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Shell Bay River and Nature Tour: 4 Hours Image #0 Image #1 Image #2 Image #3 Image #4 Image #5 Image #6 Image #7 Image #8 Image #9

Shell Bay River and Nature Tour: 4 Hours

Shell Bay Marine, Swanage, United Kingdom

5
6 REVIEWS
4
PEOPLE
4h00
DURATION
With skipper
You will be accompanied by a skipper speaking French, English
Free cancellation
Get a full refund when you cancel at least 24 hours before your booking starts (service fees and commission excluded)

What's included

    Fuel
    Car Parking
    Restroom Onboard
    Lunch
    Ice Box
    Drinks
    Coffee

About the experience

Set off on a serene 4-hour cruise through the sheltered waters of Poole Harbour, where calm river channels and peaceful anchorages invite you to explore the Dorset coast at its most tranquil. Departing and returning to Shell Bay Marine, this relaxing tour takes you deep into the natural beauty of the harbour’s inland waterways—ideal for nature lovers, photographers, or anyone seeking stillness on the water.

Your journey begins in the winding navigable channels of Poole Harbour, one of the UK’s most picturesque coastal environments. As you cruise through this expansive natural harbour, enjoy views of wooded peninsulas, secluded sandbanks, and the ever-changing tidal flats. Keep an eye out for seabirds and occasional seals as your skipper steers you into the quieter reaches of the estuary.

If weather and tides allow, your tour may include a stop at the charming Wareham Quay, a peaceful riverside landing where historic buildings line the waterfront. Alternatively, you might drop anchor near the Arne Peninsula, a pristine, wildlife-rich area of sheltered water known for its stillness and birdlife. Wherever the boat pauses, you’ll have the chance to take a refreshing dip—conditions permitting—in calm, shallow water.

What makes this experience special is the sense of peaceful discovery. With no rush and no crowds, you’ll drift along secretive channels rarely explored by visitors. The boat’s low draft allows access to spots inaccessible to larger vessels, making it feel like your own private adventure. Bring a towel and your curiosity—this cruise is about connection to nature, not ticking off stops.

You can also pre-order a delicious sandwich lunch to enjoy during the journey, rounding out the experience with a waterside picnic feel.

About the experience

Set off on a serene 4-hour cruise through the sheltered waters of Poole Harbour, where calm river channels and peaceful anchorages invite you to explore the Dorset coast at its most tranquil. Departing and returning to Shell Bay Marine, this relaxing tour takes you deep into the natural beauty of the harbour’s inland waterways—ideal for nature lovers, photographers, or anyone seeking stillness on the water.

Your journey begins in the winding navigable channels of Poole Harbour, one of the UK’s most picturesque coastal environments. As you cruise through this expansive natural harbour, enjoy views of wooded peninsulas, secluded sandbanks, and the ever-changing tidal flats. Keep an eye out for seabirds and occasional seals as your skipper steers you into the quieter reaches of the estuary.

If weather and tides allow, your tour may include a stop at the charming Wareham Quay, a peaceful riverside landing where historic buildings line the waterfront. Alternatively, you might drop anchor near the Arne Peninsula, a pristine, wildlife-rich area of sheltered water known for its stillness and birdlife. Wherever the boat pauses, you’ll have the chance to take a refreshing dip—conditions permitting—in calm, shallow water.

What makes this experience special is the sense of peaceful discovery. With no rush and no crowds, you’ll drift along secretive channels rarely explored by visitors. The boat’s low draft allows access to spots inaccessible to larger vessels, making it feel like your own private adventure. Bring a towel and your curiosity—this cruise is about connection to nature, not ticking off stops.

You can also pre-order a delicious sandwich lunch to enjoy during the journey, rounding out the experience with a waterside picnic feel.

PF
Organized by Paul
Verified boat
· 6 reviews

Itinerary

Starting location:
Shell Bay Marine, Swanage, United Kingdom
Poole Harbour Channels
Cruise through calm, scenic waterways with sandbanks, inlets, and local wildlife all around.
Wareham Quay (Weather Permitting)
Stop at this peaceful riverside town for a brief exploration and picturesque views.
Arne Peninsula (Alternative Stop)
Anchor off this unspoiled peninsula to enjoy a quiet swim or birdwatching session.
Shallow Swim Stop
Drop anchor at a quiet, sheltered location for a dip in calm, shallow waters if conditions are favourable.
Arrive back at:
Shell Bay Marine, Swanage, United Kingdom

