving around Heybrook Bay and Wembury beach, towards the lush greenery of the River Yealm.
Nestled within another Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Yealm Estuary is also marked as a site of Special Scientific Interest, a European Special Area of Conservation, and is within the South Devon Heritage Coast. All of this guarantees some spectacular sights of nature and wildlife.
Breakwater Cruise
This cruise enables you to get up close to Plymouth’s iconic breakwater, which protects Plymouth Sound from the elements, making it the haven that it is today. Dating back to Napoleonic times, the breakwater was built to shelter 35 ships for the navy, due to concerns that Napoleon would attack England in Plymouth where the navy was kept. Completed in 1840, it measures a staggering 1560m long and 13 metres wide.
Setting sail from the Barbican, you’ll head towards Plymouth Hoe and Drake’s Island sailing past the mouth of the River Tamar before turning around with the historic smuggling villages of Cawsand and Kingsand on your right.
Cruising parallel to the Plymouth Breakwater, you’ll get a front row seat to view of this awe-inspiring construction before passing Garrison Fort in Bovisand, Jennycliff Bay and Mount Batten and back to the Barbican.
Summer Sundowner
Early evening on the Devon coast is a magical time and there is no better way to experience it than on the water. On board this cruise, laid back tunes are playing, and a complimentary drink of your choice is offered as you set sail for a wonderful tour of Plymouth’s local waters.
Whether you’re winding down after a long day or want to enjoy a pre-dinner drink with a difference, this cruise is the perfect addition to any summer’s evening.
In addition to the top picks we’ve selected, throughout the summer Plymouth Boat Trips offers a wide variety of cruises, themed parties, and live music events to enjoy. Follow us on social media to be kept up to date with all the latest news and events.
Please note, only some of our boats are wheelchair accessible, please contact the office beforehand if you have any accessibility questions before booking your trip.
