Cardiff Bay Boat Tour
Cardiff, Wales
- 45 minutes (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Enjoy stunning views over beautiful Cardiff Bay on this panoramic boat tour. Hop aboard your sightseeing boat at Mermaid Quay, then cruise onto the waters as the on-board commentary sheds light on the region’s rich history. Along the way, learn of the regeneration that has shaped the bay we see today and take in top landmarks including the Barrage and its lock gates, the Old Docks, the Wales Millennium Centre, the Welsh Assembly, and the Wetlands Nature Reserve.
- Cardiff Bay sightseeing boat tour from Mermaid Quay
- Gain insight into Cardiff Bay’s comprehensive regeneration from the on-board commentary
- Watch for native wildlife at the Wetlands Nature Reserve
- Stop at Penarth Barrage to explore the area or allow others to join or
What's Included
- Recorded commentary
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- Food and drinks
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Cardiff CruisesMermaid Quay, Cardiff CF10 5BZ, UK
Lower Boardwalk, Mermaid Quay
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
1
Cardiff Cruises
45 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- Refunds will not be issued if tour is missed due to late or non-arrival
- Please note: you must reconfirm directly with the supplier, refer to voucher for details
- Please arrive 15 minutes before departure
- We have 2 boats that are in service for our Bay Tours. You may be booked on either. These boats are alternated for trips in conjunction with peak season and also weather forecast.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 55 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Corinne_F
Was a simple set up but so effective, everyone was friendly. The information was very informative and interesting. Seemed well organised. Highly recommended to get a feel for the area.
Reviews
3.8
based on 384 reviews
Kiela_B, Oct 2025
So I booked a "Cardiff Bay Boat Tour" for my father and I on September 30 for an October 29th boat tour (almost a full month in advance).
The day before the tour was meant to take place, I received a message on Viator indicating that there was a scheduling conflict and the boat tour we were meant to have around the bay wouldn't be taking place and we were going to be "upgraded" to the Aquabus tour and they asked for a preference of time. I responded immediately and they confirmed the change.
When we arrived the staff was friendly, though not very interactive (that's okay, not everyone is). They are the only reason this review has more than 1 star--because it wasn't their fault.
Unfortunately our "upgrade" ended up being a glorified taxi ride up the river Taff and back. The only sight we could actually see that we were meant to was the stadium. Everything else was obscured by brush. This was definitely the lesser of the two possible tours.
The only reason I'm not asking for money back is because we did take the boat both ways up and down the river, and I believe the staff deserves to be paid.
But this was less than transparent business practices. Maybe the captain for the bay tour got sick or something--that does happen--and they really needed to cancel. But I did see other boat tours by this company (their logo is on the side of the boat after all) on the bay giving tours. And there were open seats. We could have been rebooked for an earlier time... so either they are incredibly disorganized and didn't think of this solution or they thought they would take advantage...
This certainly didn't feel like the upgrade we were promised.
June_L, Sep 2025
A nice way to view the bay. The captain and crew were helpful and kind. It was interesting to see the boats enter the locks.
judith_c, Sep 2025
Great staff and nice boat. Interesting view from the sea of Cardiff. We’re on with a group of children which was fun
Aleksey_A, Aug 2025
Very boring boat around the bay , extremely ugly scenery . The boat was old with no redeeming quality.
Nick_W, Aug 2025
Nice trip around the bay, and lovely views.
Sadly couldn't hear a word of the commentary running on tape, and the boat itself was not the one advertised. It was also a little old and tired.
Ok overall for the price
Vanessa_N, Aug 2025
Really enjoyable! The 45 minutes went quick and my kids enjoyed it as well. The staff were friendly as well.
Andrew_L, Jun 2025
I was informed by the provider that the time had changed. However when I showed up at the appointed time, no one was there and I have been unable to reach the provider. I tried contacting Buator and so far they have not been any help to get my money back.
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Hi Andrew.
