Puffin Cruises Lymington
Puffin Cruises Lymington
4.5
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About
A local company established for over 35 years offering sight seeing trips along the Lymington River. At the helm is a husband and wife duo who are passionate about providing memorable family days out. aboard our river cruiser The Puffin Billi or a pirate experience aboard The Black Puffin. A close encounter with sailboat cruisers & super yachts, salt marshes & stunning views. Spend time spotting some of the wildlife, which lives in abundance along these shorelines. . 30 Minute Cruises . Bird Watching . Private Charter . School Trips . Birthday Parties . Anniversary trips. . Dogs Welcome We can provide trips for schools and clubs with the ability to provide a unique tailored commentary based around your school/clubs needs. We also offer private charter/hire from small parties to ash scattering. We are extremely versatile and try our best to cater to cal requests. Please call or email us with your enquiry.
Lymington, Hampshire, England
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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4.5
126 reviews
Excellent
102
Very good
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Solihull, UK681 contributions
Jul 2021
After parking in Lymington we headed straight for the harbour as a boat trip was much needed.
The first kiosk was Puffin Cruises which was scheduled to leave within 10 minutes so bought tickets.
We were lucky as we were asked to sit in the stern behind the driver where we leant back on cushions and put our feet up as suggested – luxury :)
The trip left on time and we were treated to a cruise up to the harbour mouth and back with an informative and often funny commentary from our skipper.
Learned a lot about some of the fantastic boats moored there and really enjoyed our trip.
We came away smiling – what better recommendation?
The first kiosk was Puffin Cruises which was scheduled to leave within 10 minutes so bought tickets.
We were lucky as we were asked to sit in the stern behind the driver where we leant back on cushions and put our feet up as suggested – luxury :)
The trip left on time and we were treated to a cruise up to the harbour mouth and back with an informative and often funny commentary from our skipper.
Learned a lot about some of the fantastic boats moored there and really enjoyed our trip.
We came away smiling – what better recommendation?
Written 14 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
susankinsella
London, UK89 contributions
Aug 2021
A trip on the Black Puffin Pirate ship is recommended for all the family if you are visiting Lymington. Dressing up and various props are available to use while you are enjoying the Pirate's storytelling. All the children have the opportunity to " steer " the ship and then find the box of treasure from which they are able to choose some sweets. This is a 30 minute trip, very safe and well organised.
This was a real treat for all the family to enhance our day in Lymington.
Buy a ticket you will not be disappointed. Have fun !
This was a real treat for all the family to enhance our day in Lymington.
Buy a ticket you will not be disappointed. Have fun !
Written 27 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jean Boo
1 contribution
Aug 2020
Thank you so much Puffin Cruises for a truly wonderful river cruise.
It was everything we anticipated and more! We got to see some amazing views / attractions of Lymington river and we were even lucky enough to see some wildlife.
It was the most enjoyable 30 minutes of our day and we would highly recommend this to anyone visiting the area. The team were extremely friendly and helpful and very knowledgeable about the river. In this extremely difficult times for small family businesses i think its important to show support, especially where deserved!!!
5 stars from us, and we cannot wait to return!
It was everything we anticipated and more! We got to see some amazing views / attractions of Lymington river and we were even lucky enough to see some wildlife.
It was the most enjoyable 30 minutes of our day and we would highly recommend this to anyone visiting the area. The team were extremely friendly and helpful and very knowledgeable about the river. In this extremely difficult times for small family businesses i think its important to show support, especially where deserved!!!
5 stars from us, and we cannot wait to return!
Written 20 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
julesjj123
Reading, UK28 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
If you want to know how much boats are chartered out for per day/week/year or how much it costs to keep your boat moored or how long the waiting list is then by all means this trip is for you. The guy at the kiosk was firstly not very approachable hence why I didn’t bother going back to give my feedback. Online it said adults were £6.50, instead we were charged £8.50 each, I wouldn’t mind if it was scenic but it wasn’t, 13 mins of babble about boats, bit about the salt marsh then pretty much silence for the 10 mins back, not really a half hour trip as advertised by the time you get on the boat and end up back before half an hour so the next lot of victims can get on.
Written 19 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Firstly we would like to thank you and 9jadeg for your reviews all be it identical.
We would ask if you could get in contact in whichever way you prefer too as we can’t find anywhere that shows our pricing as £6.50 so we would like to find out where you saw this to be able to look in to it for you.
Once you arrive at our kiosk after seeing the correct pricing on our website the price is even clearer and with boats running every 30 minutes it gives you plenty of time to decide if this is affordable for you and to ask any questions to our extremely helpful/friendly/approachable kiosk staff.
