Sail Plymouth Sound to Royal William Yard: Skippered cruise

You sail across Plymouth Sound and step ashore at a working historic waterfront.

A 3.5-hour skippered sailing tour of Plymouth Sound that circles Drake's Island and lands at Royal William Yard, a historic waterfront destination where you can spend leisure time ashore before returning by boat. The tour includes lifejackets for all passengers and runs with groups of up to seven, led by expert skipper Conrad Humphreys who shares maritime history throughout. Free parking is available at Mount Batten, and restaurant reservations can be arranged ashore.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sail Plymouth Sound and visit Royal William Yard

• Board sailboat at Plymouth
• Sail across Plymouth Sound
• Circle Drake's Island
• Land at Royal William Yard
• Enjoy lunch or drink ashore
• Return by boat to Plymouth

The experience

Plymouth Sound is the route: you sail out across the water, circle Drake's Island, and make for Royal William Yard, one of the UK's most impressive historic waterfront destinations. The boat is skippered by Conrad Humphreys, whose knowledge of the area's maritime past runs through the whole journey. Lifejackets are provided for everyone aboard, and the group stays small, up to seven passengers, so there's room to move and ask questions without shouting over a crowd.

Once you land at Royal William Yard, the pace is yours. Some people head straight to one of the restaurants or cafes ashore for lunch. Others grab a coffee or a drink and sit with the water in view. You have leisure time built into the schedule before the boat returns to pick you up. The whole outing takes 3.5 hours from start to finish, which makes it a half-day escape without eating into the rest of your day in Plymouth.

Mount Batten is where you park for free and where the boat departs. If you're staying elsewhere in Plymouth or arriving without a car, public transportation options run to the area. Restaurant reservations can be arranged ahead if you want to secure a table ashore.

What’s included

• Skippered sailing across Plymouth Sound with expert maritime history from skipper Conrad Humphreys.
• lifejackets for all passengers.
• landing fees at Royal William Yard.
• leisure time ashore for lunch or refreshments.
• return by boat to Mount Batten.
• free parking at the departure point.

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 3 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 tour departs from Mount Batten with free parking included, so if you're staying in Plymouth without a car, public transport runs to the area and you avoid the cost and hassle of hiring one for the day. The boat does the traveling. You step ashore only once, at Royal William Yard, where restaurants and cafes are within reach.

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.

What is Drake's Island and why does the boat circle it?

Drake's Island sits in the middle of Plymouth Sound and is a historic fortification with roots going back centuries. The boat passes close enough to see it clearly as part of the sailing route across the Sound.

Can I book a table at one of the restaurants at Royal William Yard before I arrive?

Yes. Restaurant reservations can be arranged in advance, so you can secure a table and know where you'll eat during your leisure time ashore.

Is food and drink included in the tour price?

Food and drink are not included, but you have leisure time ashore at Royal William Yard to purchase lunch, coffee or a drink at the waterfront venues.

How many people typically sail on this tour?

Groups stay small, with a maximum of seven passengers, which keeps the experience intimate and gives everyone space on the boat.

Where do I park, and is there a cost?

Free parking is available at Mount Batten, where the tour departs. This is also where you'll meet the boat and skipper Conrad Humphreys.