Solent Cruises
ENTRY
from £9
WHERE
Cowes
What it’s like
Boat trips from Cowes across the Solent, from a harbour tour past naval ships to a full day out shopping in Portsmouth.
There's a few ways to do this one. The Portsmouth Harbour Tour takes you past the naval ships with commentary running the whole way, which is the bit that'll stick with kids who like anything with a hull. If you want more than a boat ride, the Day Trip to Portsmouth gives you up to six hours on the other side to hit the shops and attractions before the boat brings you back. There's also a Two Ports Cruise if you fancy seeing more of the water than the destination.
Prices are straightforward: £10 for an adult return to Portsmouth, £9 for seniors, and under-fives travel free, which takes the sting out of it if you've got a baby in tow. Boats run Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm, so this is a weekday plan rather than a weekend one, worth knowing if you were picturing a Saturday outing.
Parking is the one to sort out before you leave the house. It is free at the Thetis Wharf terminal if you are doing the Day Trip to Portsmouth, but for the other trips parking at Cowes Parade is limited, and they will only tell you if there's space if you phone ahead. Wheelchair access is helped along by staff from booking office to boarding, though motorised scooters cannot be carried on board, which is a proper limitation if that is how you get about.
Dogs are welcome, and group rates are available if you are heading over as a bigger party, again by phoning ahead rather than booking online.
Facilities
Need to know
- Parking
- Free parking at Thetis Wharf terminal for Day Trip to Portsmouth
- Worth knowing
- Children under 5 travel free
- Boats run Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm, no weekend sailings
- Under-5s travel free on all trips
- Dogs are welcome on board
- Motorised scooters cannot be carried, so check ahead if that affects you
- Parking, group rates and private hire all need a phone call to 01983 564602
Plan your visit
How much does it cost?
£10 for an adult return to Portsmouth, £9 for seniors, and children under 5 go free.
Do we need to book in advance?
There's no online booking. For group rates or private hire you call the office on 01983 564602.
Is there parking at Cowes?
Free parking at Thetis Wharf if you are doing the Day Trip to Portsmouth. For other trips, parking at Cowes Parade is limited, so it's best to phone and check availability first.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
Staff help with wheelchair access from the booking office through to boarding and getting off. Motorised scooters cannot be carried on board though.
How long does the day trip take?
The Day Trip to Portsmouth gives you up to six hours there before the boat brings you back.
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