Winter River Exe Cruise

Cosy Winter Sailing

Experience the quiet, atmospheric beauty of East Devon in the winter months on our Winter River Exe Cruise. Setting sail from Exmouth Marina, this smooth, sheltered excursion glides through the calm waters of the Exe Estuary, revealing stunning winter light, dramatic landscapes, and thriving seasonal birdlife. Whether you choose to wrap up in a blanket on the top deck to soak in the fresh sea air or stay snug in our warm, heated lower saloon, it is an exceptional, value-for-money way to enjoy a crisp winter day in complete comfort.

🕒 Cruise Duration1hour - 1hour 30mins

📍 Departure PointExmouth Marina

Adult Price£9.50

Child (to 15)£6.50

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

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Trip Description FAQs Recent Reviews Group Bookings

Trip Description

A Tranquil Winter World on the Water

While the summer months bring bustling crowds to the coast, winter transforms the River Exe Estuary into a peaceful, mirror-like sanctuary. Sailing along the calm, sheltered waters, you will experience a completely different side of Devon. The crisp winter air creates remarkable clarity across the water, casting beautiful soft light across the sandbars, mudflats, and surrounding hillsides. Just like our summer estuary sailings, this voyage offers a serene, slow-paced escape to relax and take in the scenery.

World-Famous Winter Wildlife Viewing

During the winter, the Exe Estuary becomes a globally important refuge for tens of thousands of migratory birds arriving from Arctic regions. As we cruise along the calm water, your Skipper will provide informative live commentary, pointing out fascinating local landmarks and helping you spot flocks of Avocets, Brent Geese, Black-tailed Godwits, and curlews feeding along the shoreline. It is a fantastic opportunity to witness nature’s winter spectacle up close from the comfort of the vessel.

Snug All-Weather Comfort & Hot Refreshments

We believe winter cruising should be cozy and relaxing. For those who love being out in the elements, you can wrap up warm in one of our cozy blankets on the open top deck to breathe in the fresh sea air and take in unobstructed views. If you prefer to stay out of the chill, you can retreat inside to our warm, heated lower saloon and relax behind panoramic, full-length windows. To keep you cozy, our onboard bar serves piping hot artisan teas, coffees, creamy hot chocolates, and local alcoholic beverages served with a warm, friendly smile by our crew.

Why Choose Our Winter River Exe Cruise?

Smooth, Sheltered Waters: Enjoy an exceptionally gentle, calm-water cruise protected from open sea swells.
Top Deck or Heated Comfort: Wrap up in a cozy blanket on the open top deck or stay snug in our warm lower saloon.
Winter Wildlife Spectacle: View thousands of migratory birds that make the Exe Estuary their winter home.
Warming Drinks On Board: Enjoy hot teas, coffees, creamy hot chocolate, and local bar drinks as you sail.
Exceptional Value for Money: An affordable, high-quality winter day out for all ages and generations.

Our Winter River Exe Cruises sail regularly throughout the autumn and winter months, timed with the tides. Because our warm lower saloon seats are popular during colder weather, we strongly recommend booking online in advance to secure your seats.

FAQs

Cruise Experience & Sightings

Question: What is the difference between this and the Bird Watching Cruise? Answer: The Winter River Exe Cruise is a shorter, 1 hour 15 minute relaxed sightseeing trip focused on the overall beauty of the estuary. While you may see plenty of birds, there is no specialist ornithologist on board, making it ideal for those who want a casual winter outing.

Question: What scenery will I see on the Winter River Exe Cruise? Answer: You will enjoy stunning views of the River Exe Estuary, including the rolling hills, shoreside villages and towns, the historic Powderham Estate, and the tranquil winter landscape that is unique to this time of year in Devon.

Question: Can I see seals on this cruise? Answer: It is possible! Seals often haul out on the sandbanks at low tide. While we cannot guarantee sightings, our crew will always point them out if they are spotted during the trip.

Booking & Comfort

Question: Is the boat heated during the winter? Answer: Yes. Our vessels feature large, undercover heated lower decks with panoramic windows. You can stay warm and dry while enjoying 360-degree views of the estuary, regardless of the outside temperature.

Question: Do I need to book in advance for a winter trip? Answer: We always recommend booking in advance via our website. While winter is quieter than summer, our sailings often fill up quickly.

Question: Are dogs allowed on the Winter River Exe Cruise? Answer: Yes. Unlike our specialist bird watching trips, well-behaved dogs on leads are very welcome on our Winter River Exe Cruises free of charge.

Food & Facilities

Question: Is the bar open during the winter cruises? Answer: Yes. Our fully licensed bar is open, serving a popular range of winter warmers including hot chocolate, coffee, and local ales, alongside light snacks.

Question: Are there toilets on board? Answer: Yes. All our boats are equipped with clean, well-maintained toilet facilities that remain accessible throughout the duration of the cruise.

Recent Reviews

Stuart Line Cruises

4.8

Based on 560 reviews

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Andrea H.

2 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.

Claire B.

4 weeks 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.

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

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.