The best things to do in Bournemouth: boat charters with Experience Charters

Bournemouth has a lot going for it. The beach, the pier, the restaurants, the coastal walks. But if you really want to see what makes this part of the Dorset coast so special, you need to get out on the water.

We recommend a lot of things to our guests, but a private boat charter with Experience Charters is one that consistently gets people talking. Here's why it deserves a spot on your itinerary.

What is Experience Charters?

Experience Charters offer private, skippered boat charters departing from the Bournemouth and Poole area, aboard their beautiful boat Skyfall. Every trip is fully crewed and all fuel is included, so there's nothing extra to pay and nothing to worry about. You simply turn up, get on board, and let Captain Tim take care of everything else.

Charters cater for up to six passengers and can be booked as a half day, full day, or evening and sunset trip. There's even the option to plan a route around a specific lunch spot, mooring up so you can step off and eat before heading back out on the water. It's genuinely one of the most relaxed and enjoyable ways to spend a day in Bournemouth.

What can you see from the water?

The stretch of coastline between Bournemouth and Poole is stunning, and seeing it from the water gives you a completely different perspective. Highlights include:

Brownsea Island sits in the middle of Poole Harbour and is one of the most beautiful spots on the South Coast. It's a National Trust nature reserve and home to red squirrels, peacocks, and a wide variety of birdlife. Several guests have paddled ashore here on Experience Charters trips, and it's consistently one of the highlights of the day.

Poole Harbour is one of the largest natural harbours in the world, and exploring it by boat reveals parts of the coastline that you simply can't reach any other way. Sandbanks, the chain ferry crossing, the waterfront properties — it looks incredible from the water.

Old Harry Rocks are the iconic chalk stacks that mark the eastern tip of the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Seeing them up close from a boat is one of those views that stays with you.

The Bournemouth coastline itself takes on a new dimension when you're out on the water. The beach stretches for miles, the pier looks magnificent from the sea, and on a clear day the views back to shore are superb.

Restaurants and lunch spots accessible by boat

One of the things that makes an Experience Charters trip genuinely special is the option to plan your route around food. The Poole Harbour area has several waterside restaurants and pubs that are easily accessible by boat, meaning you can moor up and enjoy a long lunch before heading back out on the water. It turns a great boat trip into a full day out. Ask your capain when you book and he'll help you plan the perfect itinerary around where you'd like to eat.

Paddle boarding, ice cream boats and the little extras

The reviews from Experience Charters guests say it all. Paddle boards are available on board, and Tim has a knack for finding the most sheltered, secluded spots to use them. One recent guest described him as "always thinking of us," and another highlighted a particularly inspired touch: arranging for the ice cream boat to swing by mid-trip.

These are the kinds of details that make a day genuinely memorable rather than just enjoyable.

What guests say

Here's what some recent guests had to say about their time with Experience Charters:

"Fantastic day! The whole experience was made easy by a simple booking process and communication with our accommodating skipper. We got the paddle boards out, which was a first for some of us and time flew by! We booked a half-day out, but we kind of wish we had done the whole day!"

"I cannot say enough about our experience with Experience Charters. Tim was absolutely amazing, from booking to the experience. He was so professional and so attentive and always thinking of us. If you are thinking of booking, I would say just book it. Everybody had such a fun, fantastic, chilled day. We loved it." — Lorraine Cerquella

"Captain Tim went above and beyond to create the perfect itinerary for our family. He knew all the best, most secluded spots for paddle boarding, which made the experience feel really special and private. To top it all off, he even coordinated for the ice cream boat to swing by — such a thoughtful touch that made the day unforgettable. The boat was beautiful, the pace was relaxed, and Tim's attention to detail made everything seamless."

"Nothing was too much trouble from start to finish. Easy booking process, great drinks selection on board. Our three boys absolutely loved paddle boarding and exploring Brownsea Island. Tim was so helpful and knowledgeable. Skyfall is a super elegant and fun boat too. We will be returning customers." — FS

Perfect for families, groups and special occasions

Whether you're a family looking for an adventure the kids will still be talking about at school, a group of friends after a special day out, or a couple celebrating something, Experience Charters can tailor the trip to suit you. With a maximum of six passengers per charter, every trip is genuinely private. It's just your group, the boat, and the open water.

It also pairs beautifully with a stay at Hotel Collingwood. You're just a two-minute walk from the beach, the harbour is close by, and after a day on the water you'll have the Gold Room Restaurant, the Bubble Lounge and the Eden Spa waiting for you back at the hotel.

How to book a boat charter with Experience Charters

Booking a boat charter from Poole is simple and the communication is excellent, as more than one guest has noted. Head to experiencecharters.co.uk to check availability and get in touch. Half day, full day, sunset, and lunch charters are all available. Tim will work with you to plan the perfect day.