Mini Coastal Cruise

A Seafront Adventure for All Ages

Perfect for young families and those looking for a quick escape, our 1-hour Mini Coastal Cruise offers a refreshing burst of sea air along the 2 miles of Exmouth's vibrant seafront. This "taster" trip is a wonderful, value-for-money way to keep minds of all ages entertained as we get you up close and personal with the towering red cliffs of Straight Point—the gateway to the UNESCO Jurassic Coast. With a warm welcome from our friendly crew and a relaxed, family-run atmosphere, it’s the ultimate addition to your day at the beach.

🕒 Cruise Duration1 hour

📍 Departure PointExmouth Marina

Adult Price£9.50

Child (1 to 15)£6.50

Groups (15+ adults): £8.50 _{Click here for group bookings}

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Mini Coastal Cruise Reviews

★★★★★ Rated 4.8 / 5 Across 597+ Verified Google Reviews Google ↗ Tripadvisor ↗ Trustpilot ↗

★★★★★ Google

Mini Coastal Views & Wildlife

“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 nesting ground without being intrusive.”

Andrea Hares

2 months ago

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★★★★★ Google

Brilliant Mini Coastal Cruise

“Brilliant experience on the mini cruise! Kids (4 & 8) loved it. Drinks and snacks served directly to our seats, boat and toilets spotless, and great value for money.”

Stuart Williams

2 months ago

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★★★★★ Google

Jurassic Coast & Torquay Trips

“We went on two cruises during our holiday: Jurassic Coast and Torquay. Enjoyed the views on both, commentary was very informative, and staff were friendly and helpful throughout.”

Vanessa L.

a week ago

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Trip Description FAQs Group Bookings

Trip Description

A Homage to Our Roots

The Mini Coastal Cruise holds a special place in our hearts, as it’s a nod to how Stuart Line Cruises began over 50 years ago. In the early days, we would shout out from the shore to welcome visitors on board for a quick spin around the bay! Today, while you can book with ease online, we’ve kept that same lively spirit and passion for the water. It’s a classic Devon experience that connects our family’s history with yours.

The Perfect Family "Taster" Session

We know that for those with younger children, a full day at sea might feel a bit daunting. That’s why this 1-hour trip is designed to be the perfect length - long enough to feel like a real coastal adventure, but short enough to keep little explorers engaged from start to finish. We sail right along the Exmouth seafront, providing a unique perspective of the golden sands before heading towards the dramatic cliffs of Straight Point.

Up Close with the Jurassic Coast

There is nothing quite like seeing the start of the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast from the water. Our modern, all-weather vessel, the Pride of Exmouth, allows us to get you close to the rock formations, where our close-knit crew will share live commentary as you watch the sea birds. Whether you’re sitting up top in the sunshine or tucked into our cosy, heated lower saloon, you’ll enjoy a front-row seat to some of England’s most spectacular geology.

Why Families Love the Mini Coastal Cruise:

Great Value for Money: An affordable way to get the whole family out on the water without breaking the bank.
Just the Right Length: A 1-hour round trip that’s perfect for short attention spans and busy holiday schedules.
A Friendly, Personal Touch: Experience the warm hospitality and local pride that only a long-standing family business can provide.
Dog-Friendly Fun: We believe dogs are part of the family, so they are more than welcome on board for free!
Comfort Whatever the Weather: Enjoy the views from our open decks or stay warm in our heated saloon with a drink from the bar.

Make some memories on the Exmouth seafront today. We always recommend booking directly through our website to secure your seats and get the best seasonal rates!

FAQs

The Cruise Experience

Question: What is the Mini Coastal Cruise? Answer: The Mini Coastal Cruise is a 1-hour "taster" trip that takes you out of the estuary and along the very beginning of the Jurassic Coast UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the perfect choice for those who want to experience the open sea and see the iconic red cliffs without committing to a longer voyage.

Question: What will I see on this trip? Answer: You will sail past Exmouth Seafront and out toward the Orcombe Point Geoneedle, which marks the official start of the Jurassic Coast. You'll see the striking Triassic red sandstone cliffs and enjoy panoramic views across the bay toward Dawlish and Berry Head.

Question: Is there a commentary on board? Answer: Yes. Our Skipper provides a live, informative commentary throughout the hour, pointing out local landmarks, sharing snippets of maritime history, and helping you identify the coastal birds often seen diving near the shore.

Booking & Suitability

Question: Is this cruise suitable for people who get seasick? Answer: Yes. Because this is a short, 1-hour trip that stays relatively close to the shore, it is the best option for those who are concerned about sea conditions. We monitor the weather closely and only sail the Mini Coastal if conditions are calm and comfortable for our passengers.

Question: Do I need to book in advance? Answer: We always recommend booking online in advance to secure your seats, especially during the summer. However, as this trip runs frequently, we do often have space for "walk-on" passengers at our Exmouth Marina office.

Question: Is the Mini Coastal Cruise suitable for children? Answer: It is fantastic for children! The 1-hour duration is perfectly suited for younger families, providing just enough time to see the "big" waves and red cliffs before returning to the calm of the marina.

Comfort & Facilities

Question: Are dogs allowed on the Mini Coastal Cruise? Answer: Yes. Well-behaved dogs on leads are more than welcome to join you for a breath of sea air free of charge.

Question: Is the boat wheelchair accessible? Answer: Yes. Our vessels are accessible for standard manual wheelchairs. Our crew is always on hand to assist with boarding at Exmouth Marina to ensure a smooth and safe experience for everyone.

Question: Is the Mini Coastal Cruise a good way to cool down during a heatwave? Answer: Absolutely. Heading out towards the open waters of Lyme Bay gives you instant relief from stifling summer temperatures on land. You can enjoy the refreshing, natural sea breeze from our open top deck, which feels noticeably cooler than the beach or town centre. If you prefer to stay shaded, our spacious, covered lower saloon keeps you out of direct sunlight, with windows that can be opened to let the fresh coastal air sweep through while you enjoy a chilled local drink from the bar.

Question: What happens if the weather turns wet during the cruise? Answer: Our vessel is purpose-built to handle all weather conditions in complete comfort. We feature a large, fully covered lower deck with wide panoramic windows, so you can take in the dramatic red cliffs and coastal views while staying completely warm and dry. Whether it is a rainy afternoon or a hot summer day with the windows opened to let in the cool sea air, you can relax in total comfort.

Question: Is the bar open for such a short trip? Answer: Yes! Our fully licensed bar remains open for the duration of the cruise, serving local ales, hot and cold drinks, and light snacks.

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.

2 Great Excursions, 1 money-saving ticket!

With any Mini-Coastal Cruise, you have the option to add on a money-saving ticket for the World of Country Life, a family-owned visitor attraction in Exmouth, showcasing museums, animals, play areas, and entertainment. Fun for all the whole family, whatever the age, whatever the weather! Located approximately a 10-minute drive from Stuart Line Cruises at Sandy Bay on the outskirts of Exmouth, right next door to Haven's Devon Cliffs site.

Just choose the joint ticket whilst making your booking with us. Your World of Country Life Ticket can be redeemed directly at the World of Country Life at a later date without booking.