5/5 · 6 reviews

Reviews are displayed in chronological order
  • J
    John
    Date of the rental 9/21/25  ·  Date of the review 9/24/25
    A brilliant day on the water! We are both experienced sailors but hadn't been out for a bit. We just wanted to feel a boat moving and get a bit of breeze in our hair! Paul was the perfect host for us - recognised our ability and it felt more like a day out with friends than a more formal charter. Great day - we both loved it!
    Read more
  • K
    Kerry
    Date of the rental 8/25/25  ·  Date of the review 8/25/25
    We had a great afternoon on Paul's boat. Paul is a very nice and knowledgeable guy. He involved us with hoisting of the sails, rigging etc, (only if we wanted to) my boys had a blast swimming too. Paul is very safety conscious which was reassuring. All in all a great experience.
    Read more
  • L
    Lucy
    Date of the rental 8/1/25  ·  Date of the review 8/7/25
    We had the most beautiful afternoon sailing with Paul and his wonderful boat. Paul was so thoughtful, kind, and clearly a very experienced and skilled skipper! There is so much nature and wildlife to see in the area, and such lovely surroundings for sailing. He made my mums birthday so special and reminded me why I fell in love with sailing! Thoroughly enjoyable and highly recommended for both locals and visitors! 🤍
    Read more
  • J
    Jade
    Date of the rental 7/27/25  ·  Date of the review 7/27/25
    Great day out, saw plenty of the harbour and he was really informative about the coastline. We asked loads of questions about the boat as we were complete novices. My husband got stuck in with learning the basics and now have the boat bug! He was very accommodating and put fishing lines out as requested and provided a light lunch. We would 100% recommend! Had a great day
    Read more
Reviews
5
  • J
    John
    Sep 2025
    A brilliant day on the water! We are both experienced sailors but hadn't been out for a bit. We just wanted to feel a boat moving and get a bit of breeze in our hair! Paul was the perfect host for us - recognised our ability and it felt more like a day out with friends than a more formal charter. Great day - we both loved it!
  • K
    Kerry
    Aug 2025
    We had a great afternoon on Paul's boat. Paul is a very nice and knowledgeable guy. He involved us with hoisting of the sails, rigging etc, (only if we wanted to) my boys had a blast swimming too. Paul is very safety conscious which was reassuring. All in all a great experience.
  • L
    Lucy
    Aug 2025
    We had the most beautiful afternoon sailing with Paul and his wonderful boat. Paul was so thoughtful, kind, and clearly a very experienced and skilled skipper! There is so much nature and wildlife to see in the area, and such lovely surroundings for sailing. He made my mums birthday so special and reminded me why I fell in love with sailing! Thoroughly enjoyable and highly recommended for both locals and visitors! 🤍
  • J
    Jade
    Jul 2025
    Great day out, saw plenty of the harbour and he was really informative about the coastline. We asked loads of questions about the boat as we were complete novices. My husband got stuck in with learning the basics and now have the boat bug! He was very accommodating and put fishing lines out as requested and provided a light lunch. We would 100% recommend! Had a great day
  • Pierre
    Jul 2025
    My wife and I had an absolutely fantastic time renting a sailboat through Click and Boat, thanks in large part to our incredible skipper, Paul. From start to finish, the experience was seamless, enjoyable, and truly memorable. Paul was not just a skilled and professional skipper but also an outstanding teacher. As I’m currently working toward my Day Skipper license, his patience, knowledge, and willingness to share tips and techniques were invaluable. He broke down maneuvers in a way that was easy to understand and gave me the confidence to practice under his expert supervision. His passion for sailing was contagious, and we both learned so much while having a great time on the water. The boat itself was in excellent condition, well-equipped, and perfect for a relaxing yet engaging day out. Paul’s attention to safety and comfort ensured that we could fully enjoy the trip without any worries. If you’re looking for a fantastic sailing experience with a skipper who is both highly skilled and a fantastic instructor, we couldn’t recommend Paul enough. We’ll definitely be booking again—thank you for an unforgettable day!
  • H
    Helen
    Jul 2025
    Brilliant owner and skipper! They explained everything clearly and made sure we felt comfortable. I also got the chance to get hands-on, which was a lot of fun. The experience was truly enjoyable – stunning surroundings, great food and drinks. Highly recommended!

Good to know

Right of withdrawal for this booking:
No. Learn more
Cancellation policy : Flexible

Free cancellation available for the next 48h

Full refund if you cancel 24 hours or more before the booking start (excluding service fees and commission).
Booking conditions
Includes professional skipper

More experiences of this owner

Tags

  • Sailboat Tour
  • River Boat Tour