Exploring by boat

Beyond Dartmouth Castle, the River Dart starts to open out into the sea offering a complete contrast to the estuary. The steeply wooded cliffs out to Froward Point are covered with spectacular pines clinging to the rocks, and turning the point opens up a spectacular vista of the Mewstone, a dramatic collection of rocks thrust upward from an ancient volcanic eruption. This maze of rocks becomes the home of colonies of cormorants, shags and gulls during the spring and summer. A small colony of seals rest here at low tide during the summer when it becomes to busy for them in the Dart, and watching them laze in the sun with their pups is a privilege.

Exploring this area by boat is the best way to see the sights and trips from Dartmouth regularly run around the area. Further along the coast are sheltered coves such as Pudcombe Cove and Scabbacombe that can only be seen and accessed by boat offering tranquillity, and often the sight of peregrine falcons hunting with their young. Further out to sea numerous deep water sea birds such as fulmars, guilliemots and razorbills are sighted, along with the spectacular sight of a flock of fannets plummeting high from the sky to dive for fish. Other visitors to the sea around Dartmouth are sunfish, dolphins, pilot whales and basking sharks.

Exploring the above areas with the boat operators based in Dartmouth will open an exciting area for a few hours or a day and a real contrast to the River Dart.

Riverlink - cruising in style on the beautiful River Dart  www.riverlink.co.uk

The Picnic Boat  www.thepicnicboat.co.uk

Dart Harbour Sea School - Learn in beautiful Devon on high spec boats www.dartharbourseaschool.co.uk

Greenway Quay and Ferry service www.greenwayferry.co.uk

Dartmouth to Dittisham ferry www.dartmouthdittishamferry.co.uk

Canoe Adventures  www.canoeadventures.co.uk

Sea tboats Rib hire and charter  www.sea-tboats.com