Ferries - South Devon
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Ferries

Ferries

Ferries are one of the most popular ways to get around the five estuaries in the South Hams, so sit back and enjoy the view.

PLANNING A WALK?

If you're walking the South West Coast Path, the ferries form an essential link across the estuaries. Because ferries are dependent on tides and weather, we advise that you check the times and availability of ferry services before travelling, especially the small 'walkers ferries' across the River Avon and River Yealm.

A fantastic circular walk which makes the most of the small ferry from Salcombe is the East Portlemouth to Gara Rock 3.9 miles (6.3 km). This walk takes you along the South West Coast Path from the Salcombe Estuary to meet the wide open sea. With exhilarating scenery, it's a wonderful way to get the wind in your sails.

The sea tractor is the only one in the world and it allows access to Burgh Island even at high tide.

The Dartmouth to Kingswear car ferries and Salcombe to East Portlemouth passenger ferry run all year round.

As well as foot passengers, some ferries accommodate prams, bicycles and dogs.

CALL BEFORE YOU GO

Many of the smaller ferries are seasonal and are weather-dependent, so please call the ferry operator or local harbour office before you set out to make sure they are running. See the opposite page for contact details. Alternatively, Kingsbridge Information Centre have up-to-date advice on all the local ferry services.

Whether you want to get from A to B or experience the excitement of a crossing, using one of the ferries can make your day out even more memorable.

Ferry Timetable

Type of ferry Passenger Ferry
Period 10th April to late September
Times Daily from 10am to 4pm
Routes Between Noss Mayo (wide slip), Newton Ferrers (Yealm Hotel Steps) & Warren Point (coast path to Wembury) To Cellar Beach and river trips by arrangement.
Contact Bill Gregor 07817 132757
Type of ferry No ferry service
Period River can be waded with care one hour either side of low tide.
Times  
Routes Cross between Wonwell slipway and Mothercombe slipway.
Contact  
Type of ferry Passenger Ferry
Period Bantham slipway to Cockleridge and Bigbury
Times 10am to 11am and 3pm to 4pm
Routes End of April to the end of September
Contact Marsh Dawes 01548 561196
Type of ferry Salcombe to East Portlemouth Passenger Ferry
Period Salcombe pier ferry steps (or in the winter from Whitestrand Pontoon to East Portlemouth
Times Daily between 8am to 5:30pm. 8:30am start at weekends. Peak season up until 7pm
Routes All year around
Contact Simon Shortman 01548 842061
Type of ferry Salcombe to South Sands Passenger Ferry
Period End of March to end of October
Times Daily, 1st one from Salcombe 9.45am, then half hourly. Last one from South Sands 5.30pm with extra services in July & August. Service stops for lunch 1.15pm to 1.45pm
Routes From centre of Salcombe at Whitestrand to South Sands beach.
Contact Tim Tucker 01548 561035
Type of ferry Higher Ferry Car Ferry
Period Daily all year round
Times Monday to Saturday 6:30am to 10:50pm
Sunday 8am to 10.50pm
Routes North Dartmouth to Kingswear
Contact 07866 531687
Type of ferry Lower Ferry Car Ferry
Period Daily all year round
Times Monday to Saturday 7am to 10:55pm
Sunday 8am to 10.55pm
Routes South Dartmouth to Kingswear
Contact 01803 861234

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