Boat trips
Aquabus
Aquabus offers trips around Cardiff Bay, which take in Mermaid Quay, the wetlands nature reserve and the Barrage. Its flagship vessel, the Seren-Y-Bae, can be hired for parties, weddings and more. It also runs an hourly service between Cardiff Castle grounds in the city centre and Mermaid Quay in the Bay.
029 2034 5163
Baia Vita
Push the boat out by booking a private trip on the waters of Cardiff Bay aboard this retro, Italian-style motorboat. The Baia Vita is perfect for hiring for hour cruises, weddings, birthdays, anniversaries and corporate hospitality. You can even choose your own cruise soundtrack and bring along your own drinks by prior arrangement.
07976 700044 / 07587 036423
Bay Island Voyages
Enjoy fun days out on the water on high-speed, rigid inflatable boats (RIBs), have a blast around Cardiff Bay or go on a scenic tour past Flat Holm Island. You’ll find Bay Island Voyages on the pontoon in Mermaid Quay.
07393 470476
The Boathouse
Based on the pontoon in Mermaid Quay, The Boathouse provides self-drive boat hire from only £29 per boat. Enjoy a unique adventure exploring the Bay with family and friends.
029 2078 7198 / 07976 700044
Cardiff Boat
The Princess Katharine is a covered, 90-seat waterbus which offers a regular service between Bute Park in the city centre and Mermaid Quay in the Bay. Group and corporate bookings are available.
07445 440874
Cardiff Baytrippers
Cardiff Baytrippers operate three different trips on board the Lady Helen boat, departing from Mermaid Quay. The trips of varying lengths take in the Inner Harbour, Rivers Ely or Taff, and Bristol Channel. You can also charter the boat for private parties and wedding trips.
07768 574732
Cardiff Cruises
Cardiff Cruises’ sightseeing boat offers trips around Cardiff Bay, as well as to Penarth Pier and around Flat Holm Island. The trips are a great way to relax and soak up the beautiful scenery. Private hire boat packages for parties and events are also available.
0845 489 6969
Cardiff Sea Safaris
Cardiff Bay’s ultimate powerboat experience provides high speed boat trips in Cardiff Bay and the Bristol Channel, including RIB services to Flat Holm Island, where you can disembark for a tour. The company’s qualified, experienced skippers operate the UK’s fastest passenger-carrying RIBs, so you’re guaranteed a thrilling, fun-filled ride!
029 2048 7663
Cardiff Waterbus
Waterbus’ yellow Princess Royal boat runs regular trips between Cardiff Bay and the Barrage in Penarth. The boat is also available to charter for special trips and parties.
07940 142409
HMS69 Party Boat
Mark special occasions in style with the HMS 69 crew, aboard the Cardiff party boat. With capacity for 120 guests in the summer and 80 in winter, the boat will take you on a three hour tour of the Bay, complete with a barbeque, DJ and fully licensed bar.
MW Marine
Providing a range of boat services in the Bristol Channel, MW Marine offers trips to Flat Holm Island, departing from the Penarth side of the Barrage. Westward Ho, its purpose built, passenger vessel can carry up to 100 people and has a heated, covered area. The company organises day visits, as well as private trips.
01934 636734 / 07754 833158
The Open Boat
Providing unparalleled views of the Inner Harbour and its surroundings, the Daffodil open boat operates trips throughout the year in Cardiff Bay. The boat is perfect if you love taking photographs, admiring wildlife and the feeling of the wind blowing through your hair.