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 on the water. And as an added bonus, our Marketing Manager Laura Kerslake, who is a huge fan of both North Wales and boat trips, shares her highlights, top tips and favourite photos from some of these trips below.

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
• Pontcysyllte Aqueduct Canal Boat Trip, Llangollen
• 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

Images by Laura Kerslake

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. 

Laura, Wales Cottage Holidays' Marketing Manager, loved experiencing this cruise along the stunning North Wales coastline. 

"One of my favourite things about the Puffin Island trip is the wildlife. Everywhere you look there's something new to spot, but the highlight for me was seeing the adorable puffins.

I took my son along with me, and he absolutely loved it too. It's a fantastic day out for the whole family. 

My top tip would be to pack a waterproof for the return trip, as the sea can be a little choppier on the way back, which means you might get caught by the spray. In fact, that was actually my son's favourite part of the whole experience, getting splashed by the waves!" 

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.

One of Laura's favourite parts of the trip was the commentary throughout the cruise: 

"I learned so many fascinating facts about the history of the area. Another highlight of the cruise is that, because you're on a river, the journey is much calmer than being out at sea, making it ideal for first-time sailors or anyone who's a little nervous on the water. 

As the cruises depend on the tides, my top tip is to give them a quick call and check in advance to see whether they're sailing and which route they're taking when you plan to visit. When I was last in Conwy, it was only possible to head downriver towards the sea, which was a wonderful trip. But I can't wait to return, sail upriver past the castle and experience that route too." 

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, and it's one of our favourite things to do on the Llyn Peninsula.

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!

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct Canal Boat Trip, Llangollen

Images by Laura Kerslake

You may not be beside the coast in Llangollen, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy one of North Wales' best boat trips: a journey aboard the Little Star (Seren Fach) across the world-famous Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. 

Your canal boat adventure begins in Trevor, before quickly reaching the aqueduct itself. Built in 1805 and soaring 126ft above the River Dee, Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is the highest canal aqueduct in the world and the longest in the UK. In 2009, the aqueduct and surrounding canal were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, securing their place among some of the world's most significant landmarks. 

Once you've crossed this incredible structure, you'll continue along the canal before turning around and making the return journey. That means whichever side of the boat you choose, you'll be treated to spectacular views both ways. 

It's one of Laura's favourite things to do in North Wales. 

"Cruising across the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct should be on everyone's bucket list. I'm scared of heights, but I'm so glad I put my fears aside and took this trip. The views are so breathtaking that I completely forgot about my phobia and found myself standing by the open window, transfixed as we seemed to sail through the sky. 

The staff are wonderful and incredibly knowledgeable, making the whole experience even more memorable. It really is a North Wales must-do." 

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.

Written by Laura Kerslake

Regional Marketing Manager

As a Gold Cultural Ambassador for Wales, I love experiencing everything, from finding hidden gems to visiting big attractions - and sharing my local knowledge with our readers.