Exeter Canal Cruise

A Journey Through Inland History

Embark on a peaceful, one-way voyage along one of Europe’s oldest historic waterways. Operating in both directions between Exmouth Marina and Exeter Quay, this all-weather excursion allows you to set sail from either end, gliding through the River Exe Estuary and passing through historic locks along the serene Exeter Ship Canal. Whether you cruise up to Exeter to explore the city, or sail down to Exmouth for a day by the sea, it offers incredible value for money and the freedom to plan your return journey at your own pace.

🕒 Cruise Duration2hours 30mins (one way)

📍 Departure PointsExmouth Marina or Exeter Quay

All Fares£15.00

☕Optional cream tea on selected cruises: £4.50 per person

Groups (15+ adults): £13.00 _{Click here for group bookings}

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Trip Description

Choose Your Route: Exmouth to Exeter or Exeter to Exmouth

What makes our Exeter Canal Cruise so versatile is that it operates as a one-way trip in either direction, letting you tailor your day out exactly how you like:

Departing from Exmouth Marina: Sail up the River Exe Estuary, enter the canal via Turf Lock, and finish right in the heart of Exeter’s historic Canal Basin - perfect for a day of city shopping, sightseeing, or enjoying the waterside cafes.
Departing from Exeter Quay: Board at the historic basin and enjoy a relaxing, downhill cruise along the tranquil canal and down the estuary, stepping off at Exmouth Marina to enjoy our vibrant coastal town, golden sands, and seafront.

A Scenic & Engineering Marvel

Whichever direction you choose, your voyage takes you through a fascinating slice of West Country history. The highlight of the route is passing through Turf Lock, where our vessel is raised or lowered to connect the River Exe with the 16th-century Exeter Ship Canal. As we glide along this tranquil, reed-lined waterway, your Skipper provides engaging live commentary, sharing the stories behind the historic swing bridges, quiet towpaths, and lush Devon countryside passing by deckside.

Ultimate Flexibility for Walkers & Sightseers

Because this is a one-way cruise, you have complete freedom to decide how you make your return journey. The canal towpath runs alongside the official Exe Estuary Trail, making this trip immensely popular with walkers and cyclists who want to pair a scenic boat ride with a walk along the flat, paved path. Excellent regular train and bus links also directly connect Exmouth and Exeter, giving you total flexibility to spend as many hours as you like at your destination before heading back.

Calm-Water Comfort & Local Refreshments

Because this trip takes place on sheltered, inland waters, it is an exceptionally smooth and relaxing journey suitable for all ages. You can take in the panoramic views from our open-top upper deck or relax in our lower saloon - offering a cool, shaded sanctuary during warm summer runs, or a comfortable, covered space if there is a crisp breeze or rain. Our fully licensed onboard bar is open throughout the trip, serving hot drinks, cold soft beverages, award-winning local ales from Bays Brewery, and crisp Sandford Orchards cider.

Why Choose Our Exeter Canal Cruise?

Flexible One-Way Options: Sail from Exmouth to Exeter Quay or from Exeter Quay to Exmouth to suit your plans.
Great for Walkers: Easily pair your cruise with a scenic walk along the flat Exe Estuary Trail.
Smooth, Calm-Water Sailing: An exceptionally gentle, relaxing voyage through Turf Lock and the tree-lined canal.
Informative Live Commentary: Our Skippers bring the rich maritime and canal history to life as you glide along.
Incredible Value for Money: An affordable, unique way to travel between city and coast from the water.

Our Exeter Canal Cruise is a highlight that runs on a handful of selected dates depending on the tides. Because spaces on board for these one-way trips are strictly limited, we strongly recommend booking online in advance to secure your journey.

FAQs

The Canal Experience

Question: What makes the Exeter Ship Canal cruise special? Answer: This trip takes you along the oldest man-made ship canal in the country. You will experience the fascinating process of manual lock operation and enjoy a peaceful, unique perspective of the Devon countryside that is inaccessible by road.

Question: How long does the Exeter Canal Cruise take? Answer: The cruise typically lasts approximately 2 hours 30 minutes. This provides plenty of time to navigate the historic locks and enjoy the tranquil scenery of the River Exe Estuary and the canal banks.

