Jurassic Coast Boat Trip
Join us for a leisurely cruise along the Jurassic Coast. Sit back and take in the views as we make our way across Weymouth Bay to get an up close look at some of Dorset’s most iconic sights.
During this scenic boat trip we stop at Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove and Mupe Bay* (sometimes this is closed to boats). We’ll position the boat so you can take some photos and admire the scenery from the sea. Passengers always remark on how special it is to see the coast from such a unique perspective. If you’re lucky you might spot some wildlife along the way.
This is a relaxed sightseeing tour without a commentary. Advanced booking essential.
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Price: £35 per person
Maximum capacity: 12 passengers + crew
See full trip description and FAQ's below
2023 update: we have expanded and now have 2 boats for this season!
What does the Jurassic Coast Cruise involve?
We start the Jurassic Coast cruise with a gentle steam down Weymouth Harbour. As we make our way towards the entrance, you can admire the bustling quayside, lifeboat house and pretty waterside cottages. As we round the pier head and emerge into Weymouth Bay you can look back at the beach and promenade. It’s lovely to see Weymouth seafront from this unique vantage point.
Jurassic Coast boat trip from Weymouth
Sit back and enjoy the views as we cross the wide expanse of Weymouth Bay. On the way you’ll see Ringstead, Osmington and Portland in the far distance, before we tuck in close to the shoreline at White Nothe. The cliffs here are striking white in colour and quite the spectacle. Have your camera handy so you can snap some photos as we go.
Admire Durdle Door from the water
We’ll slow down as we make the approach to Durdle Door. The water is very deep, which means we can get in nice and close to the shore. We’ll stop for a couple of minutes so you can admire the iconic limestone arch in all its glory. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is really impressive and looks completely different from the sea.
Once you’ve taken some photos we’ll manoeuvre to the back of the arch. Few people have seen Durdle Door from this angle and it really is a special sight.
Lulworth Cove boat trip
Next, we’ll make the short steam to neighbouring Lulworth Cove. This pretty horseshoe shaped cove is one of Dorset’s best beaches and a must visit during your holiday.
The unique shape is the result of years of erosion and the rock is of geological importance. We’ll head to centre and steam in a circle, so you can see the shoreline from all sides.
Mupe Bay
We’ll endeavour to visit Mupe Bay* at the end of the trip. This is not always possible as it is sometimes closed for military exercise. If we are fortunate enough to head round, you’ll be in for a treat. This lesser known beach is one of our personal favourites, especially as the sun sets. It is only accessible by a long walk, so it’s seldom busy even the summer months. Even locals don’t know it’s there!
There are a couple of sea stacks exposed at low water. Sometimes the birds rest here to dry their wings.
*If Mupe Bay is closed we’ll spend longer at Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove.
Chance of spotting wildlife
On the way home we’ll keep our eyes peeled as we cross Weymouth Bay. There’s always a chance of spotting wildlife, including dolphins and sea birds.
Of course, this is not guaranteed as the sea is not a zoo. This makes it all the more special if we are lucky enough to spot something during the trip.
In the event we do spot wildlife we’ll slow down and observe. Some our passengers have seen their first ever marine life during our sightseeing boat trips!
"Brilliant"
"It was a really fantastic boat ride! Luke and JJ are so friendly and we all throughly enjoyed it. Would definitely recommend.".
Rose J - Tripadvisor
FAQs
Below you will find a list of frequently asked questions about our Jurassic Coast Cruise aboard Snapper. 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. Please bring waterproof clothing.
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 Jurassic Coast 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 Jurassic Coast 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
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.