We do ask our skippers to give full commentary on the way out which is a strict time of 15 minutes and not 13 but if you feel you did lose two minutes please contact us for a refund for that time lost and then we like to be quiet on the way back in and invite any questions from customers if they have any so that you can sit back and relax and enjoy the views in piece and quiet without our babbling.
It really is upsetting this you both felt after your trip together that you couldn’t return to the kiosk or pick up the phone to discuss any problems with us as now we can’t do a great deal to sort this for you both.
What small businesses really need during a pandemic and after months of closures is the chance to put everything right. Especially when it’s from the same people however after looking at both your profiles it seems you are regulars in negative feedback so in this situation we possibly would of been fighting a losing battle and you just have to realise you can’t please everyone but we always try where we get the opportunity too.
We welcome all comments good or bad and unlike this review we do read and take all our reviews on board. We do always ask that we are approached directly in person or by phone so that we can rectify any issues as best we can directly.
We would like to apologise about the fact that you saw more boats than you did see birds on the day you came.
Quite a common sighting on most boat/river tours are views of other boats. It’s a bit like being out on the road. No matter how scenic the area the chances are you will see other cars. It just can’t be helped in our case as we work in such a busy picturesque little marina.
Since re opening on the 4th of July we have had such wonderful and positive feedback from all customers and we are so grateful for this and will carry on striving for 5 stars where we can.
It’s quite clear sometimes you can’t please everyone and if we can do one thing going forward it’s to offer you some advice and that is that from your comments maybe boat trips should be avoided in future and Zoo’s / wildlife centres / farms would be more your cup of tea which of course we can help recommend so feel free to call or email for that information.
Enjoy the rest of your stay in the stunning coastal port town of Lymington.
Written 19 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
pabc123
Greater London, UK21 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
£17 for 2 - he weaves you in and out of the boats in the harbour most of which time you are stuck behind yachts leaving the harbour. Then gets to the harbour moth and turns back. This he calls a scenic river cruise. Complete waste of time and money! There are far nicer boat trips to be had!
Written 20 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear pabc123,
Thank you so much for taking the time review us. We are so sorry you felt this way about the scenic river cruise you took with us. We are not sure what day you came from your review as we were closed on the 21st due to poor weather conditions.
We really wish you had taken the time to come and see us after your trip and express how you felt so we could try and rectify this for you and take any understandable feedback on board. Unfortunately going home and hiding behind a keyboard means we can't off much other than our sincerest apologies.
I am afraid we have no choice but to journey to the river mouth and turn back as this is as far as we can go in 30 minutes otherwise we would be late for our next passengers. We do however offer private hire so that you can hire the boat for longer than 30 minutes incase you get stuck behind one too many yachts. It must of been very frustrating for you that you didn't realise we share the river with other boats enjoying themselves.
As I am sure you are aware all businesses are struggling very much after the past year and would appreciate it if you could maybe go about your feedback in a more considerate and productive way. I can see from your profile you enjoy writing reviews which is great but if were then able to write that you spoken to the business you would then also be able to add how it was resolved for you which I am sure your followers would appreciate.
Take care and stay safe and always be KIND.
We look forward to seeing you for another boat trip sometime so that we can make it a much better experience for you.
All the best
From all at Puffin Cruises Lymington
Written 30 May 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Gemma H
World8 contributions
May 2022 • Family
Our boys aged 5 & 7 had a lovely trip aboard the Black Puffin pirate ship. It was a great 30 minute trip down Lymington River for both the children and adults alike. We “fired the cannons” at people cruising down the river and even had another local company play their part of firing at us when we happened to go past them , which I thought was very sporting. Plenty of pirate toys for kids to play with and lots of lovely decor details onboard but what REALLY makes the trip is the Captain - what a role he plays! Absolutely fantastic for the kids, a real life pirate captain, getting a drive of the boat, toys, dress up and a sweet treat at the end. Just perfect!
Written 18 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KLR73
Crayford, UK41 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
Having visited Lymington for many years we had no idea this was there. Our trip on the pirate ship was great. Our Grandson said “it was brilliant”, he got to drive the boat, shout at all the passing boats & found treasure! Grannie & Grandad enjoyed it too. Thank you.
Written 17 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elsie
East Sussex, UK31 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
Not very impressed with this Scenic River Cruise. It consisted of a trip around the crowded marina with the only commentary being on how much it is to berth a boat and pointing out the obvious Wight Link Ferries which are very hard to miss. Children were given the opportunity to steer the boat while the Captain ate his lunch. It cost £10 per person and was a complete waste of money. Very disappointed. It is as far removed from a Scenic River Cruise as a Black Headed Gull is to a Puffin.
