Frequently asked Questions, with answers!

• Do I need to book? Generally, no, just turn up and hop on. We usually start from 10.30 of a morning, running up until the chairlift finishes operating. Exceptions to this are group sizes of more than 20, or if you’re enquiring of trip 3 – the one-way trip from Yarmouth to Alum Bay in the morning or Alum Bay to Yarmouth in the evening. Click here for details of this trip

• Are you running today and do you run in all weathers? Given fair weather we are generally running 7 days a week. However, Alum Bay is exposed to the prevailing weather so we do have to factor the forecast in on some days, which may mean were working short days or not all? If in doubt check the website before coming – there is usually a red message at the top of the page if there are any weather / operational considerations for any given day.

• When’s the last trip of the day? Early season we’d suggest being on the beach before 3pm, mid and peak season 4pm. Sometimes we run later but this depends on the weather, time of season, and chairlift closing times.

• Do we need tickets? No, just turn up and pay on the day on the boat

• Do you accept card payments? Yes, just not American Express.

• Do you accept cash? Yes, mindful change can often be an issue, so card is the preferred method of payment.

• Where do we get the boat from? All advertised trips start and end in Alum Bay (with the exception of trip 3 – website link). Postcode PO39 0JD. Please DO NOT come to the office address in Yarmouth.

• Is there disabled / wheelchair access? With access to us on the beach via 188 steps or a chairlift over the cliff, wheelchair access isn’t great, but if you can negotiate the stairs or the chairlift, you’ll be able to get on our boats.

• How often do the boats go? The slow boats as a minimum every 40 minutes, peak season with 2 boats, every 20 minutes. The fast/jet boats every 20-25 minutes or peak season every 10-15 minutes.

• Will there be a queue, and how long will I have to wait? During peak season at peak times, yes there are often queues, maybe up to an hour, so would suggest coming first thing before 10.30, or leaving it until after 3pm, otherwise just come and enjoy the glorious weather on the beach!

• How many people can the boats carry? The slow boats carry in excess of 80, the fast/jet boats just 12 at a time.

•  Are dogs allowed on board? Yes, on the slow boats, but not the fast/jet boats. Most of the crew are dog owners, so you’ll be well received, and the dogs come free!

• What’s the minimum age for the fast/jet boat. As a rule, this is aged 6, but given bumpier / windy conditions a height restriction of 1.2M will apply.

• Do you accept the supersaver tickets offered by Needles Landmark Attractions? As The Needles Landmark Attraction is a separate business, we DO NOT accept them.

• Is there car parking? You will have to park within the areas offered by the Needles Landmark Attraction.

• Do you sell food and drink on the boats? No, but there are refreshments sold at the Needles Landmark Attraction.

• Do you offer any other trips? If nothing of the advertised trips excites you, then get in touch and ask for something exclusive.