Sail Plymouth Sound: Drake's Island & Historic Forts Half Day

Take the helm of a sailing launch through Plymouth Sound's islands and 19th-century sea forts

This half-day sailing tour departs Mount Batten aboard the replica launch Bounty to explore Plymouth Sound's islands and historical forts under the guidance of skipper Conrad Humphreys. You'll circle Drake's Island, visit the Royal William Yard built in the 1820s, anchor at Cawsand Bay for a swim if conditions allow, and learn the history of Breakwater and Bovisand Forts. The tour runs 3.5 hours and includes safety equipment. Lifejackets are provided.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sail and explore Plymouth Sound

• Depart from Mount Batten
• Sail around Drake's Island
• Explore Royal William Yard
• Sail to Cawsand and Kingsand
• Optional swim at Cawsand

The experience

Drake's Island, a 6-acre site fortified under Henry VIII, is the first stop after leaving Mount Batten. The Bounty circles the island while you take in views of Mount Edgcumbe National Park and Plymouth Hoe from the water. The skipper shares the island's connection to Sir Francis Drake and its military past as the boat moves through the Sound.

Next comes the Royal William Yard, a sprawling naval complex built between 1824 and 1836. You'll have time to step ashore and walk among the period buildings: a chance to stretch your legs and see the scale of this working victualling depot up close. If time allows, the Bounty sails across to Cawsand and Kingsand, a pair of villages with a history of smuggling. Swimming is possible here depending on conditions and sea state.

Breakwater and Bovisand Forts, both visible from the water, round out the route. The skipper explains their role in defending Plymouth's harbor. Throughout the sail, you can take a turn at the helm if you want to steer, or simply relax on deck while Conrad handles the boat. Lifejackets and other safety gear are supplied.

What’s included

• Safety equipment including lifejacket.
• expert skipper guidance throughout the 3.5-hour voyage.
• stops at Drake's Island, Royal William Yard, Cawsand Bay and views of Breakwater and Bovisand Forts.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 1 Apr 2027

Book up to3h before

AgesFrom age 8

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 13 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Bounty & Hope

Is this one for you?The Bounty is a shared sailing tour with a live skipper, so you're part of a small group rather than alone. Choose this if you want hands-on sailing, the option to steer yourself, combined with guided history and the chance to swim, rather than a passive sightseeing cruise.

Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I actually steer the boat on this tour?

Yes. The skipper invites participants to take the helm if they wish, though it's entirely optional. You can relax on deck instead.

What is Drake's Island and why does it matter?

Drake's Island is a 6-acre site in Plymouth Sound named after Sir Francis Drake. It was heavily fortified during Henry VIII's reign and served as a military stronghold. The tour circles it so you see the fortifications and learn its naval history from the water.

Will we actually stop and swim at Cawsand Bay?

Cawsand Bay is a planned stop where swimming is possible if sea conditions allow. The skipper assesses conditions on the day and decides whether it's safe to anchor for a swim.

How long is the tour and what's included?

The tour runs 3.5 hours and includes safety equipment such as lifejackets. A live guide (skipper Conrad Humphreys) leads the entire voyage in English.

What is the Royal William Yard?

The Royal William Yard is a naval victualling depot built between 1824 and 1836 on the shore of Plymouth Sound. You'll have time to walk ashore and explore the historic buildings during the tour.