Explore the Coastline, Wildlife & Waterways of Wales
Published on 25 Aug 2025 by Amy GreenwoodThere’s no better way to experience the beauty of Wales’ coasts and rivers than from the water. Whether you’re after high-speed thrills, scenic canal cruises, wildlife watching tours or a family-friendly fishing trip, there’s a boat trip here with your name on it.
From thrilling RIB rides along the Menai Strait to dolphin-spotting cruises in Cardigan Bay, scenic canal journeys in Llangollen and magical island visits off the Llyn Peninsula, here’s a selection of some of the best boat trips and experiences to enjoy this summer.
HIGH-SPEED ADVENTURES: RIB RIDES
Land & Sea Boat Trips – Abersoch
Hop aboard Abersoch Land & Sea’s 9m Humber RIB to explore the southern coast of the Llyn Peninsula. With experienced skippers at the helm, this fun-filled sightseeing cruise will take you across Abersoch bay, past the St Tudwals Islands, and along the stunning coastline of Porth Ceiriad. Keep an eye out for some fantastic photo ops, and the chance to spot seals, seabirds, and dolphins who love to join the fun!
RibRide – Menai Strait
Take a ride on the wild side with an exhilarating high-speed RIB ride along the Menai Strait. Depart from St. George’s Pier, pass beneath the iconic Menai Suspension Bridge and head into the famous Swellies – with its strong currents, tidal flows and whirlpools – on the ‘Swellies Adventure’; or take in both of Anglesey’s iconic bridges before racing along the coast to Beaumaris with the ‘Menai Adventure’.
Beyond high-speed thrills, RibRide offers a range of coastal adventures around Anglesey, including the ’Caernarfon Adventure’, the ‘Puffin Adventure’ and sunset cruises.
SCENIC CANAL & RIVER CRUISES
Horse Drawn Boat Trips – Llangollen Wharf
If you’d rather opt for something a bit more sedate, try an old-fashioned canal boat trip along the scenic Llangollen canal. Running from March to November, you can choose a gentle 45-minute journey or a longer two-hour trip to Horseshoe Falls. The peaceful pace and beautiful surroundings make this ideal for those who want to slow down and take in the historic and natural wonders of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct Boat Trip – Llangollen
Cruise across the awe-inspiring Pontcysyllte Aqueduct in a specially designed motorboat. Soaring 126ft above the River Dee and supported by 18 stone piers, this aqueduct is an engineering marvel. During your trip, enjoy breathtaking views, a full commentary on the area’s wildlife and rich heritage, and treat yourself to a drink from the onboard bar. It’s a must-do for lovers of history, heritage – and heights!
River Teifi Estuary Cruise – Cardigan
For a gentle outing, enjoy a scenic boat trip from Cardigan Bridge jetty along the beautiful river Teifi. The trip takes you past St Dogmaels and historic fishing villages, with commentary covering the area’s heritage. Look out for riverside wildlife and discover how the people once earned their living on this beautiful stretch of the river. Family-friendly, peaceful and relaxing.
ISLAND ESCAPES
Ynys Enlli Day Trip – Llyn Peninsula
Take a magical day trip to Bardsey Island (Ynys Enlli), a place rich in history and natural beauty. Trips are run by local boatman Colin Evans, who will whisk you across the two-mile stretch of water from Porth Meudwy to the island’s natural harbour, Y Cafn. En route he’ll share a wealth of local knowledge and fascinating stories about the island’s history, wildlife, and community.
Look out for a variety of coastal wildlife, including everyone’s favourite seabird – puffins. If you’re lucky, you’ll be greeted by a family of seals bobbing in the water as you arrive on the island.
Trips run daily from March to October (weather permitting). Booking is old school – call or text Colin on 07971 769 895.
WILDLIFE WATCHING & FISHING FUN
Fish ‘n’ Trips – Abersoch
Climb aboard Jenny II with skipper Bryn for a relaxed wildlife watching and fishing trip. Explore the sheltered waters around the St Tudwal’s Islands, spot dolphins, seals, and an array of seabirds, and enjoy a friendly introduction to sea fishing. It’s a laid-back, family-friendly way to enjoy the coast and spot some of its wild residents.
Puffin Island Wildlife Cruises – Beaumaris
Enjoy a memorable wildlife adventure with Seacoast Safaris. Set sail from Beaumaris to explore the waters around Puffin Island (Ynys Seiriol), a haven for seabirds and Atlantic grey seals. Cruises offer an entertaining commentary on the area’s wildlife and local history. During breeding season (April to July) you’ll see puffins, guillemots, and razorbills nesting, while other species like cormorants and shags remain year-round. Dogs are welcome aboard, making this a fantastic trip for the whole family.
Anglesey Fishing & Boat Trips – Holyhead
Fancy casting a line? Anglesey Fishing & Boat trips are based in Holyhead and offer group fishing trips off the coast of Anglesey, including a three-hour introduction to fishing – perfect for beginners. With all gear supplied and expert guidance, it’s a relaxed and fun way to enjoy time on the water. If you want to explore a little further afield, they even offer day trips to the Isle of Man.
Barmouth Boat Trips – Barmouth
Departing from Barmouth Harbour aboard Warrior, Barmouth Boat Trips offer sea fishing charters and scenic dolphin spotting trips along the coast. Great for beginners and seasoned anglers alike, you can fish for mackerel, tope, bream, bass and more – set against the spectacular backdrop of Barmouth’s mountainous coastline.
SeaMôr Dolphin Watching – New Quay
SeaMôr Dolphin Watching offers a variety of marine wildlife trips and tours, including dolphin and wildlife spotting, sunset boat trips and private charters. Join marine biologists to learn about the local history, geology and wildlife from their knowledgeable skippers and enjoy stunning views of the coastline from a new perspective.
A Bay to Remember – Cardigan Bay
Voted one of the best wildlife boat trips in Wales, A Bay to Remember offers departures from St. Dogmaels and Poppit Sands. Choose from a range of trips including family-favourite the ‘Bay Explorer’, or the ‘Premier Bay Explorer’ aimed at the more serious wildlife enthusiast!
Trips cover a wide area of the coastline from Cemaes Head to Cardigan Island and Mwnt, with longer trips venturing towards Aberporth and up to Ynys Lochtyn. This area is known for its protected status and rich biodiversity so expect to see bottlenose dolphins, harbour porpoises, seals, seabirds, and stunning coastal scenery.
Ready to hop aboard and explore the coastline, wildlife and waterways of Wales?
From heart-racing RIB rides to peaceful canal cruises, whether you’re hoping to spot puffins, catch your first mackerel, explore a mystical island, or simply enjoy the amazing Welsh coastline – there’s a boat trip waiting for you!
