Solar Eclipse River Cruise

A Rare Celestial Spectacle

Witness one of the most dramatic celestial events the UK has seen in decades. Set sail to experience the deep partial solar eclipse from the serene, open waters of the River Exe Estuary! Setting sail from Exmouth Marina for a special evening excursion, this exclusive, one-off cruise offers uninterrupted views of the sky as the Moon obscures around 95% of the Sun over East Devon during the golden hour. It is the deepest eclipse visible from the UK in almost three decades. Complete with solar viewing glasses included for every passenger and a fully licensed bar, you can relax in comfort to experience this rare astronomical event from the water.

🕒 Cruise Duration2hours 30mins

📍 Departure PointExmouth Marina

All Fares£20.00

👓 🌒Includes Solar Eclipse Viewing Glasses!

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Front-Row Seats for a Rare Sky Spectacle

Skywatchers across Devon will be treated to a spectacular astronomical display as a deep partial solar eclipse sweeps across the UK sky. While the narrow path of a total eclipse passes further south, East Devon sits in prime position to experience incredible solar coverage - with around 95% of the Sun hidden behind the Moon at its peak during the golden hour. Escaping tall buildings, trees, and land-based obstructions during a high spring tide, our vessel provides an ideal, wide-open floating platform to watch the sky dim over the calm waters of the River Exe Estuary.

Solar Viewing Glasses Included for Safe Viewing

Safety is essential when observing a partial solar eclipse. Every passenger on board will receive a pair of solar viewing glasses included free with their ticket. These specialised glasses allow you to safely look directly at the Sun throughout every stage of the event - from the moment the Moon begins its transit across the face of the Sun, through peak coverage at around 95%, to the conclusion as twilight settles across the estuary.

Unmatched Views & Onboard Comfort

As we cruise along the calm, sheltered waters of the River Exe, you can choose to watch the low evening Sun from the open upper deck or relax behind the panoramic windows of our warm lower saloon. To make the evening even more memorable, our fully licensed onboard bar will be open throughout the trip. Enjoy a crisp Sandford Orchards cider, an award-winning Bays Brewery ale, a glass of wine, or a hot tea or coffee served with a friendly smile by our crew as the sky transforms above us.

Why Choose Our Solar Eclipse River Cruise?

A Rare Celestial Event: Experience the deepest partial solar eclipse visible from Britain in almost 30 years, reaching ~95% coverage over East Devon.
Unobstructed Skyline Views: Escape land-based obstructions for clear, wide-open views of the western sky and horizon over the water.
Solar Safety Glasses Included: Every passenger receives solar eclipse glasses for safe direct viewing throughout the trip.
Local Onboard Bar: Enjoy local Bays Brewery ales, Sandford Orchards ciders, wines, and hot drinks as you sail.
Exceptional Value for Money: A complete, memorable evening event combining scenic river cruising and rare astronomical viewing.

The Cruise Experience

Question: What makes the Solar Eclipse River Cruise so special?
Answer: This is a strict, one-off event offering a front-row seat to one of the most dramatic celestial spectacles the UK has seen in decades. Sailing during the golden hour, you will experience the deep partial solar eclipse from the wide-open, unobstructed waters of the River Exe Estuary as around 95% of the Sun is obscured by the Moon.

Question: How long is the Solar Eclipse River Cruise?
Answer: The cruise lasts approximately 2.5 hours. This extended evening sailing allows plenty of time to enjoy the journey, watch every phase of the eclipse from start to finish, and relax as twilight settles over the water.

Booking & Logistics

Question: Why is there only one date for this cruise?
Answer: This trip is created specifically around a rare, real-time astronomical event. Because the solar eclipse occurs on a specific day and time, this is an exclusive, one-off sailing that cannot be repeated.

Question: Do I need to book in advance?
Answer: Yes, advance booking is essential. Due to the high interest in this rare event and our strictly limited passenger numbers to ensure prime viewing space on deck, this cruise is expected to sell out quickly.

Question: Where does the cruise depart from?
Answer: The Solar Eclipse River Cruise departs from Exmouth Marina. We recommend arriving at least 15 to 20 minutes before departure to ensure a smooth boarding process.

Comfort & Facilities

Question: Are solar viewing glasses provided?
Answer: Yes! Every passenger (adults and children) will receive a pair of certified ISO-standard solar eclipse glasses upon boarding, included free with your ticket price, so you can safely view the Sun throughout the event.

Question: Is there food and drink available on board?
Answer: Yes. Our fully licensed onboard bar is open throughout the cruise, serving a wide range of hot and cold drinks, local West Country ales and ciders, wines, spirits, and light snacks.

