Awesome North Devon Boat Trips ⚓
The North Devon coast is located in the southwestern part of England and is renowned for its unparalleled natural beauty. Stretching along the Atlantic Ocean, this coastal paradise is best enjoyed by boat.
When you hit the water and do a North Devon Boat Trip, you’ll be in for an enchanting and unforgettable experience. By sailing on these waters, expect panoramic views of rugged cliffs, golden beaches, and charming coastal villages dotted along the shoreline. Not to mention the incredible opportunity to spot diverse wildlife, from majestic seabirds to playful dolphins.
Read on to discover the Best North Devon Boat Trips currently available! 🌊 ☀️ ⛵
#1 Adventure Ribs: The Best North Devon Boat Trip!
If you’re looking for the best way to spot UK marine life on a North Devon Boat Trip, be sure to check out Adventure Ribs, brought to you by the Ilfracombe Princess Team.
They offer 1 or 2-hour Discover cruise tours onboard their 10m Humber RIB, led by an experienced and qualified skipper, featuring a full commentary on the local marine life, iconic landmarks and geological formations.
Each Discover tour takes a unique route, adapted to sea conditions and the most recent wildlife sightings. On a good day, you’ll be in with a chance to spot seals, dolphins, porpoises, and a wide range of seabirds. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a whale!
Embarking from Ilfracombe Harbour, the Discover cruises are equally picturesque, and tailored towards customers as much as possible.
To book this adventure, which is one of the best North Devon boat trips, book online or call 07837 569 667.
#2 The Big Yellow Boat: Top North Devon Boat Trip
The Big Yellow Boat cruises the coast to spot seals, porpoises and dolphins. Offering tours of one of the most dramatic landscapes in England, aboard their MCA approved vessel. They offer some of the best North Devon boat trips, having served Ilfracombe tourism for over twenty years.
The Big Yellow Boat is fully licensed to carry 100 passengers, with their boat purpose built for coastal cruising! It features a rooftop terrace and an outdoor area on the lower deck, which is perfect for capturing some epic Instagram content, as well as an indoor area to escape the sea breeze.
There are various coastal cruises to choose from. Some of them take you eastward, passing by Hele Bay and Watermouth Harbour, leading you to the renowned smuggler’s caves and the striking Exmoor cliffs.
Alternatively, there are trips heading westward, where you can admire Bull Point Lighthouse and the famous Tunnels Beaches before arriving at Rockham Beach, home to a colony of Atlantic Grey Seals.
Their vessel, the Ilfracombe Princess, also offers a delightful evening cruise, allowing you to experience the local landmarks in a different light. While onboard, you can have a refreshing drink and enjoy some relaxing music.
Ps. The Big Yellow Boat welcomes dogs onboard. For animal lovers, this has got to be the best North Devon boat trip company! 🐶
To book this adventure, which is one of the top North Devon boat trips reserve your place online or call 01271 879727.
#3 Ilfracombe Sea Safari: Seriously Fun North Devon Boat Trip
Ilfracombe Sea Safari offers award winning Devon Boat Trips that include fun, adventurous and educational tours amidst the natural beauty of the North Devon Coast.
The tours on offer feature different boat adventures including wildlife and coastal cruises, fishing trips, swimming with seals and much more!
Their 1 to 6 hour tours use a ‘SeaSwift’ Catamaran and three Humber Ribs, which are safe, stable boats that allow you to get up close and personal with Devon’s diverse wildlife.
The boats are equipped with padded seats to make you extra comfortable and are even suitable for passengers who suffer from sea sickness (due to the vessel’s exceptional stability).
All of the vessels only carry up to 12 passengers so they offer a more personal experience without the crowds.
To book this adventure, which is one of the best North Devon boat trips, reserve your spot online before they sell out or call 07827 679189.
#4 Authentic North Devon Boat Trip on the MS Oldenburg
Lundy Island is just off the beautiful North Devon coastline, at the meeting point of the Atlantic Ocean and the Bristol Channel. This island, owned by the National Trust, is renowned for its unspoiled natural beauty and incredible wildlife, notably its famous puffin population and numerous rare bird species.
The most popular way to visit Lundy Island is aboard MS Oldenburg, the island’s very own passenger and supply ship, adorned with its original brass and wooden fittings from the 1950s! If you’re looking for the most authentic North Devon Boat Trip, this is it!
