Private Charters
A truly special setting for any celebration. Magnificent, panoramic and ever changing views. Welcome aboard the Dart Explorer!
A TRULY SPECIAL SETTING FOR ANY CELEBRATION.
Magnificent, panoramic and ever changing views.
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. We have been host to a wide range of private hire events.
Don’t just throw a party, throw a legendary event that they’ll be talking about for years to come! When you charter the Dart Explorer from Dartmouth River Boats 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.
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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 elaine@entertainingfood.com
The Angel, Dartmouth
The Angel has a long and celebrated history and connection with Dartmouth since the renowned Joyce Molyneux founded the Carved Angel in the town in 1974 becoming the first woman to be Awarded a Michelin Star. In 2016, the Holland Group, a family-owned enterprise overseeing diverse businesses in Dartmouth, including restaurants, holiday apartments, and retail establishments, acquired the building and revived the ground floor into a fully operational restaurant, reclaiming its original name of the Angel. Head Chef Elly Wentworth passionately champions the use of fresh, seasonal, and sustainable produce in her dishes and collaborates closely with local suppliers who understand her culinary vision.
Contact Jo Howard at jo@hollandgroup.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 £11.00 (13.00 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
Your Vessel
MV Dart Explorer
Our flagship the ‘Dart Explorer’ is a wonderfully appointed vessel. This 300-seater luxury Catamaran can accommodate a maximum of 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.
2025 Tariff
The tariff for the 2025 charter season is as follows:
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High Season (June, July, August)
- Wednesday-Sunday £1,960for 3hrs duration (evening only)
- Monday, Tuesday £1,1764 for 3hrs duration (evening only)
- Extra half hour £327
- Extra hour £653
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Low Season (May, September, October, November)
- Wednesday-Sunday £1,568 for 3hrs duration (evening only)
- Monday, Tuesday £1,411 for 3hrs duration (evening only)
- Extra half hour £327
- Extra hour £653
Vessel hire is zero rated for VAT.
"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
- 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.
- An A+ family experience! - >Excellent time< We arrived at the station to friendly welcome and were greeted by a jolly bloke who gave us an upgrade to a cabin on our own which made us feel like Harry Potter! He gave us lots of info about timings and what amount of time we had been given to allow us to make sure we got back okay. A great time.
- 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.