Private Charters

Private Charters

A truly special setting for any celebration. Magnificent, panoramic and ever changing views. Welcome aboard!

A TRULY SPECIAL SETTING FOR ANY CELEBRATION.

Magnificent, panoramic and ever changing views. Welcome aboard Dartmouth River Boats.

Don’t just throw a party, throw a legendary event that they’ll be talking about for years to come! When you charter a Dartmouth River Boats  vessel, you and your friends and family will enjoy the stunning and unique backdrop of one of the most beautiful rivers in the country.

  • On board amenities include outdoor deck space, indoor heating*, large windows made for sightseeing, dance floor* and restrooms.
  • Fully licensed bar serving hot and cold beverages, beer, wine & spirits.

Contact us to discuss your plans and look ahead to stepping back and experiencing a more relaxed and gentle pace of life.

Please note : we no longer offer private charter of our train.

Find out more about what we offer as part of our Private Charter service.

Get in touch

Give us a call or send us an enquiry for more information or to begin planning your event.

CATERING, BAR & MUSIC

To make your celebration or event even more special, you are free to engage the services of a caterer and, if so desired, a disco or band for music and dancing.

There are a couple of locally based caterers that we can recommend and are detailed below (and are familiar with the vessels and crews). You are of course more than welcome to choose another caterer or indeed to cater yourselves.

Entertaining Food

Entertaining Food of Dartmouth have a team that is highly experienced and dedicated to creating an unforgettable feast for you. They are passionate about local produce and always seek fresh ways to create healthy, nutritional combinations that burst with flavour. They aim to deliver a truly special and memorable event tailored to your needs. Contact Elaine Day at general@entertainingfood.com.

Radius 7

Radius 7 was established in 2015 with the intention of bringing local produce, fresh from local suppliers, allotments, the harbour and the farm, to their customers.  Their aim is to source everything from within a seven mile radius (hence the name!) which creates a community-led feel and well-deserved support for lots of small businesses in the area. Contact David at manager@radius7.co.uk

Aboard all our vessels you will find a fully licensed cash bar and, with permission, you have the right to board your own wine and/or champagne. We would need prior knowledge of the number of bottles and each bottle is subject to a corkage fee of £10.00 (12.00 for sparkling and Champagne). We provide glasses but do not serve (do discuss serving with your caterer).

"Wow, what a splendid spread by your recommended caterer. They really know how to put on a feast. It was all impeccable and organised with the minimum of fuss. The linen was spotless, the service serene and we have had so many comments I just had to pass on our sincere thanks."

HOW TO FIND US

Find out all about us from locations to train and fleet information to history and how to get here

OUR FLEET

Sit back and relax as you cruise along the River Dart while sipping champagne on the open deck or from the saloon. Watch the sunset over rolling Devon hills and see Dartmouth and Kingswear sparkle in the moonlight.  Our fleet can cater to a wide range of private hire events.

Paddle Steamer Kingswear Castle

The paddle steamer Kingswear Castle is the last remaining coal-fired paddle steamer in operation in the UK today. Join us for an evening charter and enjoy a nostalgic cruise along the lower reaches of the river Dart where the sounds and smells will transport you back in time to an era when these ships were the life blood of the community - sit back and relax whilst you appreciate the splash of the paddles churning gently through the calm waters of the River Dart. The KC (as she is affectionately known!) is equipped with a fully stocked bar and can accommodate up to 200 passengers - with 82 under cover. Canapés may be served aboard.

Dart Explorer

Our flagship  the ‘Dart Explorer’ is a wonderfully appointed vessel. This 300-seater luxury Catamaran can accommodate up to 120 guests for informal dining and up to 90 guests for formal dining. The Dart Explorer is equipped with 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, the Cardiff Castle can carry up to 200 passengers. Ideal for larger groups. The Cardiff Castle boasts 'The Blues Bar’, a fabulous contemporary bar which is a lovely addition to the boat. ‘The Cardiff’ hosts many functions, live bands, dancing and corporate events and has plenty of space for dancing and catering on the main deck with outer top deck and with the bar on the lower deck.

Dittisham Princess

The smallest vessel in our charter fleet, the Dittisham Princess is an intimate choice for your event being able to accommodate up to 75 guests (stand up buffet style) or 32 guests seated. She has upper and forward outside decks plus a cosy interior saloon from which to appreciate the scenery sliding leisurely past during your cruise. The “DittP”, as we affectionately call her, is a great choice for those on a more restricted budget. Note: not available for charter in July or August.

Dart Venturer

The Dart Venturer can accommodate up to 150 guests and has a bar in both the lower and main saloons. She is great for parties and is equipped with three outside decks for that glorious summer weather! The Dart Venturer is an excellent choice for entertaining with a buffet or canapés and dancing in the main saloon. There are lots of windows to savour the breath-taking views.  Note: not available for charter in July or August.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you. We all thoroughly enjoyed our wedding anniversary charter on the Dart Explorer. So many of our guests came to let us know what a brilliant time they had. The crew were great, the weather was perfect - as was your recommended caterer. We will be back for our 20th anniversary!"

HOW TO FIND US

Find out all about us from locations to train and fleet information to history and how to get here

Reviews

  • A thoroughly enjoyable day out - I was very impressed with the organisation, it was always very clear where we were supposed to go and what time we were supposed to be somewhere - would happily do it again.
  • Amazing - Best day out of our holiday. I would recommend this trip to anyone. It’s such great value for money and honestly such a special day out for all. We will definitely be back!
  • Trip back in time - What a fantastic experience. The train ride from Paignton is a gentle trip with stunning views. Arriving in Kingswear you can almost imagine how people in days gone by must have felt. A short ferry ride takes you into Dartmouth which is a stunning little town.

Read more reviews on TripAdvisor