Durdle Door, Ships & Wildlife Boat Trip
Our Durdle Door, Wildlife and Ship boat trip is one of the most popular sightseeing trips we offer aboard Snapper Charters boats - Snapper and Jurassic. Get out on the water during your holiday in Weymouth and take in the stunning sights along the Jurassic Coast.
During this leisurely cruise we steam around ships anchored in Weymouth Bay, before making our way to Durdle Door. We’ll stop for an up-close look at this iconic landmark from a completely unique perspective. Along the way we’ll keep our eyes peeled for wildlife. Sometimes we’re lucky enough to see dolphins and seabirds.
This is a relaxed sightseeing tour without a commentary. Advanced booking essential.
Duration: 2 hours
Price: £25 per person
Maximum capacity: 12 passengers + crew
See full trip description and FAQ's below
2023 update - we have expanded and have 2 new boats for this season!
What does the Durdle Door boat trip involve?
Meet our boats on our mooring outside Bennetts Fish and Chip Shop. Once everyone’s on board we’ll make our way down the historic harbour at a leisurely place, allowing you to take in the bustling quayside, pretty cottages and Nothe Fort. Younger members of the family will enjoy waving at the people we pass. The challenge is to get as many people as you can to wave back!
Up close look at ships in Weymouth Bay
As we round the pier you can look back at Weymouth seafront and across the bay to Bowleze, Ringstead and Osmington in one direction and Portland break water in the other. We’ll then pick up speed and head to any ships anchored in the bay so you can appreciate their size and scale. The ships will vary every trip and can include tall ships, cargo ships, navy ships and cruise ships.
Please note: we cannot control what ships are in the bay. If there are no ships we will continue to Durdle Door, but change the route slightly to take in a bit more of the coastline.
Enjoy Durdle door from the sea
Next, we’ll head a bit closer to the shore so you can admire the world-famous Jurassic Coastline. You’ll be treated to views of White Nothe Cliffs and secluded secret beaches that are inaccessible by foot. We’ll slow down as we approach Durdle Door and nudge the boat as close possible. Unfortunately, we’re too big to sail through the door!
We’ll stop and turn the boat so you can take some family photos or a selfie or two! We’ll then make our way to the back of the door so you can look at it from a completely different perspective. Passengers are always surprised by the sheer scale of Durdle Door when viewed from the sea.
Chance of marine life including dolphins and seabirds
After everyone’s had the chance to take some photo’s we’ll take the direct route across the Bay back to Weymouth harbour. The ride back is usually a bit faster, so make sure you bring a jumper as it can get chilly, especially on our sunset trips.
Make sure you keep a look out for marine life along the way. Sometimes we’re lucky enough to see dolphins and seabirds, though please note the sea is not a zoo and this cannot be guaranteed. If we do encounter any wildlife, we’ll slow the boat so everyone can see.
"Not to be missed"
" We took our friends for a wonderful early evening trip to Durdle Door along the Jurassic coastline. Because it was high water we went right into the bay so we got some memorable snaps of us in front of the arch. Then we got to go behind the arch to see it from behind. A different view you don’t get from the land. The crew are friendly and chatty but relaxed. All in all a great experience. Looking forward to doing it again next year.".
Hayley - Tripadvisor
FAQs
Below you will find a list of frequently asked questions about our Durdle Door, Ships & Wildlife boat trips aboard Snapper and Jurassic. If you have any further questions ahead of your trip please get in touch.
Will the trip still go ahead in the rain?
Yes, we still operate our trips in the rain. We only cancel if the winds get too high.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, you are more than welcome to bring your dog on our sightseeing trips. Please note we also run fishing trips so there may be remnants of hooks and bait on board. Also, it can be noisy and it does get hot in the summer.
Is there a commentary/guided tour?
There is not a formal commentary or PA system on board. This is a relaxed sightseeing trip with passengers invited to relax and take in the scenery. That being said, the skipper and crew will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.
Can I book the whole boat?
Yes, you can book the whole boat for private charter. Simply book all 12 spaces available on our booking site. If there are less than 12 spaces available, it means another family is already booked on the trip.
Is there a toilet on board?
Yes, there is a toilet on board.
What should I wear?
Please dress appropriately for the weather. It can get chilly at sea even in the summer. We recommend wearing a hat and sun cream.
Is the trip cheaper for children?
Unfortunately, we do not offer cheaper tickets for children – tickets are based on a per person price. All passengers including children must have a valid ticket including babies.
Can I bring food and drink?
Yes, you are more than welcome to bring your own food and drink to enjoy during the trip.
What is your cancellation policy?
If Luke, the Owner/Skipper of Snapper Charters deems the weather unsuitable for a Durdle Door, Wildlife & Ship Boat Trip or the minimum passenger number has not been met the trip will be cancelled with as much prior notice as possible. You will usually be contacted the evening before when we have access to the latest weather report. You will be contacted on the phone number/email address provided at the time of booking to try and arrange alternate dates. If we are unable to agree upon a mutually suitable date and transfer your booking, you will receive a cancellation email (please keep an eye on your junk mail folder) and full refund of any money paid. If you (the customer) would like to cancel a Durdle Door, Wildlife & Ship Boat Trip a full refund will be given up until 72 hours prior to the trip commencing. To cancel please click the 'view booking' button in your confirmation email and follow the instructions. It is also possible to transfer your booking to another date up until 72 hours before your trip. No refund will be given for cancellations that occur less than 72 hours before your trip.
Where do we meet you for the trip?
Advance booking is essential. Meet us on the pontoon beneath the e-bike cafe. Arrive 15 minutes prior to departure. We kindly ask you to wait on the harbour wall until we've finished cleaning the boat/unloading passengers, then walk down the ramp towards the left hand side of the boat. Please leave plenty of time for parking as it can get busy, especially in the summer. We cannot wait for late passengers and NO refund will be given if you miss your trip. If you cannot see the boat when you arrive it is likely that we are returning from another trip. Please wait for us to arrive. Address: Custom House Quay Weymouth Dorset DT4 8BG Owner/skipper Luke: 07833492948
What happens if we're running late?
Please make every effort to arrive 15 minutes early and ensure you are in the right place and ready to go. We run all of our trips back to back, so it's essential that we leave on time. If you arrive more than 5 minutes late, we are afraid the boat will depart without you and NO refund will be given. We do not want to cut the trip short for the people who have made it there on time. If we're not there when you arrive, we will be on our way back from our previous trip. Please wait for us to return.
About the Snapper Charters Fleet
Snapper is a spacious power catamaran with outdoor seating. It is wide and stable making for a comfortable ride. You are more than welcome to get up and walk around during your trip.
We specialise in small group boat trips so there will be a maximum of 12 passengers on board plus crew. We are family friendly, though please note children must be accompanied by an adult. There is a toilet and board.
