For more than 50 years Stuart Line Cruises has taken us on sailing adventures around the coast and rivers of Devon. Jake Stuart, the third generation of the family at the helm, gives us a taste of what to expect
When and how did Stuart Line Cruises begin?
Our story began over 50 years ago with a simple passion for the water and a leap of faith. It was 1968 when my grandfather, Tony Stuart, started out with a small wooden boat called Seacrest, essentially shouting out from the Exmouth shore to welcome visitors on board for a quick spin around the bay.
Back then, it was all about that personal connection – ‘a tannoy and a smile’. What started as a modest venture has grown into a multi award-winning fleet, but at our core, we haven’t changed. We remain a family-run business dedicated to showing people the very best of Devon.
What family members are still involved?
We are incredibly proud to be a multi-generational family business. While my grandfather and parents laid the foundations, I have the privilege of steering the ship today, and the ‘family’ extends far beyond our surname. Our crew is a close-knit team – some of whom have been with us for decades – making the atmosphere on board feel like a home away from home.
Every decision we make is rooted in that family ethos.
Where do your cruises go?
Based in Exmouth, we are the gateway to three of the most spectacular water bodies in the UK. To one side, we have the River Exe Estuary – an internationally recognised RAMSAR site and a haven for migratory birds. To the other, we have South Devon and the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast. What makes this area so special is the sheer geological drama; you are looking at 185 million years of Earth’s history etched into the towering red Triassic cliffs and an abundance of wildlife that call the coastlines home. Whether we are gliding through the calm, sheltered waters of the Exe or heading out into the open sea, the scenery is world-class.
What can I see from the boat that I can’t see from land?
The perspective from the water is entirely different. From land, you might see the top of a cliff; from our boats, you see the intricate layers of history at Straight Point or the hidden coves that are completely inaccessible by foot. You get a sense of the scale of the coastline that you just can’t grasp from a coastal path. There is also the wildlife – nesting peregrine falcons and kittiwakes in the cliff faces, or the sight of thousands of avocets wintering on the estuary mudflats. It is a panoramic, 360-degree experience that truly connects you to the natural world.
Tell us about your special event cruises. Do you have a favourite?
We love to keep things fresh with an extensive variety of special events. We host everything from live band nights and our Sail with Santa to our very popular ‘Fish and Fizz’ cruises, featuring award-winning catch from our friends at Krispies [fish and chips in Exmouth].
The most unique is probably our Geology Day Trip where we take a deep dive into the prehistoric past with expert guides – it’s fascinating to see people’s reactions when they realise they are looking at the dawn of time.
My personal favourite, however, has to be the English Riviera Airshow; there is an electric atmosphere when the fleet is out, the Eurofighter is overhead, and we are right in the thick of the action. Alternatively, our Exeter Canal Cruise, which sails through the oldest working canal in Europe, offers a wonderfully nostalgic experience.
What’s the longest cruise you do, and if I felt a bit worried about going on a boat, are there some shorter trips I might like?
We have several full-day excursions, including our day trip to Sidmouth, the Dawlish Round Robin, and day trips to Torquay or Brixham. Our Round Robin tickets are particularly popular because they are self-paced; you can spread the journey out to be as long a day as you want, leaving you free to explore at a pace that suits you.
If you’re a little nervous, our one-hour Mini Coastal Cruise is the perfect ‘family taster cruise.’ It stays close to the Exmouth seafront, providing a gentle introduction to the water without heading too far out. It’s a hit with young families and first-timers alike because it’s just long enough to feel like an adventure, but short enough to keep everyone feeling secure and entertained.
Have you had any exciting wildlife encounters when on a cruise?
Every day on the water is different. While we don’t see them every trip, the moments when a pod of dolphins decides to play in the wake of the boat are absolutely magical – it never fails to bring a hush of awe over the deck. We’ve also had incredible encounters with seals basking on the sandbanks of the Exe. One of the most rewarding sights, though, is during our winter bird watching cruises; seeing the rare sights of thousands of birds taking flight at once is a spectacle that rivals any nature documentary.
What can I expect onboard one of the boats? I hear you do cream teas?
Expect a warm, friendly welcome. Our boats are all-weather, meaning you can soak up the sun on the open-top deck or retreat to our heated lower saloons with large panoramic windows if the Devon weather decides to be ‘traditional’. And yes – the cream teas! We believe you can’t come to Devon and not indulge. We serve a fantastic traditional cream tea featuring delicious, locally handmade scones from Foxcombe Bakehouse, piled high with clotted cream and jam. We offer a waitress service directly to your seat, so you don’t have to miss a single landmark while you enjoy your treat. From local ales by Bays Brewery to crisp Sandford Orchards cider, we make sure that our onboard pantry is a true celebration of local Devon produce.
Ultimately, a trip with us isn’t just a boat ride; it’s a chance to slow down, breathe in the salt air, and see our beautiful home through our eyes. .
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