Our Dorset Life

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There’s something about seeing the Jurassic Coast from the water that feels completely different to spotting it from land. A few nights ago I joined one of the Summer Sessions cruises with the newly launched Coastal Vibes Cruises, and it was one of those evenings that we all said: we need to do this more often.

Our Evening on the Water

We set sail from Weymouth Harbour just as the evening light was softening. After a warm welcome and a drink in hand (Prosecco for me, but pimms and soft drinks on offer too), we found a spot upstairs on the open deck to watch the coastline drift by.

As the boat made its way along the coast, live acoustic music set the tone. We had nachos and a salmon bagel to snack on downstairs in one of the booths (at an additional fee to your ticket) and Durdle Door waiting in the distance for that golden-hour stop.

Watching the sun sink behind the rocks with music playing in the background and friends was really such a wonderful moment.

The cruise lasted three hours, but it flew by. Between the music, the food, and a bit of dancing on deck as the evening picked up, none of us wanted it to end.

Summer Sessions

The Summer Sessions cruises are the perfect way to enjoy summer evenings with live music, good food, and a laid-back atmosphere. Perfect for catching up with friends, celebrating something special, or just chasing the sunset.

Here’s the rest of the line-up for 2025:

• Thursday 28th August – with Fleur and Toby
• Thursday 4th September – with The Hooked
• Thursday 11th September – with Under the Carousel
• Thursday 18th September – with Tobias de Kretser
• Thursday 25th September – with Hamish Owen

If you’re local (or visiting Dorset), it’s well worth booking a spot, you’ll see the coastline in a whole new way.

Other Cruises to Try

I’ve enjoyed seeing the mix of cruises they’re offering already, and with it being a new launch, it feels like the options are only going to keep growing. They’ve got everything from relaxed food-led sailings to party nights, each offering something a little different. Here are some that caught my eye:

• Fizz and Chips Cruise – Bubbly with the ultimate seaside supper.
• Sunset Party Cruise – Dancing, DJs, and a proper night out at sea.
• Sunset Firework & Fish and Chips Cruise – Dinner with a firework display over the bay.
• Nauti Bottomless Brunch – A floating brunch with endless fizz.
• Afternoon Tea on the Sea – Classic scones and tea, with coastal views.
• Sunset BBQ on the Bay – BBQ food and golden-hour skies.
• Breakfast on the Bay (coming soon) – A morning cruise with a hearty breakfast.
• Festive Thursdays – A cosy Christmas spin on their evening trips.
• Santa on the Sea (coming soon) – One for the little ones, with Santa himself on board.

Final Thoughts

What we loved most about Coastal Vibes is how effortless the whole experience felt. The boat has two decks, upstairs for wide-open views and downstairs with big windows if you’d rather stay sheltered, so you can enjoy it your way. The team are friendly, the set-up is professional, and the atmosphere was perfect.

It felt like the kind of thing we’d happily do again and again, sometimes with friends for the music and drinks, other times as a family outing to see the coast from a new perspective. And that’s the beauty of it: every cruise has its own personality.

If you’re looking for something a little different to do this summer (or beyond), I’d say a night with Coastal Vibes Cruises is a pretty magical way to spend it.

To find their upcoming cruises and book here: Coastal Vibes Cruises

For more ideas of things to do in Dorset visit our Dorset trip planner

Love Sarah x