We are so sorry about the mix up in our schedule. You were given a full refund the next day but it does take a few says to show up in your account.
We are sorry that your experience was not up to par.
All the best
Cardiff Cruises
mandy_n, May 2025
The boat was not working on my day of travel. No email or contact from cardiff cruises. No message on board. I waited for an hour
Response from Host, May 2025
Hi there Mandy.
As stated in our listing we have 2 different boats that run our Bay Tours, Enterprise & Marianne. There are multiple reasons as to why we often use either boat.
We hope that if you ever travel with us again, you are able to ride on your preferred boat.
All the best
Cardiff Cruises
Amy_D, May 2025
It wasn’t the same boat as the picture so me and my family of 5 couldn’t sit on the top roof. If you sit in the back all of the fumes chock you. If you sit in the front the view is limited and you can’t hear anything the “tour guide” in the speakers say because there aren’t enough speakers covering each corner. There was a stop over as well at the bay which was not on the itinerary. Complete waste of money. All we did was go around the bay and by the marina and back… the captain was lovely and the journey was safe which is most important but the rest of it was lacklustre.
Response from Host, May 2025
Hi Amy,
As we discussed in our messages, we appreciate your feedback and are sorry that you did not enjoy your service with us.
Our service runs 2 different boats (Marianne & Enterprise) that can be used at any time dependant on bookings, weather forecast and more. Both boats are shown on our Viator listing and also is stated in our booking information.
You stated in your message to us that you couldn't hear the commentary due to the other groups being loud on the boat. We do appreciate you saying the audio should be louder and we will take that on board, but unfortunately due to this being a public service the volume of other customers in is something we cannot control.
We encourage all of our sailors to please let us know if there is an issue in the moment and we will do our best to fix things like volume, there and then.
We hope that if you are ever to use one of our services again, it will be a more enjoyable experience for you.
All the best
Cardiff Cruises
JulieRona_K, May 2025
The trip can either be seated inside or on the outdoor upper deck. The history of the area is explained as is the various features such as locks weirs and yacht club marinas
Response from Host, May 2025
Hi there Julie!
Thank you so much for your review. We appreciate it so much.
We hope to see you again soon!
All the best
Cardiff Cruises
Simon_L, Apr 2025
Lovely boat trip around Cardiff bay , friendly staff and interesting informative commentary too. Highly recommend, very enjoyable.
Response from Host, May 2025
Hi there Simon!
Thanks so much for your review! We appreciate the kind words.
We hope to see you soon!
All the best
Cardiff Cruises
Jessica_P, Apr 2025
The boat wasn’t open top as shown in the advert. Couldn’t hear the guide narrating. Like a shuttle bus. Waste of time.
Response from Host, May 2025
Hi there Jessica
We are so sorry to hear that you did not enjoy our service. We encourage our sailors to voice their concerns with us there and then. Especially with regards to things like volume, as we'd obviously love for you to hear the commentary!
In regards to the boat. We use 2 different boats within this service. This can be dependent of things like weather forecast, bookings and other things. The different boats are shown within our listing and is listed in the additional information section.
We hope that if you choose to use one of our services in the future you will find it more enjoyable. We'd love the opportunity to show you that this does not reflect the larger experience from previous customers.
All the best
Cardiff Cruises
Claire_K, Apr 2025
Disappointed the boat didn’t have outdoor seating as advertised, engine fuels really bad! Nothing really to see when out in the bay, waste of money.
Response from Host, May 2025
Hi there Sailor
We're sorry to hear that you didn't enjoy your time with us.
Our service runs 2 different boats (Marianne & Enterprise) that can be used at any time dependant on bookings, weather forecast and more. Both boats are shown on our Viator listing and also is stated in our booking information.
We hope that if you ever choose to use one of our services again you will find it more enjoyable as we do strive for everyone to have a good time with sailing with us.
All the best
Cardiff Cruises
Amaka_N, Nov 2024
Well it was certainly a one of a kind experience and a first for me. Went in early only to be met by no one from the company and no advance notice of a cancellation. Poor show.
