The South Devon Boat Trip No One Else Can Offer
Go to sea on a genuine ex-RNLI lifeboat, crewed by people with real RNLI experience. Departing from Dartmouth and Noss on Dart — for holidaymakers, maritime fans, and anyone who wants a story worth telling.
What We Offer
There are hundreds of boat trips along the South Devon coast. There is only one that puts you aboard a genuine ex-RNLI lifeboat with a crew who know these waters — and these vessels — from years of active service.
These boats weren’t built for sightseeing. They were built to go out in conditions that keep everything else in port. When you sail with us from Dartmouth, you feel that the moment you step aboard.
- You're aboard a vessel with a real RNLI service history — not a replica, not a tourist boat
- Your crew have RNLI experience — they've done this for real, in conditions you'll never face on a day out
- You'll get your hands on the boat — this isn't a passive trip, it's a voyage
- Departing from Dartmouth town centre and Noss on Dart Marina, South Devon
Our Experiences
Half-Day Coastal Trip
Experience the coastline from a unique perspective aboard our lifeboat. Perfect for first-timers and families looking for a memorable adventure.
Full-Day Offshore Adventure
A comprehensive offshore experience for those wanting to spend longer at sea. Includes a full safety briefing and the chance to explore more of the South Devon coastline.
Corporate & Group Events
Team-building with a difference. Take part in a search & rescue experience, with bespoke packages for corporate groups, celebrations, and special occasions.
Available Trips
Choose from four unique lifeboat routes along the South Devon coastline, each offering a different perspective of this stunning stretch of water.
Noss Marina to Brixham
Head out past the mouth of the Dart and along the South Devon coast to Brixham — one of England's great working fishing ports and home to its own RNLI lifeboat station. Aboard a genuine ex-RNLI lifeboat with an experienced crew at the helm, this is South Devon from a perspective most visitors never see. Approx. 5–6 hours | 4 hours engine time.
-
Noss Marina
Collection from our office at Noss Marina, your starting point for the voyage.
-
Brixham
Travel along the coastline to the historic fishing port of Brixham.
-
Noss Marina
Return journey back to Noss Marina.
Noss Marina to Salcombe
The longest of our standard routes and arguably the most dramatic. Head south-west from Noss along the South Devon coast to Salcombe — one of the most beautiful estuary towns in England, tucked behind the headland at the end of a sheltered inlet. Berth in Salcombe, visit the local lifeboat station, and enjoy time ashore before the return passage. Approx. 6.5–7.5 hours | 5 hours engine time.
-
Noss Marina
Collection from our office at Noss Marina, your starting point for the voyage.
-
Salcombe
Head south-west to the picturesque estuary town of Salcombe.
-
Noss Marina
Return journey back to Noss Marina.
Noss Marina to Start Bay
Head out to Start Bay — a wide, open stretch of South Devon coastline with some of the best sea conditions for putting the boat through its paces. On the return, go behind the scenes at Dart RNLI Station: a working lifeboat station, toured by our crew who know it from the inside. For anyone with an interest in the RNLI, this is the trip that goes deepest. Approx. 4–5 hours | 3 hours engine time.
-
Noss Marina
Collection from our office at Noss Marina, your starting point for the voyage.
-
Start Bay
Cruise to the sweeping shores of Start Bay and its stunning coastline.
-
Noss Marina
Return journey back to Noss Marina.
Start Bay & Simulator Experience
The most immersive experience we offer. A Start Bay passage and tour of Dart RNLI Station, followed by a session on the professional marine simulator at South Devon College — the same technology used to train working mariners. You'll take the helm, read the instruments, and understand what it actually takes to manage a vessel in challenging conditions. Approx. 5–6 hours | 3 hours engine time.
-
Noss Marina
Collection from our office at Noss Marina, your starting point for the voyage.
-
Start Bay
Cruise to Start Bay for an on-water lifeboat experience.
-
Noss Marina
Return journey back to Noss Marina.
-
South Devon College Simulator
Visit the marine simulator next to our office for a hands-on session.
Our Story
Every boat in our fleet spent years on active RNLI service — responding to real emergencies, going out in conditions that would keep any pleasure craft in port. When they were decommissioned, we gave them a second purpose: sharing that history with people who would never otherwise set foot on one.
Our crew bring that same spirit. Many have served as RNLI volunteers themselves. They know the Dart estuary, the South Devon coast, and the sea beyond it the way only someone who's worked it properly can.
When you sail with us, you're not just on a boat trip. You're in the company of people who understand what these boats — and this coastline — truly mean.
Why Choose Us
Safety First
Every trip begins with a full safety briefing from crew who have trained and operated to RNLI standards. Certified equipment. No compromises.
RNLI-Experienced Crew
Our crew aren't just qualified mariners — many have served as active RNLI volunteers, crewing real lifeboat callouts along this coastline. You're in hands that have done this for real.
Authentic Vessels
Every boat in our fleet has a documented RNLI service history. When you step aboard, you're standing where real lifeboat crews stood. These are the real thing.
An Experience Like No Other
From the moment you board to the moment you step ashore, this is something genuinely different. The kind of day out you'll still be talking about years from now.
Ready to Book Your Experience?
Spaces fill up quickly during peak season. Get in touch today to secure your place aboard one of our lifeboats.
Book NowGet In Touch
Have a question or ready to book? Fill in the form below and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
Get in touch and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
Email Us