Sidmouth Bay Cruises

The Perfect Hour on the Water: Our Sidmouth Bay Cruise

Step off the pebbles and onto the water for a delightful 1-hour cruise around beautiful Sidmouth Bay. Departing directly from the seafront, this short and sweet excursion offers a spectacular, value-for-money way to experience the sheer scale of the UNESCO Jurassic Coast from the sea. Perfect for families, day-trippers, and holidaymakers of all ages, this relaxing trip combines stunning coastal views of the red cliffs with a friendly, warm welcome from our expert crew.

🕒 Cruise Duration50mins

📍 Departure PointSidmouth Beach Landing

Adult Price£9.00

Child (to 15)£6.00

Groups (15+ adults): £7.50 _{Click here for group bookings}

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Trip Description FAQs Recent Reviews Group Bookings

Trip Description

A Bite-Sized Coastal Adventure

If you are looking to add a little maritime magic to your day in Sidmouth without committing to a full afternoon at sea, our 1-hour Sidmouth Bay Cruise is the ideal choice. As we glide out into the bay, the true majesty of the East Devon coastline opens up before you. You’ll look back to see the elegant Regency town framed beautifully by the towering red Triassic cliffs on either side. Our Skippers provide lighthearted and engaging live commentary during the journey, pointing out local landmarks and sharing the fascinating history of the bay in a way that keeps passengers of all generations entertained.

An Authentic Beach Boarding Experience

Your cruise begins right on the shoreline, opposite the Bedford Hotel, where our friendly crew will guide you onto the vessel using our specialised beach-boarding ramp. Because we operate directly from the shore, please note that boarding involves walking across shifting pebbles and a relatively steep bank. While our crew is always on hand with a steadying arm, this landing may not be suitable for those with significant mobility difficulties or for wheelchair users. It’s a traditional, authentic piece of West Country seafaring that makes the trip feel like a real mini-adventure!

All-Weather Comfort for the Whole Family

Though it is a shorter trip, you will still enjoy the full comfort and modern facilities of our passenger vessels. You can climb up to the open-top deck to feel the fresh sea breeze on your face - an unbeatable vantage point for a few holiday photographs - or relax in the comfort of our shaded lower saloon with its large panoramic windows. Our onboard bar is fully licensed and stocked with a variety of local treats, including cold refreshments, hot drinks, Bays Brewery ales, and Sandford Orchards cider, making it the perfect place to sit back and watch the stunning Devon landscape slide by.

Why Choose Our Sidmouth Bay Cruise?

Exceptional Value: An affordable, high-quality coastal cruise that fits easily into any budget.
The Perfect Duration: At just 1 hour long, it is short enough to keep young children engaged and leaves plenty of time to explore the town.
Stunning Cliff Views: See the breathtaking red sandstone formations from their most impressive vantage point - the water.
Comfort and Facilities On Board: Benefit from clean toilets, comfortable indoor and outdoor seating, and a fully stocked local bar.
Friendly, Local Service: Delivered by our multi-award-winning family team with over 50 years of experience on the Devon coast.

Our Sidmouth Bay Cruises run on selected seasonal dates and are highly dependent on the daily tides. We strongly recommend checking availability and booking online in advance so we can keep you updated with the latest sailing times.

FAQs

The Sidmouth Bay Experience

Question: What is the Sidmouth Bay Cruise? Answer: The Sidmouth Bay Cruise is a 50-minute "mini" coastal trip that departs directly from Sidmouth Beach. It is designed as a relaxing introduction to the coastline, offering a quick but spectacular perspective of the town and the red cliffs from the water.

Question: What will I see on this trip? Answer: You will sail along the Sidmouth Seafront and toward the towering Triassic cliffs that flank the town. It is the best way to see the scale of the red sandstone formations and the famous "Jacob's Ladder" beach from a vantage point that is otherwise inaccessible.

Question: Is there a commentary on board? Answer: Yes. Our Skipper provides a live, light-hearted commentary during the 50-minute trip, pointing out local landmarks and sharing brief stories about Sidmouth's maritime and geological history.

Booking & Logistics

Question: How do we board the boat in Sidmouth? Answer: We use our unique vessel, the Pride of Exmouth, to do a direct beach landing. Our friendly shore crew will meet you on the pebbles at Sidmouth Beach opposite The Bedford Hotel (EX10 8NR) and guide you safely onto the vessel.

Question: Do I need to book in advance? Answer: While we often have space for "walk-on" passengers on the day, we strongly recommend booking online in advance. These shorter trips are very popular with day-trippers, and booking ahead ensures we can notify you if weather conditions affect the sailing.

Question: Is this cruise suitable for children? Answer: It is our most child-friendly Sidmouth trip! The 50-minute duration is perfect for younger children, and the excitement of the beach landing, makes it a memorable adventure for the whole family.

Comfort & Suitability

Question: Is the Sidmouth Bay Cruise suitable for wheelchairs? Answer: Boarding from the beach via a ramp over pebbles can be challenging for those with significant mobility restrictions. While our crew will always try to assist, those requiring level access may find our Exmouth Marina departures more suitable.

Question: Are dogs allowed on the Sidmouth Bay Cruise? Answer: Yes. Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome on board free of charge. Please be aware they will need to walk across the pebbles and up the boarding ramp with you.

Question: What happens if the sea is rough? Answer: Because we board from an open beach, we are very sensitive to sea swell. If conditions are not perfectly safe for a beach landing, we will cancel the sailing and offer you a full refund or a transfer to a sheltered cruise in Exmouth.

Question: Is the bar open for a 50-minute cruise? Answer: Yes! Our fully licensed bar is open for the duration of the trip, so you can enjoy a drink or a snack while taking in the views of the Jurassic Coast.

Recent Reviews

Stuart Line Cruises

4.8

Based on 540 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.

8 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.

8 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.

10 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.

12 months 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.

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.