Written 28 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Good Evening Elsie, First of all we are shocked to read your review. We are so sorry you felt so strongly about your experience that you had such a terrible time but not made any contact with us so we could be given an opportunity to rectify this for you. I have looked at your profile and it’s very clear you leave poor reviews at every business you visit no matter what service you receive. I’m not sure what you gain from visiting business’s and then sitting behind a keyboard and writing such terrible things. As a small family run business reviews such as this are extremely damaging and upsetting and we do recommend in future you speak to the business first to see if they can do anything to sort any issues before such a strongly worded review is written. If the small family run business do not take on your feedback and rectify this to a satisfactory standard then of course a review is expected. We work so hard to make sure every single person who takes a trip with us has a wonderful time and this is backed up by all the reviews across not only trip advisor but google and Facebook. Unfortunately during the May half term the Lymington river is a very busy marina due to its popularity. Your children being offered a drive of the helm is always something the children seem to enjoy massively so I am pleased they got to do this. We point out the wight link ferry as one of few jokes we tell during our trip. It could be possible you did not hear the whole joke and that’s why it didn’t make sense. The pricing is £10 per adult and your children would have been £6 for your children so not £10 a head for everyone. Please make sure you’re factual at least. Our skipper taking a bite of a sandwich during a really busy period is unavoidable from time to time. We are flat out over the school holidays and they need to refuel little and often where they can to keep going so they can feel energized and keep delivering an outstanding 5 star service which you can read in all our other many reviews. I hope you can understand that. We always welcome all feedback good or bad however a visit back to our kiosk or a email or phone call would have been a more productive way to tell us so we can fix the issue for you as best that we could of. If you still wish to discuss this further with me please don’t hesitate to call me on 07850947618 or my email is Puffincruises@hotmail.com Enjoy the rest of the half term Puffin Cruises Lymington
Written 28 May 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
James Walsh
Gloucester, UK2 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
We took a 30 minute scenic cruise on the Puffin Billi, and it was both superb and great value for money. Our skipper, Mike, was just wonderful. Friendly, chatty, knowledgeable, funny, and great with the kids (my daughter even got to steer the boat); he was a credit to himself and his job in every way. We will absolutely be back, and would recommend to anyone visiting the New Forest. Thank you. 😊🥳👍x
Written 22 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pioneer52650923008
3 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
A lovely little boat trip - the lady in the kiosk was lovely, friendly and not pushy at all - gave us information on the trip how much (very reasonable). we were very fortunate that we were the only 2 on the boat so had it to ourselves, The captain/skipper was also really nice man, knowledgeable about the marina, the boats and local area and history - pointing things out along the way. He even let us have a steer of the boat added bonus. This is just a short trip out to the sea wall and back (30 mins) but well worth it for the knowledge and scenery you wouldn't get to see from ashore.
Written 30 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Puffin Cruises Lymington
Lymington, United Kingdom
Hello, my wife gave birth to our baby on Sunday so we are closed for paternity leave at the moment.
Sorry for any inconvenience
Many thanks
Puffin Cruises
Written 21 October 2019
Puffin Cruises Lymington
Lymington, United Kingdom
I’m sorry no. There are two steps to get into the boat so people need to be able to manage that. Of course all are Skippers are on hand to help all passengers board and disembark.
Written 20 September 2019
Can our well behaved dog (springer) come on the boat?
Written 4 August 2019
Puffin Cruises Lymington
Lymington, United Kingdom
Yes of course. All dogs are welcome. 🐶🙂
Written 4 August 2019
Hi. We would like to book the pirate boat trip for 2 adults and 4 children. How do we do this? Looking to visit in a weeks time
Written 20 July 2018
Puffin Cruises Lymington
Lymington, United Kingdom
No need to book! She runs every 30 mins from 10:30 am just turn up buy your tickets and jump on
Many thanks
Written 21 July 2018
Puffin Cruises Lymington
Lymington, United Kingdom
£7.90 adults £3.90 kids
Many thanks
Written 9 May 2018
Will Puffin Cruises be running lunch time cruises to Yarmouth w/b Monday 4 September ?
Written 19 August 2017
They don't operate over to the island anymore unfortunately! Just 30 minute river cruises
Written 21 August 2017
does the puffing belle still run from Yarmouth to Lymington ? thank you.
Written 9 July 2017
Is the boat accessible to those with limited mobility ?
Written 25 May 2017
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