Question: Can I pay by card at the bar?
Answer: Yes, we accept card payments. However, as mobile signal can occasionally dip on the estuary, we always recommend bringing a little cash as a backup to ensure quick service.

Question: Are dogs allowed on this cruise?
Answer: No. Unlike our regular river sailings, dogs are not permitted on the Solar Eclipse River Cruise.

Question: Is the boat covered if the evening turns chilly?
Answer: Yes. Our vessel features a warm, heated lower saloon with full-length panoramic windows, allowing you to relax inside in total comfort, as well as an open top deck for wide-open views of the sky.

Stuart Line Cruises

4.8

Based on 558 reviews

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Patricia M.

2 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.

2 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

6 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

8 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.

8 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

Derek M.

9 months ago

I attended an excellent Stuart Line guided bird watching cruise from Exmouth to Topsham and back. The Pride of Exmouth was in superb condition, the ornithologist's commentary and interaction with visitors was great, the crew members were helpful and friendly, the range of refreshments was excellent and the bathroom facilities were better than any I've seen on similar boats. Exmouth and the River Exe are beautiful places to visit at any time, but the thousands of migratory birds (and a few seals) are an added attraction always worth seeing over the winter. The cruise was not expensive and better than good value for money.

I have no hesitation in recommending a trip with Stuart Line Cruises if you want to enjoy a relaxing experience in beautiful surroundings.

Michael C.

9 months ago

Had a wonderful cruise down the river Exe today on the Pride Of Exmouth which is run by Stuart Line Cruises.
Very lucky to find something to do that's open or still operating in the winter. Adult price was less than £10 absolute bargain. The cruise itself was around one and half hours.
On board there is a heated cabin and an open air deck above. Toilets are also on board as is a little gift section by the cafe which has a licenced bar.
As its winter we indulged in a hot mince pie and mulled wine. A big thankyou to all the great staff and the captain. All in all great value for money with an outstanding professional company.

Henry J.

10 months ago

Stuart Line were absolutely fantastic! From the moment we contacted the office to the actual event, the team could not have done any more for us. Amanda in the office is an absolute gem to work with.
On the day, the boats arrived for our wedding on time, they were clean and the staff were impeccable! They were playing the music we'd requested and the whole journey was seamless. Our guests had a fabulous time and very much enjoyed the prosecco we purchased through Stuart Line.
The bees knees of wedding transport! I would give more stars if I could!

Elaine H.

10 months ago

We booked a short trip on the Tudor Rose to scatter my husband's ashes at sea, and his mum's ashes too. We were well looked after by Will and Kev who made sure we knew what we were doing and were so friendly. We had 4 small children with us, who loved the trip and it was so much nicer than an ordinary funeral. We scattered the ashes with petals and roses and the children blew bubbles - a lovely way for them to say goodbye to their grandad who loved the sea and boats and especially Budleigh Salterton. We then raised a glass to Geoff and Buddy and the children had ice-cream. We were lucky with the weather too, a great tribute and fitting way to remember them both.
Thank you Will and Kev, and Amanda who helped us to make the arrangements. I can't recommend Stuart Line Cruises highly enough.

David P.

11 months ago

Had a wonderful cruise along the coast complete with cream tea. Scones were already loaded with cream and jam yes, but I can,t see how you could do it yourself on bouncing boat at sea. Very informative commentary. All crew were very happy and helpful. Can,t wait to visit again for another trip. Thanks for a lovely afternoon! I even got a September sun tan

Georgina C.

11 months ago

Second time we did a trip and it was as good as the first.
Very easy to book and very organised. The captain gave us a good commentary on the way out. The facilities on board are good. There is a bar serving hot and cold drinks and snacks (crisps/choc bars). You can go and get them yourselves or wait for someone to come and take your order.
We were on the upper deck which was outside and were given blankets and umbrellas as the weather was a bit changeable. You could also go inside where it was dry and warmer.
I really recommend them for a lovely day out.

Joanne R.

1 year ago

We booked a private Cruise for the Exetraordinary Women WI Summer Party and had the most amazing evening. The booking process with Amanda was so smooth and professional and nothing was too much trouble. The catering options were very good and we went for the BBQ. It was all cooked fresh on the boat and was excellent with great quality burger, sausage and salad. There were even leftovers so people could have seconds. The vegetarian option was just as good and everyone was so pleased for the price. The bar staff were very efficient and the bottles of wine came out chilled all night - perfect.
Overall we had an amazing night and are looking to book next year as it was such a success and would certainly recommend them for a great evening cruise.

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.