Our Boats (& Passenger Ferry)

Our Boats (& Passenger Ferry)

We have a large fleet of vessels that operate on the River Dart and in Torbay for sea going voyages and tours and on the Western Lady Ferry operation. We are also proud operators of the historic vessel the paddle steamer Kingswear Castle, the last remaining coal fired paddles steamer in the UK. We carry out all our vessel maintenance at our own yard at Old Mill, nestled in from the River Dart in a creek just beyond Dartmouth.

The last item on this page provides timetable information for the passenger ferry.

Paddlesteamer Kingswear Castle

Join us for an unparalleled experience cruising on the river Dart. The Kingswear Castle is the last remaining coal-fired paddle steamer in the UK. She was built in 1924 at Philip & Son of Dartmouth and has been lovingly restored to her former glory, beautifully reflecting the style and craftsmanship of a bygone era.

Dart Explorer

Our flagship 'The Dart Explorer' is a wonderfully appointed vessel. The 300 seater luxury Catamaran can accommodate up to 100 guests for informal dining and up to 80 guests for formal dining. The Dart Explorer has a fully stocked bar and small dance floor and is regularly used as a Wedding Reception, Corporate or Party venue.

Cardiff Castle

Our largest vessel in the fleet can carry up to 400 passengers and is ideal for larger groups. The Cardiff Castle now boasts 'The Blues Bar' - a fabulous contemporary bar and a lovely addition to the boat.

Dart Venturer

A well appointed vessel which can accommodate 300 passengers with 100 under cover. Mainly based in Torquay through the summer season as the Western Lady Ferry service, she has a fully stocked lounge bar aboard.

Dittisham Princess

The Dittisham Princess is licensed to carry 185 passengers. Mainly based in Torquay through the summer season as the Western Lady Ferry service.

Dartmouth Princess & Kingswear Princess

Our passenger ferries can be seen toing and froing across the river Dart between Dartmouth and Kingswear - carrying passengers to/from the train station at Kingswear and generally helping locals reach the other side!

PASSENGER FERRY

TIMETABLE

MONDAY-SATURDAY : 0730 to 1855
1st Departure Dartmouth - 0730
1st Departure Kingswear - 0740
(FERRY BREAK 13:00 – 13:40)
Last Departure Dartmouth - 1850
Last Departure Kingswear - 1855

SUNDAY : 0900 to 1855
1st Departure Dartmouth - 0900
1st Departure Kingswear - 0910
(FERRY BREAK 13:00 – 13:40)
Last Departure Dartmouth - 1850
Last Departure Kingswear - 1855

Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta

We will operate the passenger ferry for longer hours on Saturday 31st August 2024. Hours are as follows:
1st Departure Dartmouth 0730 
1st Departure Kingswear - 0740
Last Departure Kingswear - 2215
Last Departure Dartmouth - 2230
(dropping Kingswear 2235; no return to Dartmouth)

Fares

Adult single fare £2.00
Child single fare £1.00
Adult book of tickets (x20) £20.00 (i.e. £1 each)
Child book of tickets (x20) £15.00 (i.e. 75p each)

Reviews

  • Absolutely fabulous experience - The whole day was fabulous with great weather and steam trains. The line is one of the most scenic you will ever experience and is a must visit if in the area. I will definitely be back again :-)
  • A big thumbs up... - A great time was had by all. The staff were really friendly and great at explaining. We took the steam train then hopped onto the boat where we spent some time in Dartmouth. It's a lovely touch that even the dog gets a ticket. The views from the steam train were so pretty the train and boat were both very clean and comfortable. A big thumbs up from us!
  • Fantastic visit - We chose to do the steam train and river cruise and it was fantastic. The staff were very helpful. After using the ferry to cross the river we went to find somewhere to have a snack before getting onto the cruise. The commentary was brilliant and we were pointed out different landmarks throughout the cruise. Thank you Dartmouth Steam Railway.

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