Discover Greenslade Pleasure Boats in Poole with essential information on cruises, ferry routes, prices, departure points and booking. This family-run Poole Quay company has operated boat trips since 1970, with current sailings including Poole Harbour and Sandbanks cruises, Brownsea Island ferries, Wareham River trips and wildlife cruises with Birds of Poole Harbour. Whether you want a short sightseeing cruise or a longer day on the water, Greenslade offers several ways to explore Poole Harbour and Dorset’s coastline.
Greenslade Pleasure Boats is a long-established family-run boat company operating from Poole Quay, offering scenic cruises and ferry trips around Poole Harbour and the Dorset coast. Running since 1970, the company offers trips including Sandbanks and harbour cruises, Brownsea Island ferries, Wareham River cruises and specialist wildlife sailings. With departures directly from Poole Quay and options ranging from short sightseeing trips to longer cruises, Greenslade Pleasure Boats is a popular way to explore Poole from the water.
Address: Greenslade Pleasure Boats, The Orange Kiosk, Poole Quay, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1HJ
Telephone: 01202 669955
Email: greensladepleasureboats@gmail.com
Departure point: Fish Shambles Steps, Poole Quay
Website: Greenslade Pleasure Boats
Booking: Online booking available for selected cruises; some services operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Greenslade Pleasure Boats is an independent family business that has been operating from Poole Quay since 1970.
Its boat trips provide visitors with a different perspective on Poole Harbour, Sandbanks, Brownsea Island and the surrounding Dorset landscape, with a mixture of sightseeing cruises, ferry services and longer river journeys available.
Most trips depart from the company’s base beside the Fish Shambles Steps on Poole Quay, making them easy to combine with restaurants, shops and other attractions around the waterfront.
The Sandbanks & Harbour Cruise is one of Greenslade’s most accessible sightseeing options and lasts approximately one hour.
The cruise travels through Poole Harbour, offering views of the harbour, islands and Sandbanks peninsula while passengers hear about the area during the journey.
Current scheduled departures run from April until the end of October, generally at:
Times can change depending on weather and operating conditions.
Current return prices are:
Group rates are available for groups of ten or more.
Greenslade Pleasure Boats also operates a ferry service from Poole Quay to Brownsea Island.
The crossing takes approximately 20 minutes, with an hourly service operating until around 4pm during the current season. The published 2026 operating period is 14 March to 2 November.
Current return fares are:
There is currently no need to pre-book the standard Poole Quay ferry service; passengers pay at the Orange Kiosk. The National Trust advises that services operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Brownsea Island admission is separate from the ferry fare. National Trust members receive free island admission but still need to pay for the ferry crossing.
For a longer trip, Greenslade operates a Wareham River Cruise from Poole towards the historic town of Wareham.
The journey travels through Poole Harbour and along the River Frome before allowing visitors time to explore Wareham, including its historic walls, shops, pubs and restaurants.
The complete return experience lasts approximately three and a half hours.
Current online booking prices start from £15, with available dates and exact fares shown through the company’s live booking system.
Greenslade Pleasure Boats works with local conservation charity Birds of Poole Harbour to operate specialist wildlife cruises.
These trips run throughout the year and focus on Poole Harbour’s birdlife, habitats and natural environment, combining wildlife watching with expert interpretation.
Because these sailings are scheduled separately from the regular sightseeing programme, visitors should check current dates and availability before travelling.
Greenslade Pleasure Boats also offers private boat hire and group cruises around Poole Harbour.
Private trips can be arranged for occasions including celebrations, parties and group outings, with a range of established cruise routes available or arrangements discussed directly with the company.
Group prices are also available on some scheduled services.
Some cruises, including the Sandbanks & Harbour Cruise and Wareham River Cruise, can be booked through the Greenslade Pleasure Boats website.
Visitors can also contact the company directly on 01202 669955.
The Brownsea Island ferry differs from the main sightseeing cruises because standard passengers currently do not pre-book; tickets are purchased from the Orange Kiosk on Poole Quay.
Greenslade Pleasure Boats operates from Poole Quay, with its Orange Kiosk located beside the waterfront at BH15 1HJ.
Poole Quay is within walking distance of Poole town centre and Poole railway station, making it possible to visit without a car.
Visitors driving into Poole can use one of the public town-centre or quay car parks before walking to the departure point.
Boat trips are dependent on weather and operating conditions, and departure times can occasionally change.
Greenslade specifically recommends checking before travelling for its Sandbanks & Harbour Cruise because scheduled sailing times can be altered due to the weather.
Anyone travelling specifically for a cruise should therefore check the latest information online or contact the company on the day.
Greenslade Pleasure Boats offers several different ways to experience Poole Harbour, so choosing the right trip depends largely on how much time visitors have.
The Sandbanks & Harbour Cruise is a good option for a short sightseeing trip, while the Brownsea Island ferry works well for visitors planning to spend part of the day exploring the island. The longer Wareham River Cruise provides a more substantial outing, while the specialist wildlife cruises are particularly suited to visitors interested in Poole Harbour’s birdlife and natural environment.
With departures directly from Poole Quay, the trips can also be easily combined with exploring Poole Old Town, the waterfront and nearby restaurants.
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