Accessibility

An Inclusive Experience in Devon

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Wheelchair Accessible
(Please check before booking)

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Commentary Sheets For Deaf Passengers

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Assistance Dogs Welcome

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A warm welcome awaits

At Stuart Line Cruises, we believe the stunning beauty of the Exe Estuary and the Jurassic Coast should be accessible to everyone. As a family-run business, we take great pride in our friendly staff approach; our crew are always on hand to ensure every passenger feels supported and welcome from the moment they arrive.

We strive to make our trips as inclusive as possible, but we must also work within the natural limitations of a tidal environment and the structure of our vessels. Factors such as tidal heights can affect boarding angles, and some areas of our boats are reached via steps. We are committed to being open about these constraints and encourage anyone with specific requirements to call our approachable booking office team, who are always happy to discuss your individual needs.

Reviewed for the 2026/2027 Season

Accessibility At a Glance

We believe on-the-water experiences should be welcoming, transparent, and safe. Here is a clear summary of our vessel boarding allowances, mobility guidelines, and onboard facilities.

✓ Welcomed

Manual Wheelchairs

Foldable manual wheelchairs and walking frames are welcome. Crew provide boarding stability and store equipment safely onboard.

⚠ Up to 10 Stairs

Ability to manage stairs

Due to tidal pontoon movement and gangways, passengers must be able to manage a short flight of stairs (up to 10 stairs) with personal assistance.

✓ Free Entry

Assistance & Guide Dogs

Recognised guide dogs and assistance dogs cruise completely free of charge on all scheduled river and coastal sailings.

× Not Permitted

Electric Wheelchairs

Under Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) rules, heavy power chairs and mobility scooters cannot be accommodated aboard.

Accessibility FeatureRiver Exe SailingsCoastal Cruises
Water & Motion ConditionsExtremely Calm & ShelteredGentle Sea Motion (Weather dependent)
Indoor Heated Saloon Seating✓ Level lower saloon seating✓ Level lower saloon seating
Onboard Toilet Access✓ Standard marine heads (door sill step)✓ Standard marine heads (door sill step)
Sensory / Noise LevelsLow-noise engine running & PA volume controlScenic commentary with outdoor fresh air
Crew Boarding Assistance✓ Hands-on ramp guidance & equipment stowage✓ Hands-on ramp guidance & equipment stowage

Need to Discuss Individual Mobility or Accessibility Needs?

Every mobility or accessibility requirement is unique. Call our Exmouth office on 01395 222144 or email us prior to booking - our skippers and office crew will gladly assist answer any questions or concerns you may have.

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Explore our boats with our virtual tour

Access onto our vessels is, for most cruises, made via a walkway or ramp however, there are some exceptions to this. Our vessels both have two decks – the upper deck is open, and the lower deck is covered and heated and so for those who are wheelchair-bound, this should be taken into account when assessing suitability of each cruise, especially during times of adverse weather conditions. For some cruises, it is necessary for us to board onto one deck and disembark from the other due to the tide. Access from one deck to the other is via a staircase with a handrail at the side.

Above all, we would urge you to get in touch with us by telephoning 01395 222144, before booking your cruise so that we can offer helpful and honest advice on the suitability of your desired cruise.

Departure points

We operate from five different departure points, and it is important to note that some are more accessible than others. This variety of locations plays a significant role in determining which cruises can accommodate wheelchairs or walking aids.

For detailed information and photos of each site, please visit our Departure Point Locations page. While points like Exmouth Marina are very accessible, others - such as Sidmouth - involve a beach landing and are unfortunately not suitable for those with limited mobility.

Accesibility-Icon-Wheelchair

The Accessibility Icon When browsing our excursions, please look out for the disabled icon. This symbol denotes which cruises are considered "accessible" for passengers requiring wheelchairs or walking aids, helping you choose the right trip for your needs. Please still call us to check on specific needs.

Concessions for disabled passengers and carers:

Sadly, due to the capacity restrictions on our vessels we do not offer any concessions for disabled passengers or their carers. Instead, we offer the lowest prices for everyone on board making our cruises accessible for all budgets.

If you have any questions at all then please call 01395 222144 to speak to our friendly team or email info@stuartlinecruises.co.uk for help and advice.

Specific information for boarding and disembarking our vessels

We have organised the information below to help you understand the physical practicalities of joining us for a cruise. Please select the category that best describes your needs to see specific details regarding ramps, steps, and space on board.

Detailed Accessibility Information

Find specific guidance on walking aids, wheelchairs, sensory considerations, hidden disabilities, and assistance dogs to help you prepare for your journey.

We operate boarding and disembarking via a walkway with handrails. There is always at least one crew member present to assist you.

We advise letting a crew member carry your walking aid while you use the ramp handrails (ramp measures 70cm wide). Due to tides and sea conditions, the vessel and gangway can move naturally during boarding.

For maritime safety and clear escape routes, walking aids are stored securely in a designated, non-obstructive area. A crew member will always retrieve your aid whenever needed.

