See for yourself Europe's largest natural harbor. Take on stunning views and learn more about the area as you relax on board, passing interesting locations along the shores.

About this activity

Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
Reserve now & pay later: Keep your travel plans flexible—book your spot and pay nothing today.
Covid-19 precautions: Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
Duration 70 minutes: Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide: English

Highlights

See the historic castle built by Henry VIII on Brownsea Island
Admire luxurious houses of 'rich and famous' on Sandbanks Peninsular
Sail past Brownsea, Furzey, Green, Long and Round Islands
Listen to live commentary and find out interesting facts about the area

Full description

Take a cruise around Europe's largest natural harbor, home to the town of Poole, the golden beaches of Sandbanks and Brownsea Island. From either open deck seating or comfortable saloon you will see stunning views of the exceptional landscape that surrounds it. Your 70 minute trip will start on charming Poole Quay with its old buildings and buzzing atmosphere. Next you will go past Brownsea Island, home to wildlife and picturesque Brownsea Castle, built to protect against French invasions. After that comes the Sandbanks Peninsula and the luxurious houses of the ‘Golden Mile’. Then you will tour the great natural expanse of the harbor and the remaining islands: Green, Furzey, Long and Round. Fronting onto beautiful scenery it helped inspire classics like Lord of the Rings and Gulliver's Travel.

Includes

Cruise

Food
Drinks

Covid-19 precautions

Safety measures in place

All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
You must keep social distance while in vehicles
The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds

Meeting point

Poole Quay; in front of the red kiosk

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Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.7 /5

based on 289 reviews

Review summary

Guide
4.6/5
Transportation
4.8/5
Value for money
4.8/5
Safety
4.7/5

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The boat trip was lovely with funny and interesting commentary throughout. There was a possibility that I might have needed to change the time of the boat (but didn’t need to in the end) The staff were really helpful and friendly and would have moved times if I needed to.

August 13, 2022

Super trip and would have been very interesting. However, it was very difficult to hear the commentary. This is a shame because so much information could not be heard. The boat was clean, and the staff were friendly and welcoming and efficient. Punctual. The kiosk is still on the web as being red and white. it is blue and white.

August 9, 2022

A lovely trip around the bay on a summers bay. Nice & friendly staff. No better way to spend my the ticket said we met at the red kiosk, but it was the blue kiosk. They are close, so no biggie. We sat outside at the very back of the boat, and with the wind blowing around our ears, struggled to hear the commentary at times. Would sit nearer next time. Overall really good value

July 23, 2022

Poole Harbor and Islands Cruise

Poole Harbor and Islands Cruise

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