Dittisham Ferries - Your Friendly Connection on the River Dart

Looking for a friendly and personalised way to explore the River Dart? Look no further than Dittisham Ferries. Dittisham Ferries has been proudly carrying passengers along the River Dart for over 40 years. Our small boats, with a maximum capacity of 12 passengers, allow us to provide a unique and unforgettable experience for everyone on board. 

Dittisham Ferries & Skippers

We started with a different fleet of boats and in 2018 we welcomed the innovative Sandpiper, a purpose-built ferry designed with the environment in mind by G.Smyth Boats in Ireland.

The Sandpiper is a testament to our commitment to a greener future. It's hydrogen-assisted, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by a staggering 60%! In just six months, this translates to a reduction of 1.1 tonnes of emissions – a significant contribution to protecting the beauty of the River Dart we all cherish.

Sandpiper's Skipper is Stephen Norvill 

“I have worked on the river Dart since 2007 initially operating a water taxi ferrying passengers to and from their boats. Then I became custodian of The Original Dittisham Ferries 12 years ago. After 17 years of working on the river, I'm still not bored with it. Every day at work I'm meeting and conversing with people from all backgrounds, the picturesque scenery constantly changing as the seasons change, seeing the wildlife including the seals on the pontoons and also taking up residency in people's tenders. Every single day on the river Dart is a pleasure, winter and summer.“

 

The Carlina is a classic fishing vessel built in 1968 by Mashfords in Cornwall. She’s a carvel-planked boat that was converted to a ferry around 15 years ago. 

Carlina's Skipper is Simon Rendle

A true Dartmouthian, Simon has spent most of his life connected to the River Dart. He began his career in the 80s as a crab fisherman alongside his brother. After a seafaring accident forced him to change course, he honed his skills at Britannia Royal Naval College. After a decade, Simon returned to the river and found a new calling at the Dartmouth Fuel Barge. Over 19 years, he rose through the ranks to become the manager. Public service is also close to Simon's heart. Following in the footsteps of his father and great-uncle who together volunteered for 75 years, Simon joined the Dartmouth Fire Station. He dedicated 31 years to the department, retiring as Station Commander and receiving the prestigious "Town Plaque" in recognition of his service.

While his career took him on various paths, the River Dart remained a constant. He continued the family's love of boating through crab fishing, boat hire, and even working on nautical training camps. The opportunity to join Dittisham Ferries in 2023 felt like a perfect homecoming, allowing him to share his passion for the river and its surroundings with others. When he's not working, Simon enjoys the simple beauty of the area. From the seals basking on pontoons to the friendly waves exchanged with fellow passengers, every trip up the River Dart feels like a new adventure. As he says, "Sometimes you have to take a step back to remind yourself just how lucky we are to have this river right on our doorstep."

(Simon Rendle - Carlina's Skipper)

About Dittisham Ferries

Over the years, some things have never changed. We remain a friendly, independent operator dedicated to making your journey on the River Dart special. Unlike larger ferries, our boats seat a maximum of 12 passengers, allowing us to provide a friendly experience for each guest or group.

Passenger safety is our top priority. We adhere to strict regulations and keep our operations up-to-date with the latest safety standards.

Dittisham Ferries is proud to be part of the River Dart community. We actively support the RNLI, a vital lifesaving charity. Last year alone, thanks to the generosity of our passengers, we were able to contribute over £800 to their essential work.

Dittisham Ferries is committed to providing a reliable, comfortable, and scenic ferry experience for all. We're constantly exploring ways to improve our service while staying true to our core values of sustainability, friendliness, and community spirit.

Look out for the red boats on the river and give us a wave! To book your trip please call SANDPIPER - 07907528201 or CARLINA - 07818001108.