Top boat trips in North Wales

North Wales boasts a stunning coastline with its tranquil rivers and beautiful lakes drenched in natural beauty, making it a haven for all things nautical. Whether you seek a gentle sightseeing cruise or an adrenaline-pumping RIB ride, there's a boat trip waiting to whisk you away on an unforgettable adventure. 

Perhaps you’re wondering where the best place to watch dolphins is along the spectacular North Wales coast? Or maybe a relaxing day on a fishing boat trip, casting your line amidst breathtaking scenery is more your style. Whatever your maritime fancy, from Anglesey to Abersoch, in North Wales there is a boat trip waiting to make your coastal dreams a reality.

So, we’ve put together a handy guide featuring the top North Wales boat trips for your next holiday – pack your sense of wonder and explore the best North Wales has to offer by sea. And if you’re on the hunt for the perfect place to lay your head – and your sailor’s hat – we’re sure to have a cottage just for you.

Skip to:

• Puffin Island Cruise, Beaumaris, Anglesey
• Swellies Adventure St George’s Pier, Menai
• Sightseeing Cruises, Conwy
• Abersoch Boat Trips, Abersoch
• Genesis Sea Fishing, Rhyl
• Bardsey Boat Trips, Bardsey Island/Ynys Enlil
• North Wales boat trips map
• Ready to set sail to our North Wales cottages?

Puffin Island Cruise, Beaumaris, Anglesey

Climb aboard a traditional cruise boat departing from Beaumaris Pier and set sail towards Puffin Island, also known as Ynys Seiriol in Welsh. This scenic trip offers breathtaking views; admire the colourful houses as you sail past lighthouses, shipwrecks and caves. Your expert skipper will share local history and spot playful wildlife. Navigate the Menai Strait, stopping by Penmon Point Lighthouse and a seal colony with its fascinating cave. Witness beautiful Benllech and Moelfre in the distance before your coastal return.

The star attraction of this cruise is undoubtedly the opportunity to spot puffins. These delightful birds with their brightly coloured beaks nest on the Great Orme between April and July, so you might want to plan your trip accordingly. Keep an eye out for other seabirds like razorbills, guillemots and even the occasional peregrine falcon soaring overhead. 

This relaxed cruise allows you to appreciate the beauty of the North Wales coastline and its fascinating wildlife. It's perfect for families with children or those seeking a gentle introduction to exploring the sea.

Swellies Adventure St George’s Pier, Menai

Hold on tight for an exhilarating ride on a high-speed RIB (rigid inflatable boat) and join a thrilling water adventure beneath the area’s two iconic bridges. Depart St George's Pier, cruise under Telford's Menai marvel, and brace for their world-famous Swellies! Feel the power of nature's currents and whirlpools and experience these legendary waters from a unique perspective.

Here, within the Menai Strait's distinctive terrain, the tides clash offering a dramatic display of Mother Nature's might. You can rest assured, however, that the skipper will navigate these legendary waters expertly – whilst pointing out remnants of past voyages less fortunate! Here’s your chance to spot oystercatchers, curlews and majestic herons, and learn the curious tale of the island house … and prepare to be dwarfed by Britannia Bridge's stone lions!

All of these tours are round trips, so you’ll stay aboard for the duration of the journey. Please dress appropriately, as you won’t have the opportunity to add or remove layers once on the RIB.

Sightseeing Cruises, Conwy

Conwy is a waterside town steeped in history and a sightseeing cruise on the Queen Victoria or Princess Christine offers visitors the chance to explore its historic sites from a different perspective. The local landscape is dominated by the town’s mighty 13th-century castle and this medieval beauty sits surrounded by lush Welsh countryside, watched over by the majestic Snowdonia mountains. Witnessing the castle ruins from the water is a sight to behold!

Choose between four routes that last about an hour. The routes downriver offer views of Llandudno West Shore, the Great Orme, Deganwy and distant views of Anglesey and Puffin Island, whilst upriver, you can enjoy the scenery of lower Conwy Valley, Snowdonia and Glan Conwy.

These tours are run by a family – second and third-generation skippers with a wealth of knowledge of their hometown and its history – so expect a warm welcome and some interesting and knowledgeable commentary.

Abersoch Boat Trips, Abersoch

Take a trip aboard the Abersoch Land and Sea boat trip, a 9-metre Humber RIB, a vessel that comfortably accommodates up to 12 passengers. Sit back, relax and soak in the stunning sights as you embark on a sightseeing tour along Abersoch Bay. Witness the dramatic coastline around St Tudwals Islands and Porth Ceiriad, with its towering cliffs, secluded coves and beautiful beaches. 

The islands themselves are a haven for wildlife, so keep your eyes peeled for playful dolphins, curious seals and an array of seabirds soaring overhead, from majestic gannets and sleek shags to charming kittiwakes and guillemots. This boat trip promises an unforgettable encounter with North Wales' incredible wildlife.

Whilst you’ll stay mainly dry on the rib for the duration of your trip, bear in mind you’ll need to dress appropriately for the weather; a coastal wind can make it feel much cooler … and don’t forget to bring your sunglasses along too!

Genesis Sea Fishing, Rhyl

Operating out of Rhyl Harbour, North Wales, enjoy a sea fishing trip aboard the Genesis, a fast, modern and spacious fishing vessel perfect for groups of up to 8 passengers. This 9-metre Evolution boat is equipped with the latest technology to handle multi-day excursions. It cruises comfortably at 12–15 knots and can reach speeds of up to 24 knots when needed. 

More importantly, the crew is a welcoming bunch of passionate and skilled skippers who hold RYA Yachtmaster Offshore qualifications, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. Offering sea fishing charters, book a trip with Genesis to experience fishing wrecks, drift fishing over banks or species competitions.

Here’s just a few of the species you can hope to catch in Liverpool Bay: dogfish, rays, black bream, plaice, tope, bull huss, cod, conger eel, whiting and more.

Bardsey Boat Trips, Bardsey Island/Ynys Enlli

Embark on a trip around the legendary island of Bardsey, Llŷn Peninsula, the ‘Island of 20,000 Saints’ which is also known as Ynys Enlli in Welsh, meaning ‘The Island of Currents’. This fascinating place is a haven for wildlife and is most famous for its birdlife, particularly during nesting season when puffins, razorbills and guillemots can be spotted. Seals are also common visitors, and you might even be lucky enough to see dolphins or porpoises.

Legend surrounds this atmospheric island, as it is claimed to be the burial site of the wizard, Merlin, but it also offers a significantly rich history, dating back to the 6th century, with a monastery established by the Welsh kings of Llŷn and Saint Cadfan. It remained a popular pilgrimage destination until the 16th century.

The island itself is beautiful. With a dramatic coastline, rugged scenery, and an area of just 179 hectares, it has been designated a National Nature Reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest, owned and managed by the Bardsey Island Trust. It is a truly special location to visit by boat during your North Wales holiday.

North Wales boat trips map

Find all of the boat trips we've mentioned in this guide on this handy map

Ready to set sail to our North Wales cottages?

Bryn Benar

Enjoy the best of North Wales and explore its stunning coastline by boat; whether you're a thrill-seeker craving an adrenaline rush or a nature enthusiast seeking a gentle exploration, there's a boat trip waiting to launch you into an unforgettable adventure.

Ready to set sail? You’ll need to find the perfect place to drop anchor for a while and we’re sure to have the ideal abode. From coastal retreats to family-friendly stays, browse our diverse collection of cottages and find a home-away-from-home for your North Wales coastal adventure.