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
Covid-19 precautions: Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
Mobile ticketing: Vouchers must be exchanged for tickets.
Duration 70 minutes: Check availability to see starting times.
Instant confirmation

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

Prepare for the activity

Meeting point

Poole Quay; in front of the red kiosk

Open in Google Maps ⟶

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.7 /5

based on 127 reviews

Review summary

Transportation
4.9/5
Value for money
4.8/5
Safety
4.7/5
Service
4.5/5

Sort by:

It was on-time and a very pleasant boat ride. Our "skipper" did an excellent commentary with some lighthearted humour. The only negative comment is that the kiosk is now blue and not red (been this way for a year or so they say) and that we did not need to exchange our vouchers. All they did was view the QR codes visually on my phone. Overall - very happy.

September 8, 2021

My husband took our 8 year old grandchild who was really excited and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. He caught a fish which was returned to the deep. Then a fellow fisherman offered him a dab to take home. It was duly cooked on a bbq and tasted delicious. A great experience.

September 4, 2021

Bit confusing, on the information sent by email, the instructions were to go to the red ticket booth opposite the jolly sailor pub. When we arrived we were told that the ticket booth is now blue and white, plus it was 300 feet away from the jolly sailor. Please update the details.

June 5, 2021

Poole Harbor and Islands Cruise

Poole Harbor and Islands Cruise

About this activity

Experience

Select participants and date

Prepare for the activity

Overall rating

Review summary

Sort by:

Traveler type:

Star rating:

Organized by