Discover Outdoor Activities in West Bay
Boat Trips, Watersports and Exploring West Bay’s Jurassic Coast
If you’re looking for memorable days out while staying in our holiday cottages in Dorset, West Bay offers countless ways to make the most of Dorset’s spectacular coastline. Whether you’re heading out on the water, walking the cliffs, exploring the coastline, or simply soaking up the harbour atmosphere, there are so many reasons to visit West Bay. What we love about West Bay is that it offers something for everyone. You can spend the morning speeding across Lyme Bay on a RIB, paddle quietly along the coast, walk the South West Coast Path, or simply sit in a waterside sauna watching the fishing boats return to harbour.
For us, one of the standout experiences is Lyme Bay RIB Charter. Their popular West Bay Blast is an adrenaline rush, while longer trips explore the Jurassic Coast from the water and even offer water taxi services to Lyme Regis. Seeing the cliffs and coastline from the sea offers a completely different perspective on this remarkable stretch of Dorset.
Explore Activities in West Bay
Abbotsbury Abbey Site
St Catherine's Chapel
14th-century hilltop chapel with panoramic views over Chesil Beach.
Jolly Dodger Boat Charter
Fishing charters and coastal cruises from West Bay Harbour, including shorter mackerel trips and longer sea-angling trips.
Lyme Bay Rib Charter
Skippered RIB trips from West Bay Harbour, offering fast rides, sightseeing cruises, private charters and watersports along the Jurassic Coast.
Jurassic Boat Trips
Sightseeing boat trips and charter fishing trips departing from West Bay, with coastal views and sea-angling options.
West Bay Discovery Centre
Award-winning visitor centre with local stories, exhibitions, guided walks and family-friendly displays.
River Boat Hire
Rowing boat hire for trips along the River Brit towards Palmers Brewery and back, weather permitting.
Abbotsbury Castle Earthworks
Ancient hillfort overlooking the Fleet and Chesil Beach.
West Bay is also home to a growing range of water-based activities, including guided canoe experiences with Lyme Bay Sea School, harbour and river cruises with West Bay River Boats, and boat trips aboard the Jolly Dodger. During the summer months, you’ll often see paddleboarders and kayakers exploring the bay, and equipment hire and lessons are available locally, depending on the season.
Of course, some of the best activities don’t require a boat at all. The South West Coast Path passes directly through West Bay, offering spectacular walks towards Burton Bradstock, Seatown and Golden Cap. Golfers are also well catered for, with Bridport & West Dorset Golf Club just a few minutes away. Widely regarded as one of the most scenic courses in the country, it welcomes visitors and enjoys breathtaking views across Lyme Bay. For something a little different, the harbour sauna has quickly become a favourite with both locals too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Popular activities include boat trips, RIB rides, paddleboarding, kayaking, harbour cruises, coastal walks, golf and exploring the Jurassic Coast.
Yes. Visitors can enjoy harbour cruises, Jurassic Coast sightseeing trips, fishing trips, and high-speed RIB experiences departing directly from West Bay Harbour.
Absolutely. The West Bay Blast is one of the most exciting activities in the area, while longer coastal trips offer spectacular views of the Jurassic Coast from the sea.
Yes. Paddleboarding is popular in West Bay, especially in calm weather. Equipment hire and lessons are often available locally during the season.
Yes. Kayaking is a popular way to explore the coastline, with guided experiences available through local operators.
Yes. West Bay sits directly on the South West Coast Path, with popular routes leading to Burton Bradstock, Seatown, Golden Cap and Bridport. Many of these routes are ideal if you’re staying in one of our dog-friendly cottages in Dorset, offering miles of spectacular coastal scenery to explore with your four-legged companion.
Definitely. Families enjoy crabbing from the harbour, boat trips, beach days, paddleboarding, coastal walks and exploring the Jurassic Coast. There are also traditional amusement arcades, making West Bay a fantastic destination for guests staying in our family-friendly cottages in Dorset.