Question: Is there a commentary on board? Answer: Yes. Our skipper provides an informative live commentary throughout the journey, covering the maritime history of the canal, the engineering of the locks, and the diverse local wildlife often spotted along the route.

Logistics & Transport

Question: Where does the Exeter Canal Cruise start and finish? Answer: These are "one-way" cruises. Depending on the schedule, they depart from either Exmouth Marina or Exeter Quayside. Please check your booking confirmation carefully to confirm your specific departure point.

Question: How do I get back to my starting point? Answer: Most passengers take the scenic Avocet Line train, which runs frequently between Exeter and Exmouth. The train journey takes about 20 minutes and offers beautiful views of the estuary, making it a perfect "Round Robin" style day out.

Question: Is this cruise suitable for manual wheelchairs? Answer: Yes. Our vessels can accommodate standard manual wheelchairs. Due to the historic nature of the departure points (particularly Exeter Quayside), please contact us in advance so we can ensure the easiest possible boarding for you and offer any specific advice.

Comfort & Facilities

Question: Is there food and drink available on the boat? Answer: Yes. Our fully licensed bar is open throughout the cruise serving a selection of hot and cold drinks, local ales, and light snacks.

Question: Can I pay by card on the canal? Answer: Yes, we accept card payments. However, as mobile signals can be intermittent along certain stretches of the canal, we strongly recommend bringing some cash as a backup to ensure you can be served at the bar without delay.

Question: Are there toilets on board? Answer: Yes. All our vessels are equipped with clean, well-maintained toilet facilities that remain accessible for the duration of the trip.

Question: Are dogs allowed on the Exeter Canal Cruise? Answer: Yes. Well-behaved dogs on leads are very welcome on board our canal cruises free of charge.

Question: Is the Exeter Canal Cruise a good way to travel during hot summer weather? Answer: Yes, it is one of the most relaxing and peaceful ways to travel between Exmouth and Exeter during the summer. Instead of sitting in hot traffic queues or navigating busy urban roads, you can glide smoothly along the sheltered waters of the canal and estuary, catching a refreshing, gentle breeze from our open top deck. For full shade away from direct sunlight, our large covered lower saloon features openable windows that let the fresh waterway air circulate while you relax with a cold pint of local Bays ale, a chilled Sandford Orchards cider, or a soft drink from our fully licensed bar.

Question: What happens if the weather turns wet during our Exeter Canal Cruise? Answer: Our vessel is purpose-built for all-weather cruising along both the canal and the estuary. We have a spacious, fully covered lower saloon with wide panoramic windows, so you stay completely warm and dry while enjoying clear views of the historic Turf Locks, the swing bridges, and surrounding countryside. Whether it is a damp afternoon or a hot summer day with the windows opened to catch the cool breeze, you can travel in total comfort throughout the journey.

Recent Reviews

Stuart Line Cruises

4.8

Based on 585 reviews

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dee W.

1 month ago

We had a lovely day and time. I booked this as a relaxing day from our adult kids. The cruises was lovely and relaxing. You can get tea, coffee and beer etc on the boat and it is a good price, the staff are friendly and welcoming, if you want a day out try this. Get there early if you want the top of the boat

Sarah E.

1 month ago

We had a fabulous boat trip with Stuart Line cruises from Exmouth to Brixham & back with a couple of hours free time in Brixham. The views were stunning & the onboard commentary really interesting & informative. Staff were friendly & helpful. Refreshments reasonably priced. The boat was dog friendly & despite the heatwave the lower deck was cooler & very comfortable. We even had a pod of dolphins following the boat for a while which was an added bonus! Overall a fantastic day out & great value for money. We will be back for another trip!

Kim B.

1 month ago

I did the day trip from exmouth to brixham/torquay. Incredible boat trip. Amazing value for money (if anything i think they should raise their prices). Crew were really nice and captain very knowledgeable telling you facts along the coast. Lasted 7 hours in total. The boat itself has indoor and outside seating. You could choose to get off at torquay or brixham. You have about 3 hours in torquay or 2 hours in brixham. I got off at brixham and you can follow the path to the right of the harbour and 10 min walk to Fishcombe cove if you want a hidden cove for a swim. Easy access although there are about 20-30 steps. Great little trip and thoroughly recommend. Will check out more of their trips!

Ade W.

