From a horsepower canal barge to the growling 300 horsepower engines of the Raptor, there are many ways to spend time afloat in Devon.
BOAT TRIPS
The Cremyll Ferry
It's just an eight minute trip across the River Tamar aboard Cremyll Ferry, but there's lots to see from this little passenger ferry after it leaves Admiral's Hard in Stonehouse. The Royal William Yard looks formidable from the water and you may spot naval vessels in the river. On the other (Cornish) side you can explore Mount Edgcumbe or walk the South West Coast Path to the twin villages of Kingsand and Cawsand.
GONE FISHING
Plymouth Angling Trips run a range of sea fishing outings from Plymouth's Mount Batten Pontoon.Trips all take place off the coast of Plymouth, searching areas from the Eddystone or Handsdeep to the numerous wrecks, all utilising the years of fishing knowledge. Their boat, Force 10, enables them to quickly fish the most productive areas in search of the best fish on the day. All equipment and tackle is provided so you can fish for species from mackerel to conger eel.
TAKE IT SLOWLY
There's a gentle pace to a trip on the barge Tivertonian along the Grand Western Canal. Heavy horses Ross, George and Brindley share the towing duties for a peaceful journey listening to clip-clop of hooves and the sounds of birdsong. You can also enjoy a drink from the floating Ducks Ditty bar. Tivertonian is one of the last horse-drawn barges in the country and the popular attraction will mark its 50th birthday next year.
RIDE THE RAPTOR
Torquay Watersports offers daredevils the chance to ride the Raptor – a superfast RIB (rigid inflatable boat, for those not in the know). Listen to the growl of the three V8 300hp Mercury Verado engines as you depart Torquay Harbour for the horizon. The trip is 30 minutes of exhilarating fun, broken into short bursts to allow passengers to a) get their breath back and b) stop at places of interest along Torbay’s coast.
A LUNDY DAY TRIP
Set off from Bideford or Ilfracombe, depending on the tides, and enjoy a two hour journey aboard the MS Oldenburg to the remote island of Lundy, where the Atlantic ocean becomes the Bristol Channel. This rocky outcrop is home to many species of wildlife and there's a welcoming pub, the Marisco Tavern, three lighthouses and a church. Oldenburg's return to summer service was delayed this year so check she is back in operation at landmarktrust.org.uk/lundyisland/
GO TO GREENWAY
Taking to the water is a must when visiting South Devon’s beautiful River Dart, home to the late Dame Agatha Christie. The Greenway and Dittisham Ferry sails between Dartmouth and the quaint village of Dittisham and Greenway, home of the late Dame Agatha Christie. Services to Greenway House are available from Dittisham on demand every few minutes by ringing a bell on the river's edge or from Dartmouth as frequent as every hour.
THE STUART LINE
A family business, the Stuart Line boats have been operating out of Exmouth for more than 50 years. Their two distinctive craft are a daily fixture on the water offering a range of trips - wildlife cruises, excursions along the Jurassic coast or along the coast to Torbay. There are also Fish and Fizz or Cream Tea cruises and one-off trips to local regattas and airshows.
