Jane's Midlife Journey

Poole Harbour is the second largest natural harbour in the world, covering an area of 14 square miles. Within the harbour are several islands, the largest of which is Brownsea Island. A great way to explore the harbour is to take a cruise with Coastal Cruises Poole. There are a number of options available, all departing from Poole Quay, passing by Brownsea Island and the houses of the mega rich on Sandbanks. Some cruises continue to the rock formation at Old Harry and on along the Jurassic Coast towards Swanage.

How to get to Coastal Cruises Poole

Boats depart from Poole Quay. The quay is a 15 minute walk from Poole Station and Poole Bus Station. Alternatively, the RouteONE bus follows a circular route linking both stations with the quay – alight at The Portsmouth Hoy. In summer, Poole Quay is pedestrianised and the bus stops round the corner at Dolphin Quays. In addition, the Breezer 60 bus service, which runs along the coast from Bournemouth, also stops at Dolphin Quays.

Parking

Probably the best place to park is the council run Quay Visitors Car Park, which is a very short (around 2 minute) walk away. Parking here costs £2.50 for two hours. Another option is Britiannia Quayside Poole Car Park, which is a 5 minute walk along the quayside. Parking here costs £3.70 for two hours. You can pre-book this online.

Harbour Lights Cruise

We opted for the Harbour Lights Cruise, which runs between March and August, departing shortly before sunset for a 90 minute cruise around the harbour. The cost of this cruise is £14.50 for adults (£9.50 for children).

Poole Quay

Boats depart from the historic Poole Quay, once a bustling sea port from where ships departed for all corners of the globe. Nowadays, the quay is lined with bars which were once the domain of sailors and pirates. 

Brownsea Island

Once on board, we set off around the harbour towards Brownsea Island. The tour has an informative running commentary, so I now know that Brownsea Island is the largest of five islands situated in the harbour. It is owned by the National Trust and is open to visitors between March and October. If you want to visit Brownsea Island, the Brownsea Island Ferries depart from the berth next to Coastal Cruises.

Sandbanks

The voyage takes us along the edge of the peninsula of Sandbanks. Dubbed Millionaires’ Row, the area has the fifth highest property prices in the world. This row of 13 houses has a combined value of almost one hundred million pounds!

Chainlink Ferry

The Chainlink ferry connects Poole, via Sandbanks to Studland and the Jurassic Coast. The ferry has priority over other water users, so we have to wait for it to pass before we can exit the harbour into the English Channel.

Old Harry

The cruise continues into Studland Bay, passing close by the rock formation of Old Harry; named after an infamous local pirate, this chalk stack marks the start of the Jurassic Coast. I’ve walked/run to the top of the cliff a few times, but this is my first view of the rocks from the other side, and it’s quite a view!

Jurassic Coast

We set sail again hugging the Jurassic Coast, chased by jet skiers racing across the bay. At this point, the boat turns and heads for home into the sunset, which provides us with a different, even more stunning view of the rocks with the setting sun behind them.

We cruise back towards the quay whilst enjoying watching the sun set over the harbour.

We arrive back at Poole Quay just as it is getting dark. We really enjoyed our cruise around the harbour with its beautiful scenery and amazing sunset.

Fish & Chip Cruise

The Fish & Chip Cruise is basically the same as the cruise described above, but with fish & chips provided from a local fish & chip shop. This option costs £27 for adults (£19 for children, which includes fishcake & chips). There is also an afternoon option.

Other dining cruise options include a BBQ Cruise, Afternoon Tea Cruise or Cream Tea Cruise as well other ad hoc offerings including Pie & Mash, Gin and Seafood.

Festive Harbour Cruise

In winter, Coastal Cruises goes all festive. We took the Festive Harbour Cruise. This follows a similar route to that described above, but stopping at the chainlink ferry (cruises do not leave the shelter of Poole Harbour during the winter months). The boat is decorated with garlands and lights. There is an indoor area if it’s too cold to brave sitting on deck.

We departed from Poole Quay, giving us a view of the festive decorations along the quayside.

You get the benefit of a guided commentary for the first part of the cruise, as you pass by Sandbanks and Brownsea Island, which has its own quayside Christmas Tree.

On the return journey, the commentary is replaced by Christmas music. There’s plenty of space in the cabin if you fancy a festive boogie.

The Festive Harbour Cruise costs £14.50 and includes mulled wine (or a hot drink) and a mince pie. 

We all really enjoyed our festive cruise. Particularly Orla – it was her first time on a boat and she loved it!

There’s also a Harbour Lights Cruise option in the evening to make the most of the view of the various festive decorations around the harbour.

Santa Experience Cruise

The Santa Experience Cruise is ideal for younger children. A 75 minute cruise round the harbour includes juice and biscuits for children and mulled wine and mince pies for adults. Then Santa arrives to bring presents and certificates for all the children.

Food and Drink

Boats are equipped with a bar where you can purchase drinks and snacks. In addition, some trips include food, as described above.

Other Cruise Options

In addition to harbour cruises, Coastal Cruises offer trips further along the coast to Swanage (with option to disembark and return on a later boat, by bus or even to continue by steam train to Corfe Castle).

Special Events Cruises

A range of Special Event Cruises are laid on throughout the year from Valentines Day to Bonfire Night. There are also murder mysteries, party nights and musical evenings. How about an Elvis Cruise? Take a spin round the harbour with live music from an award winning Elvis tribute act. There’s even a dance floor if you feel the need to bust a few Rock & Roll moves. 

Harbour Cruises for Children

Most of the cruises are suitable for children, who will enjoy the ride, watching the passing boats and the abundant wildlife in the harbour. In December, there are Santa Experience Cruises in a boat festooned with lights. Meanwhile, in summer (and on November 5th), you can take a Thursday evening Firework Cruise for a panoramic view of Poole’s seasonal weekly firework display.

• Updated: December 2025

I hope you found this information useful. For more inspiration on things to do in and around Bournemouth, check out my 101 Things to do in Bournemouth here.

For more inspiration on things to do in and around Bournemouth with young children, check out my 101 Things to do in Bournemouth with Babies and Toddlers here.