1 month ago

This was our second trip with Stuart Line Cruise's. We did the trip to Brixham as we've never been there before. We had commentary during the cruise around the coast which was very good.We were lucky enough to see dolphins just past Dawlish.The staff were pleasant and friendly. A lovely day out and a hot one as well.

Andrea H.

1 month ago

Lovely boat tour- we did the mini coastal cruise. Very well kept boat, friendly staff. Informative tour without being boring. Took us close to the kittiwake nest ground without being intrusive. Lots of space to move around, bar and toilets ( but didn't test these). Space for wheelchairs.

Stuart W.

2 months ago

Brilliant experience going out on the mini cruise, the kids (4 & 8) loved it as it was their first time on a boat and now cant wait to do it again!
The crew were really friendly, came and took orders for drinks and snacks which was nice as we could enjoy the views and commentary from the captain without leaving our seats. The boat and toilets were clean and we found it really good value for money!!

Claire B.

2 months ago

Stuart Line hosted the Exmouth Art Group’s 80th anniversary celebration cruise on Tuesday. We had a wonderful and fun evening in the glorious late sunshine & all the staff were professional, cheerful, helpful & friendly. Thank you very much from all at the Exmouth Art Group

Patricia M.

3 months ago

This is a brilliant experience. I have booked a few outings with the Stuart line in all weathers and it's always great. The staff are amazing and the coastline/river is so different when seen from the water. And when the weather isn't cooperating properly, the boats facilities are fantastic. We always have our dog with us as well, who is made just as welcome. Highly recommend

Bob H.

3 months ago

Always try to have a trip with them, have done the jurassic coast trip, river Exe trip and did the Torquay and Brixham yesterday 28/05/26. Cant fault any of these for the money charged, we paid £16 each yesterday for a trip that lasted from 11am through to 18:30 in the evening, with 2 hours on shore in Brixham, plus the bonus of seeing dolphins on the way back, hence the later than expected arrival back in Exmouth. Crew really helpfull and knowledgeable about the area. Definitely will go again as relaxing day out.

Roo

7 months ago

Such a great day! Went on the winter birds cruise today and it was brilliant. The person doing the commentary on the birds (sorry I forgot their name) was super knowledgeable and the trip was all round fantastic, the small bar is also very reasonably priced! Saw a peregrine falcon chasing a flock of avocets - absolutely majestical! Cant recommend highly enough, the work they are doing for nature and conservation of the river mouth is really awesome. Hats off.

Mark

9 months ago

Had another fabulous BirdWatching Cruise on 02/12/25 with a day of clear blue skies and a fabulous array of wonderful wildlife on the Exe. As per previous trips the crew and guide were excellent and made for 3 hours of a thoroughly enjoyable and enriching experience. The hot chocolate and pasty was most welcome and I can’t recommend these cruises enough and they offer terrific value as well.

Mel P.

9 months ago

We had a fabulous guided bird watching trip today. The weather was superb as was The Pride of Exmouth, all the staff and our bird guider for the trip. Stuart Lines really do think of everything to make sure everyone has a great experience . 5 stars from us. Thank you

Group Bookings

Stuart Line Cruises would like to extend a very warm welcome to group organisers, tour operators and couriers. Allow us to share with you some fantastic excursion ideas, which are specially designed for groups of 15 people or more with suggested itineraries at special discounted rates.

Stuart Line Cruises is an award-winning, family-run business, operating on the River Exe and along the East Coast and South Devon coastlines, from the traditional seaside town of Exmouth, in Devon.

Now running over 50 years, we passionately believe that the River Exe and nearby coastlines of the Jurassic Coast and English Riviera are unrivaled in terms of history, beauty and wildlife and cannot wait to share them with you.

If you are interested in taking this cruise as part of a group, please contact us. We look forward to welcoming you.

Fancy a Devon Cream Tea with your Boat Trip?

Add a freshly-baked fruit scone from our favourite local bakery and our locally-sourced clotted cream and strawberry jam – our Devon Cream Tea is one your tastebuds will not argue with!

The cream teas are served the Devon way with heaps of fresh clotted cream on the bottom and finished off with an indulgent dollop of scrumptious strawberry jam – all accompanied with a cup of freshly brewed tea or coffee – a match made in Devon!

Add your optional Cream Tea at the time of booking below on selected Cruises.

Gluten-free options are available. Please let us know by calling or emailing if you require this option.