Festive Special

Festive Magic on the Water

Step aboard for a magical Christmas celebration on the River Exe with our Festive Special Cruises. Setting sail from Exmouth Marina throughout December, this warm and welcoming excursion glides through the calm, peaceful waters of the estuary. Surrounded by festive decorations, good cheer, and scenic winter views, every passenger is treated to a delicious warm mince pie and a festive Home-Made Mulled Wine included with their ticket. With our cosy, heated lower saloon and open top deck for crisp winter air, it is an exceptional, value-for-money way to celebrate the season with family, friends, or group outings.

🕒 Cruise Duration1hour - 1hour 30mins

📍 Departure PointExmouth Marina

Adult Price£12.00

Child (to 15)£9.00

🍷Included: Home-Made Mulled Wine and Warm Mince Pie

Groups (15+ adults): £10.50 _{Click here for group bookings}

View Trip Times

Click Map To Enlarge

Trip Description FAQs Recent Reviews Group Bookings

Trip Description

A Cosy Christmas Celebration on the Estuary

Escape the high-street holiday rush and join us for a relaxed, joyful cruise along the sheltered waters of the River Exe Estuary. Decorated for the season, our vessel becomes a floating festive haven where you can soak in the peaceful winter scenery and celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. Whether you are gathering the whole family, planning a festive catch-up with friends, or celebrating with colleagues, this cruise offers a uniquely memorable Christmas experience for all ages.

Warm Mince Pies & Festive Drinks Included

To bring that proper West Country Christmas warmth on board, every ticket includes a delicious, warm local mince pie paired with a choice of festive drink. You can sip on a steaming glass of mulled wine, a cosy hot chocolate, or a hot tea or coffee served with a friendly smile by our crew. For those looking to make the trip extra merry, our fully licensed onboard bar is open throughout the voyage, stocked with local Bays Brewery ales, Sandford Orchards cider, wines, and soft drinks.

Snug Indoor Comfort or Fresh Winter Deck Views

We make sure you stay completely comfortable no matter the weather. You can sit back in our warm, heated lower saloon and watch the peaceful winter landscape drift past through large panoramic windows. If you love the crisp December air, you can head up to the open top deck, wrap up warm in one of our cosy blankets, and take in the fresh sea breeze and spectacular winter light across the estuary.

Why Choose Our Festive Special Cruises?

Mince Pie & Festive Drink Included: Enjoy a warm local mince pie and mulled wine, hot chocolate, or tea/coffee as part of your ticket.
Warm & Festive Atmosphere: Beautifully decorated vessel filled with Christmas cheer, local drinks, and friendly service.
Top Deck or Heated Comfort: Wrap up in a blanket on the open top deck or stay snug in our warm lower saloon.
Smooth, Calm-Water Sailing: Exceptionally gentle river cruising suitable for all generations, from grandparents to little ones.
Exceptional Value for Money: A complete festive outing combining scenic winter cruising, seasonal treats, and drinks in one affordable ticket.

Our Festive Special Cruises run on selected dates throughout December and are a highlight of our winter calendar. Because our warm lower saloon and festive sailings are in high demand, we strongly recommend booking online in advance to secure your preferred date.

FAQs

Festive Experience & Traditions

Question: What makes the Festive Special Cruise different from a standard winter cruise? Answer: Our Festive Specials are designed to celebrate the holiday season between Christmas and the New Year. They feature a wonderful festive atmosphere on board, complete with a glass of boozy (or hot drink of your choice) mulled wine and a warm mince pie for every passenger.

Question: When do these cruises run? Answer: These cruises run during the festive period throughout Late November to the start of January, including Boxing Day & New Year's Eve. They are a long-standing local tradition for families looking to "blow away the cobwebs" and enjoy the fresh air of the River Exe.

Question: Will I see any wildlife on the Festive Special? Answer: Yes. December is a peak time for the River Exe Estuary, so you can expect to see thousands of migratory birds and potentially our local seals, all while enjoying the commentary from our skipper.

Booking & Logistics

Question: Are Festive Specials suitable for children? Answer: Absolutely! These are 1 hour 15 minute cruises, which is an ideal duration for families, even groups! Children love the festive treats on board and the chance to see the boats decorated for the season.

Question: Do I need to book my festive cruise in advance? Answer: Yes. These are some of our most popular trips of the year as many families book them as an annual tradition. We highly recommend booking online as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Question: Are dogs allowed on Festive Special cruises? Answer: Yes. Well-behaved dogs on leads are very welcome to join the family festivities on board free of charge.

Comfort & Refreshments

Question: What refreshments are included in the ticket price? Answer: Every adult ticket includes a glass of warm mulled wine and a mince pie. For children and those preferring a non-alcoholic option, we provide an alternative drink of choice and a mince pie.

Question: Can I get a gluten-free mince pie? Answer: Yes. Please tell us at the time of booking as we have the correct numbers on each trip.

Question: Is the boat warm enough for a winter sailing? Answer: Yes. You can enjoy the views from our large, undercover heated lower decks. Our vessels are kept toastie and warm, so you can enjoy the winter scenery of the Exe Estuary in total comfort.

Question: Is the bar open for other drinks? Answer: Yes. In addition to your included festive treats, our fully licensed bar is open serving local ales, spirits, and a variety of hot and cold beverages.

Recent Reviews

Stuart Line Cruises

4.8

Based on 567 reviews

review us on

dee W.

1 week 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.

2 weeks 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.

2 weeks 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.

2 weeks 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.

3 weeks 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.

4 weeks 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.

1 month 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.