Poole is a fantastic destination for anyone who loves being on the water. Its natural harbour, one of the largest in the world, offers a stunning setting for a variety of boat tours—and the variety here really stands out. Whether you want to steer your own boat, enjoy a relaxing cruise with wildlife sightings, or indulge in a scenic evening with fish and chips, Poole has something for every maritime enthusiast. We particularly like the self-drive boat hire because it puts you in control of your adventure, offering a chance to explore Brownsea Island and the harbor at your own pace. Meanwhile, the harbour and islands circular cruise provides a comfortable, guided way to see Poole’s most iconic sights.
If you’re after something a little more special, the fish and chips evening cruise combines a classic British meal with a peaceful boat ride, and the harbour lights cruise offers a beautiful sunset view with illuminated landmarks. For a festive touch, the harbour cruise with mulled wine and mince pie makes for a warm, cheerful experience. Each of these options showcases Poole’s natural beauty and lively maritime culture in a different way.
1. Poole Harbour: Self Drive Boat Hire with Poole Boat Hire
At number one, the Poole Harbour: Self Drive Boat Hire offers an incredible opportunity to explore Poole’s second largest natural harbour at your own pace. For 2 to 8 hours, you can take the wheel and navigate this vast, sheltered body of water. This experience is ideal for those who want more independence—no need for a guide, just a briefing to get you comfortable with the boat.
What sets this apart is the chance to see Brownsea Island from the sea, a highlight for both nature lovers and those interested in the area’s conservation efforts. The boats are easy to handle, and the company provides clear instructions, making this accessible even for first-timers. The reviews consistently praise the friendly service, with one reviewer saying, “The boat was great, the briefing was excellent, and the customer service was brilliant.”
This option is perfect if you’re confident on the water or eager to learn. The duration flexibility means you can spend a quick couple of hours or enjoy a relaxed day on the water. The main upside? You get to create your own itinerary—stop for a picnic on Brownsea, explore hidden coves, or simply cruise around the harbour’s spectacular scenery.
Bottom Line: Self-drive gives you freedom and a sense of adventure, making it a top choice for independent travelers or groups wanting a personalized day on the water.
2. Poole: Harbour and Islands Circular Cruise
Second on our list is the Poole: Harbour and Islands Circular Cruise, a 70-minute trip that packs plenty of sights into a short ride. This cruise is ideal for those who prefer a guided, relaxed experience with ample opportunities for sightseeing and commentary. The open deck allows you to take in the panoramic views, while the lower saloon offers a comfortable space to relax.
This cruise covers Brownsea Island, Sandbanks Peninsula, and other local landmarks. The lively commentary from the captain enhances the experience, giving insights into the area’s wildlife and history, making it both educational and entertaining. With a rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 18 reviews, it’s clear that most passengers find it a worthwhile outing. Passengers often mention the humorous and informative commentary, and how the trip is “a lovely way to spend over an hour.”
This tour is well suited for families, couples, or anyone wanting a quick, scenic overview of Poole’s harbor area. It’s also great for those on a time crunch but still eager to see the highlights from the water. The moderate length and open-air seating make it a manageable and pleasant outing.
Bottom Line: Perfect for a brief, scenic, and informative cruise—especially if you want to see Brownsea Island and Sandbanks without committing to a longer tour.
3. Poole: Fish and Chips Evening Cruise
The Poole: Fish and Chips Evening Cruise offers a quintessentially British experience—a 90-minute cruise that combines good food with scenic views. Departing from Poole Quay, this tour promises a relaxing evening on the water with a delicious fish and chips dinner included. Along the way, you’ll pass Brownsea Island and see the luxurious homes of Sandbanks.
What makes this cruise stand out is the combination of sightseeing and dining. You’ll get to enjoy your meal while taking in the harbor’s sights, with live commentary from the captain providing context about the landmarks you pass. The bar is fully stocked, so you can sip a drink as the evening unfolds. Although reviews are limited to six, they are mostly positive, citing the “very informative” commentary and the “nice way to spend time just over an hour.”
