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. In addition to scheduled services on the river Dart, she offers the most unique cruise and charter experience in the whole of the UK.
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. The Cardiff hosts many functions, live bands, dancing and corporate events. If you are just on her for the day, make sure you take a look and enjoy a bottle of our fantastic wine.
Dartmouth Castle
The pretty Dartmouth Castle is licensed to carry 297 passengers and is a lovely boat to charter for a party or celebration on the river Dart. As with all our vessels she has a fully licensed bar aboard. You may be lucky enough to travel on her on one of our Dartmouth-Totnes river cruises.
Dartmouth Castle is listed on the National Register of Historic Ships.
Dart Venturer
A well appointed vessel which can accommodate 300 passengers with 100 under cover. A fully stocked lounge bar, a great function boat which is ideal for parties. Mainly based in Torquay through the summer season as the Western Lady Ferry service..
Dittisham Princess
The Dittisham Princess is licensed to carry 185 passengers. As with our whole feet, she is available for private charter and has seen a fair few wedding receptions in her time! Mainly based in Torquay through the summer season as the Western Lady Ferry service.
Dartmouth Princess & Kingswear Princess
Our passenger ferries will 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 – 13:30)
Last Departure Dartmouth - 1850
Last Departure Kingswear - 1855
SUNDAY : 0900 to 1855
1st Departure Dartmouth - 0900
1st Departure Kingswear - 0910
(FERRY BREAK 13:00 – 13:30)
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
- Sights and smells - Cannot beat the smell and sound of a steam locomotive, a very scenic ride firstly along the beach, then along the river Dart. A couple of hours in Dartmouth then all aboard for trip back.
- Excellent. Recommended. - Numbers on board restricted due to Covid, but it didn't spoil our enjoyment. The Round Robin three-in-one ticket is a must do if you are in the area.
- Atmospheric steam train - We took the steam train from Paignton to Kingswear and then the ferry to Dartmouth (inc in the ticket). It was a trip back in time and most enjoyable, despite the very rainy weather! Good value for money.