Fleet Explorer

Sailings on the Fleet Explorer have now finished for the 2024 season.

The Fleet Explorer © Angela Thomas

Take a trip on the Fleet Explorer

Enjoy an hour long boat trip on Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Fleet Explorer

Find out about the iconic Chesil Beach, the little tern colony, local history, the wildlife of the Fleet Lagoon, and see what animals you can spot along the way. A great way for families, nature enthusiasts, photographers and visitors to explore the area, and experience one of the UK’s most important Marine Protected Areas.

The Fleet Explorer is a shallow drafted boat specifically designed and built to explore the lower reaches of the Fleet Lagoon. The boat runs regular trips for visitors between April and October, and has themed events, as well as being available to charter for educational groups and special occasions like birthdays.

Your trip helps fund the running of the Fleet Explorer, which is also used to protect wildlife on Chesil and the Fleet by clearing litter, research, monitoring and helping the Little Tern Project. Any extra profit goes into supporting Dorset Wildlife Trust’s local conservation work.

Booking

The Fleet Explorer sails regularly during the spring and summer subject to weather and demand. Trips last one hour and run throughout the day.

Adults £10
Children £8 (3-15 years) Under 3s FREE
Boat available to charter for educational groups and special occasions.

To book or for further information please call the Fine Foundation Wild Chesil Centre on 01305 206191.

The Fleet Explorer carries up to 12 passengers. Trips require a minimum of four passengers. We regret that the boat is not wheelchair accessible

You can pay cash on the boat, or you can pay by card at the Fine Foundation Wild Chesil Centre one hour before departure.

What to bring

Suitable clothing for the weather, but please be aware it can be slightly colder out on the water.

You can bring binoculars and cameras but not essential.

How to find us

Pay and Display parking available at the Wild Chesil Centre, DT4 9XE
There is a 10 minute walk from the Wild Chesil Centre to the Fleet Explorer jetty where you meet the boat.

Toilet facilities available at the Wild Chesil Centre.

There is limited free parking and drop off available next to the boat at Ferrymans Way, Wyke Regis, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 9YU

Contact us

CONTACT DETAILS:

Tel: 01305 206191

Email: chesilbeach@dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk

Wild Chesil Centre, Portland Beach Road, Portland, Dorset. DT4 9XE

Are dogs allowed on the Fleet Explorer?

Yes, at the discretion of the skipper. The boat is very small and so well behaved dogs are allowed, but there isn't room for them to really move around on board. The best thing to do is to speak to the Fleet Explorer Team when you book and they can give you more information: 01305 206191.