This tour appeals most to travelers who want a casual, social experience that combines food with sightseeing. It’s particularly suitable for those celebrating a special occasion or simply looking to make their evening memorable without too much fuss.
Bottom Line: A laid-back way to enjoy local cuisine and scenic views in one go, best suited for food lovers and friends wanting a relaxed evening.
4. Poole: Harbour Lights Cruise
The Poole: Harbour Lights Cruise offers a magical experience—watching Europe’s largest natural harbour glow as the sun sets. This 1.5-hour cruise takes you through Poole’s harbor, where landmarks are beautifully illuminated at night. The open deck is the perfect vantage point for photos and taking in the scenery.
During the cruise, you’ll enjoy views of Brownsea Island, Sandbanks, and other notable sites, all bathed in the soft glow of evening lights. The captain’s commentary adds interesting details, making it both a scenic and educational outing. Passengers have praised the cruise for its “breathtaking views” and the “relaxing atmosphere.” This experience is ideal for a romantic evening or a peaceful end to a day of sightseeing.
The cruise is suited for visitors who appreciate a relaxing, atmospheric experience—perfect for those wanting to see Poole’s landmarks in a different light, literally. The only potential downside might be the weather, so a clear evening enhances the experience.
Bottom Line: Best for a calm, scenic, and atmospheric conclusion to your day—especially if you’re fond of sunsets and sparkling harbor views.
5. Poole: Festive Harbour Cruise with Mulled Wine & Mince Pie
Finally, the Festive Harbour Cruise offers a seasonal twist—70 minutes of holiday cheer on the water. Priced at just $19 per person, it’s an accessible way to celebrate winter. The cruise includes a complimentary glass of mulled wine and a mince pie, creating a cozy, festive atmosphere.
Passing by Brownsea Island, Sandbanks, and other landmarks, this cruise combines sightseeing with holiday spirit. The live commentary provides insights into the area’s history and points of interest, adding an educational touch to the festive mood. It’s a popular choice for families, couples, or groups wanting a cheerful event to mark the season.
While reviews are not provided, the combination of drinks, seasonal treats, and scenic views makes this a charming option for winter visitors looking to add some sparkle to their Poole experience.
Bottom Line: A delightful seasonal outing, perfect for spreading holiday cheer while enjoying scenic views and a warm drink.
How to Choose the Right Cruise or Boat Tour in Poole
When selecting the best cruise or boat tour, consider your budget, preferred pace, and what kind of experience you’re after. For hands-on adventure, the self-drive boat hire offers independence and flexibility—great for confident boaters or groups who want to steer their own course. If you prefer a guided experience with insightful commentary, the harbour and islands cruise is ideal for a quick overview.
Food and festive atmosphere are priorities? The fish and chips evening cruise and festive cruise provide memorable ways to combine local cuisine and seasonal cheer. Meanwhile, the harbour lights cruise is perfect if you want a romantic, sunset experience.
Book early, especially during peak summer or festive seasons, to secure your preferred time slot. Consider weather conditions, too—an evening cruise in summer is often more pleasant than in the colder months, but Poole’s harbor can be enjoyed year-round with proper planning.
Final Thoughts
Poole’s diverse boat tours make it easy to tailor a maritime experience to your interests. For a sense of adventure and independence, the self-drive boat hire is hard to beat. If you’d rather sit back and relax, the guided harbour and islands cruise or the scenic harbour lights cruise will satisfy. Food lovers and holiday visitors should consider the fish and chips cruise or the festive season trip for memorable eats and cheer.
With options spanning from quick scenic trips to full-day explorations, Poole is a boat lover’s haven. To get the most out of your visit, plan ahead and book early—these tours fill up quickly, especially in summer. No matter your choice, the waters of Poole promise a delightful and memorable experience.