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 (from 1st July 2025)
Adult single fare £2.50
Child single fare £1.50
Adult book of tickets (x20) £23.00 (i.e. £1.15 each)
Child book of tickets (x20) £17.00 (i.e. 85p each)
Reviews
- Nostalgic - We included a cruise on our trip and spent an hour on the paddlesteamer (the captain pointing out some interesting features and telling a few stories along the way). This was a very enjoyable day and worth every penny.
- Lovely day out - We decided on a steam train and boat ride day. The train was lovely, and the boat ride was a lot of fun with an entertaining guide, which one of my teenage daughters found hilarious!
- All lovely - All done very well. Everything clean (train/boats), staff friendly and commentary on the river cruise added a bit of fun. Really good day out, lots of families. Take hats, drinks and dogs! If you have one.