Standard-width manual wheelchairs are welcome on board but we have limited spaces. Please notify us during booking in the "Customer Notes" area so we can ensure the tidal conditions for your chosen sailing offer the easiest gradient.

Two crew members will assist you on and off the boat. The boarding ramp is 70cm wide and can accommodate standard-width manual chairs, with a small threshold step to access the ramp. Please also note, if conditions on the day mean it is not possible for you to board safely, we will happily rebook you to a different cruise.

Electric Wheelchairs & Mobility Scooters: We cannot accommodate powered chairs or scooters on board. This is due to weight limits, MCA emergency evacuation regulations, and low ground clearance catching on gangway lips. Guests are welcome to leave electric chairs securely at our departure office (at their own risk) if able to walk a short distance to board.

Our crew will personally guide you on and off the vessel and show you to and from your seat upon request.

Our boarding ramps feature a small step and sturdy handrails (two on Pride of Exmouth, one on Tudor Rose). Our crew are trained to listen carefully to your preferences and give clear verbal guidance, including pointing out the height and location of any threshold steps.

Not all disabilities are visible. Our friendly team is trained to recognise and support passengers with hidden disabilities to ensure a relaxing cruise.

🎋 Sunflower Lanyard Scheme: If someone in your party wears a Sunflower lanyard, our crew recognise that you may need a little extra time, space, or assistance without having to explain your condition.

If you prefer to board separately away from crowds, let us know in the "Customer Notes" field during booking or phone our office so we can arrange this for you.

We want everyone to feel comfortable. Consider these operational sensory factors:

  • Engine Noise: While modern and quiet, engines produce a low-frequency hum underway, louder during docking maneuvers. The quietest areas are typically on the top deck toward the front.
  • PA System: Safety briefings and live commentary are broadcast over speakers. Our crew can recommend seats with lower audio levels if you are sensitive to sound.
  • Cabin Layout: Upper decks are open-air (front two rows covered on Pride of Exmouth). Lower saloons are fully enclosed with panoramic windows.
  • Choosing Quieter Sailings: Our website timetable displays live seat availability, allowing you to choose sailings with lower passenger numbers.

Assistance and guide dogs cruise completely free of charge on all sailings. Fresh water bowls are available on request - please ask our crew on board.

Toileting: There are no dog toileting or exercise facilities on board our vessels. We advise giving your dog a comfort break before boarding, especially on longer day cruises.

Summer Paw Safety: During hot weather, top deck metal surfaces can become very warm. We advise sitting on shaded lower decks where floor surfaces remain comfortably cool.

Vessel-by-Vessel Accessibility Profiles

Every boat in our fleet has unique dimensions and deck layouts. Review the exact ramp widths, stair steps, handrails, and seating arrangements to plan your journey with confidence.

Pride of Exmouth

Flagship Vessel
Boarding Access:

Boarding is typically made onto our upper deck (limited covered seating), though tides occasionally dictate boarding or disembarking via the lower deck. Gangway ramp is 70cm wide with a small threshold step.

Internal Stairs:

Access between upper and lower decks is via 10 stairs fitted with sturdy handrails on both sides.

Toilet Facilities:

Upper deck toilet has one small step (no handrails). Lower deck toilets are down a short flight of 10 stairs with handrails on each side.

At-Seat Service:

Our friendly crew provide drinks, hot refreshments, and snack table service directly to passenger seats throughout the cruise.

Virtual Vessel Walkthrough: View our interactive 360-degree virtual tour to check layout ergonomics before you arrive.

Tudor Rose

Traditional Vessel
Boarding Access:

Boarding is made to the rear (stern) of the vessel via a 70cm wide ramp with a single handrail.

Step-Free Option:

Passengers who prefer not to navigate stairs can choose comfortable seating on the open stern deck immediately upon boarding though this space is limited.

Internal Stairs:

Access to other decks requires navigating stairs: 5 stairs with a handrail to the upper deck, and 6 stairs with a handrail down to the lower saloon.

Toilet Facilities:

Toilets are located on the mid deck and are accessed strictly via stairs (with a handrail on one side) from either deck.

At-Seat Service:

Our attentive crew provide table and seat delivery for all hot drinks, cold beverages, and bar snacks as standard.

Virtual Vessel Walkthrough: Explore the mid-deck layout and seating using our 360-degree virtual boat tour.

Accessibility Gallery

Loved by Passengers Across Devon

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

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Vanessa L.
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Scenic Coastal Excursion

“Captain Will’s knowledge and commentary was excellent and the team were polite and helpful. Drinks and snacks served straight to our seats. Easy boarding process at Exmouth Marina.”

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Mum's 80th Birthday on Tudor Rose

“I booked the Tudor Rose for a surprise party for Mum's 80th. Amanda helped coordinate timings, cream tea, drinks and the band. Everything ran smoothly to plan - everyone is still talking about what a brilliant night they had!”

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