Ahmad_F, Nov 2024
I paid for the trip
We were waiting in the meeting point
No one showed up!
We were waiting for more than 30 minutes
Very unprofessional!
Tracy_B, Nov 2024
Loved both boat trips. Lots of super information the weather was great which helped. Very clear views
Nawal_A, Nov 2024
Really wanted to enjoy this trip
Took the kids and family that were visiting from another city
The boat didn't have an upstairs as advertised and if you sit at the back of the boat all you can smell are the fumes from the engine and if you sit in the from it's all closed off and the seats are far from the windows
We heard like a radio sound and it wasn't clear at all turns out it was the tour guide we had no clue where we were or where we are going or got to
Overall I do not recommend it wasn't a nice trip and not worth it all all.
JudithR_P, Oct 2024
This was a delightful way to see the Cardiff Bay, The staff was very polite and the recorded narrative was easy to hear and interesting.
Delroy_M, Sep 2024
We enjoyed the very helpful and friendly crew member that welcomed us onboard. It was a pet friendly service. The tour of the bay was beautifully relaxing and informative, with great views of the bay.
Adam_T, Sep 2024
Excellent boat trip around Cardiff Bay. Would recommend! Good views and learn some history about Cardiff Bay.
Keith_F, Aug 2024
Nice little trip round the day, friendly helpfull staff no need to stand and wait as you can see the boat come back from one of the may bars/ cafes in the area. However we did miss the boat due to parking issues, but they just let us in the next one as it was not full, which was very kind of them.
Isaac_A, Aug 2024
Over 40 mins on the sea. The trip appeared safe , relaxing and full of enjoyment.
Beautiful buildings and surroundings. My family had a pleasant time. Value for money: excellent. Will visit again soon. Thanks
Malgorzata_L, Aug 2024
Pleasure to spend time with family on that cruise.
Absolutely Lovely time to visit and see something new
Chirantan_M, Aug 2024
This is the best boat tour for Cardiff..they even have toilets on board
They make you feel welcome and are punctual. Will highly recommend
Denise_R, Aug 2024
There doesn't seem to be provision on this form for me to suggest an improvement to the boat trip so I'll write it here.
The boat trip was fine but unfortunately I could not hear the commentary at all and I really wanted to. There were not many people on the boat and it wasn't because of the noise of the passengers that I couldn't hear it - it was just too quiet. Admittedly, I am a little hard of hearing but my husband, whose hearing is fine, said he only got about 20% of it. I suggest you make the commentary louder.
Response from Host, Aug 2024
Did you ask a crew member to turn the volume up?
Joshua_P, Jul 2024
The boat was for 1600. We were there, told to wait, waited, then the boat ride didn't happen. It was a weird experience that still doesn't make sense.
Paul_S, Jul 2024
Very interesting cruise around Cardiff Bay. Insightful and friendly staff. Pleasant way to spend an hour. Was interesting to hear the history of the area.
Lavinia_I, Jul 2024
Great experience, the staff was olso very helpful and kind.
We travel with 2 kids and they enjoyed very much and we all have a wonderful time.
Thank you!
Prianta_K, Jul 2024
The most memorable part is when we turned up at the wharf 10 minutes early and the boat never showed up. We spoke to a person from another boat which left around 11.30am and were told to board the boat as they were doing the same route. This was not true, there were no earphones, no description and all we did was go to the other side of the lake and come back. We notified Viator and were told they will get back to us after the service provider responded. So far no response.
Response from Host, Jul 2024
Prianta. You made a booking for a Bay Tour, this service was running on the day of your booking and did include commentary. Earphones are not advertised as part of our service so we are unsure why you mention this?
Michael_M, Jul 2024
A nice little trip around Cardiff bay with refreshments to purchase if you like. An interesting way to spend an hour.
From $17.27
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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Cardiff Bay Boat Tour
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