Departing from either Ilfracombe or Bideford a few times a week during the period from March to October, this historic vessel returns on the same day, providing you with ample time to explore the wonders of the island.
The journey by boat lasts approximately 2 hours in each direction. During this time, you can indulge in the boat’s amenities, including the bar, buffet, shop, and information centre. There’s also lots of outdoor space to take in the picturesque views and, if you’re lucky, spot the dolphins that frequently accompany the ship along its route.
You can easily book the MS Oldenburg online here – you won’t regret it, this is easily one of the best North Devon boat trips!
#5 Appledore to Instow Ferry: Epic North Devon Boat Trip
The Appledore to Instow Ferry is a small ferry service linking these two pretty villages situated just north of the historic port town of Bideford. Operated by volunteers, the ferry trip across the River Torridge takes approximately 10 minutes.
The ferry operates from the beginning of April until October, during high tide, for about three to four hours each day. As high tide times vary daily, it’s essential to check the timetable for accurate information.
This North Devon Boat Trip is the perfect choice for families with young children or people who don’t quite have their sea legs yet! Bicycles, strollers, and dogs are all welcome on board.
On either side of the ferry crossing, there are tons of activities to enjoy, making this one of the best north Devon boat trips available. The amazing activities include crabbing in the estuary, taking in the long sandy beach at Instow, and exploring the North Devon Maritime Museum in Appledore!
#6 Cheeky Monkey Pleasure Cruises: Fab North Devon Boat Trip
Local fisherman, Dave Gabe, operates the Cheeky Monkey, which is a traditional wooden fishing boat, providing a charming North Devon Boat Trip.
Dave offers three-hour river excursions along the Torridge River starting from Appledore village, as well as charter fishing trips into the Torridge estuary.
During the river cruise on the Cheeky Monkey, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the scenic countryside and observe the diverse wildlife along the historic river. Dave will share intriguing local history, point out places of interest, and help you identify the various bird species that inhabit the river.
As the fishing boat can accommodate up to 10 people, it’s an excellent choice for larger groups.
The Cheeky Monkey’s trips are available from May to October. To secure a spot, you can make a booking in advance by either calling 01237 422307 or visiting the Appledore Quay Gift Shop.
In case the Cheeky Monkey is not available, don’t worry! Appledore boasts other skippers offering boat trips along the river. Simply inquire at the Quay to find out which other boats might be running at that time.
#7 RIB Rides North Devon: Best North Devon Boat Trip
RIB Rides North Devon offer some exhilarating boat trips onboard their passenger RIB.
As you hop onboard this skippered RIB ride from Appledore, you’ll get to see the incredible North Devon coastline and its diverse wildlife.
Whether you’re looking for thrilling excitement or a relaxed tour around the coast, RIB Rides North Devon has something for everyone.
Individual and group bookings are welcome. To book, simply call 07970 409 051 or use their online form.
#8 Wild Frontier Charters: Highly Rated North Devon Boat Trip
From Cave Cruises to Seal Swimming, Wild Frontier Charters offer some of the best North Devon Boat Trips out there.
On one of these epic coastal cruises, you’ll get to explore North Devon’s stunning coastline aboard their modern catamaran the “Wild Frontier”, taking in outstanding natural beauty and plenty of spectacular wildlife like dolphins and seals.
To book this North Devon Boat Trip call 07447 060036 or reach out to Wild Frontier via email.
Important note: It’s worth mentioning that the running of these North Devon Boat Trips are completely weather and sea dependent. If sea conditions or the weather are not safe the trips will almost certainly be cancelled (for your safety and comfort).
Final Thoughts: Best North Devon Boat Trips 🇬🇧🌞⛴️
Whether it’s a leisurely river cruise along the Torridge River you’re seeking or a more adventurous voyage, my compilation of all the best North Devon boat trips will leave you with cherished memories of this coastal paradise.
If you do venture out to sea on one of these amazing north Devon boat trips, I’d love to see photos and hear about the wildlife you encounter – just comment below!
Happy Sailing! ⛵️
P.S. Sharing is caring, so if you know of anyone looking to book a North Devon boat trip, please do send this article their way! 🌊 ☀️ ⛴️
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