Isle of Portland Boat Trip

Our Portland boat trip starts with a slow steam down Weymouth Harbour. Admire the pretty cottages, lifeboat station and bustling quayside before we round the pier head and make our way into the bay. We'll then make a slight turn and head towards the break water. Sit back, relax and admire views of the Nothe Fort and Newtons Cove as we steam.

We'll start by steaming along Portland Harbour breakwater to enjoy an up close look at the abandoned forts. The fortifications were built in the early 1800's and played an important role in coastal defence, before they were decommissioned following the Second World War.

The forts are closed to the public, although much of the infrastructure remains in tact to this day. You'll see the remnants of canons and other military equipment strewn on the rocks below. Sometimes we're lucky enough to see seals sunning themselves in the shallows.

We’ll then continue along Portland's eastern side so you can admire the Grove and Church Ope Cove. The pretty beach is lined with colourful beach huts and flanked by towering cliffs, which are popular with climbers.

Further along the coastline you'll see the sea caves beneath the coast path. Few people know these are here because they can only be seen from the sea! While we're too big to go inside you'll catch a glimpse as we pass by. After heavy rainfall there's sometimes a waterfall tumbling over the cliff edge and into the water below.

Next, we’ll reach the southernmost tip of Portland, where you'll see Portland Bill lighthouse and Pulpit Rock. The red and white striped lighthouse is an iconic landmark on our coastline and ensures the safe passage of thousands of ships each year. From the boat you'll get a unique viewpoint and they'll be plenty of opportunities for photos.

Just past 'The Bill' there are some ledges where sea birds congregate to nest and feed, including gulls, cormorants and shearwater. Sometimes you'll see them drying their wings on the cliff edge and other times they will be 'rafting' in the water below.

West Cliff is one of our favourite parts of Dorset's Jurassic Coastline. The dramatic cliffs tower above us and are a stark reminder of Portland's rugged geology and exposed coastal location.

After a short steam we'll reach Chesil Cove, where we'll stop to take some photos and admire the scenery. You'll hear the roar of the pebbles as the waves roll into the shoreline. You'll also see the incredible sight of Chesil Bank - the longest beach extend into the distance.

During our sunset trips we'll stop here to watch the sun dip below the horizon and the sky turn various shades of orange and pink!

We'll then make our way back to Weymouth the same way we came, albeit it at a quicker speed.

There is a chance of spotting wildlife on all of our sightseeing boat trips and the Portland trip is no exception. Keep your eyes peeled throughout the trip for dolphins, birds and seals. Over the years we've been incredibly fortunate to witness some incredible sights. You never know what you might see!

Of course, wildlife is not guaranteed as the sea is not a zoo. We think this makes it all the more special if we are lucky enough to spot something during the trip.

Below you will find a list of frequently asked questions about our Isle of Portland Boat Trips aboard Snapper and Jurassic. If you have any further questions ahead of your trip please get in touch. 

There are two boats in the Snapper Charters Fleet - Snapper and Jurassic. We specialise in running small group fishing and sightseeing boat trips from Weymouth. Both boats can accommodate 12 passengers + crew.

The boats are wide and stable making them comfortable for longer journeys. There is plenty of outdoor seating and we welcome people to get up and walk around during our trips. Both boats have a toilet on board for your convenience.

A sightseeing trip aboard Snapper is a popular family activity in Weymouth. Many families come out with us year on year.