Few maritime entrances in the UK match the sheer, breathtaking drama of arriving in Dartmouth from the open sea. Passing between the twin sentinel fortresses of Dartmouth Castle and Kingswear Castle, the sea tightens into a deep-water canyon before revealing a magnificent, sheltered natural haven.
Framed by rolling South Devon hills, historic timber-framed waterfront buildings, and the grand silhouette of the Britannia Royal Naval College, the River Dart is widely regarded as one of Europe’s finest natural harbours.
Whether you are planning a coast-hopping passage in a sea-going yacht, bringing a RIB on a trailer for a family weekend, or cruising downriver from Totnes, visiting Dartmouth by boat offers an unforgettable nautical getaway. Here is everything you need to know about navigating the river, securing a berth, launching a trailer boat, and making the most of your time on the water.
Navigating the River Dart: Deep Water & Shelter
One of Dartmouth’s greatest assets is its accessible deep-water harbour. Unlike many estuaries along the South Coast that dry out completely or feature tricky tidal bars, the entrance to the Dart offers generous depth at all states of the tide for standard draft leisure craft.
Once inside, you are sheltered from most prevailing winds, with the estuary winding inland through miles of National Landscape scenery toward Dittisham, Greenway, and Totnes.
Logistical Tip: While entry is straightforward, keep an eye out for the busy Dartmouth-to-Kingswear car ferries (both the Higher Ferry and the Lower Ferry) which constantly ply back and forth across the narrowest sections of the river. Standard maritime rules of the road apply, and visitors should maintain a sharp lookout and respect local speed limits (6 knots in designated harbour zones).
Image with thanks to ClareBoothPhotography
Marinas and Moorings: Where to Stay
When visiting Dartmouth by water, you have a rich choice of overnight options spanning full-service luxury marinas on both sides of the river, as well as mid-river swinging moorings and public town pontoons.
1. Dart Harbour Visitor Moorings
Managed by the Dart Harbour Authority, public visitor options cater to both short stays and extended holidays:
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Town Jetty & Walk-Ashore Pontoons: Located right on the Dartmouth embankment, placing you steps away from pubs, seafood restaurants, and shops. Fresh water and electricity are available.
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River Pontoons & Island Pontoons: Mid-river pontoons off Kingswear and upriver offer peaceful berths with scenic views. You will need a tender or the local river taxi service to reach land.
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Swinging and Trot Moorings: For total tranquility, swinging moorings further upriver offer unmissable night-time views of the starry river valley.
2. Darthaven Marina (Kingswear)
Situated on the eastern bank in Kingswear, right alongside the historic steam railway station, Darthaven Marina is one of the premier independent marine hubs on the South Coast. It features over 270 pontoon berths, dedicated visitor accommodation, a diesel/petrol fuel berth, an extensive chandlery, and comprehensive on-site engineering and shipwright services.
For those who prefer to be berthed on the Dartmouth side of the river, Dart Marina offers upscale, boutique berthing just north of the town embankment. Situated alongside the stylish Dart Marina Hotel & Spa, it provides top-tier berth holder facilities and easy walk-ashore access into the heart of Dartmouth’s dining and boutique shopping district.
4. Noss On Dart Premier Marina
Sitting further upriver on the eastern bank near Kingswear, Noss On Dart is a modern, fully redeveloped facility operated by Premier Marinas. It offers state-of-the-art pontoon layouts, luxury washrooms, a large travel hoist, marine engine specialist workshops, and on-site dining - perfect for visitors seeking a quiet, high-end berth set against wooded hillsides.
Bringing a Boat on a Trailer: Slipways & Launching
Bringing your own boat on a trailer gives you total freedom to explore the Dart’s hidden coves and upstream reaches. However, launching a boat in a historic town requires a bit of logistical planning.
Public Slipways
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Dartmouth Public Slipway (Higher Ferry): Concrete slipway access near the Higher Ferry on the Dartmouth side gives direct access to the lower river. Note that trailer parking nearby can be competitive during high season.
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Dittisham Slipway: Situated further upriver in the picturesque village of Dittisham, ideal for smaller powerboats, kayaks, and RIBs.
Blackness Marine & Camping: The Ultimate Trailered Boat Base
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Drystack boating memberships: Premium Drystack launch & recovery membership, inclusive of launch and recovery, wash off, and covered storage outside of the launching season (Apr-Oct) when laid up for winter.
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Self Launch Membership/Visitors: Slipway access, and wash-down facility with ample car and trailer parking saves struggling to park them in the centre of town. All have a safety induction briefing on arrival.
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Blackness Marine Camping: For a unique coastal getaway, they offer off-grid camping right on-site. You can camp under the South Devon stars, wake up, and launch onto the River Dart - making it one of the best bases for a trailer boating holiday in Devon.
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Boat Storage - Extensive secure indoor / outdoor storage available year-round, with access to an extensive network of local marine trades.
Image with thanks to ClaireGilloPhotography
Unmissable Sights by Boat
Once you are settled on the water, the River Dart opens up a playground of maritime exploration:
- Dartmouth Castle to the Open Sea: Head out past the Gun Tower at Dartmouth Castle for a spot of coastal cruising along the South Hams coastline toward Slapton Sands or Start Point.
- Upriver to Greenway: Cruise past Sir Walter Raleigh’s Anchor Stone up to Greenway House, the beloved former holiday home of Agatha Christie (managed by the National Trust). Visitors can tie up at the Greenway quay or grab a visitor mooring.
- Dittisham ("Ditsum"): Drop anchor or grab a buoy off Dittisham. Ring the bell at the quay to summon the ferry over to the famous Anchorstone Cafe for fresh local seafood, or grab a pint at the Ferry Boat Inn.
- Tidal Navigation to Totnes: At high tide, smaller motorboats and shallow-draft vessels can navigate all the way to the medieval market town of Totnes, winding through tranquil oak woodlands where egrets, seals, and kingfishers abound.
Plan Your Boating Visit to Dartmouth
Wherever you choose to berth Dartmouth delivers a boating holiday unmatched on the South Coast. Get ready to set sail and join us in this beautiful corner fof !