1 Hour vs 2 Hour Sea Safari: Which Ilfracombe Trip Should You Book?
May 19, 2026
Fast-Paced Adventure, Stunning Coastline and the Perfect Introduction to North Devon from the Water
If you’re looking for one of the best things to do in Ilfracombe, our 1 Hour Sea Safari offers the perfect combination of adventure, scenery and local history. Whether you’re visiting North Devon on holiday or live locally and want to experience the coastline from a completely different perspective, this trip packs a huge amount into just one hour.
Heading east from Ilfracombe Harbour onboard one of our high-speed Humber RIBs, you’ll experience dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, historic landmarks and some of the most spectacular coastal scenery North Devon has to offer.
Why Choose the 1 Hour Sea Safari?
Perfect If You Want Adventure Without Taking Up Your Whole Day
Not everyone wants a longer trip, and that’s exactly why our 1 Hour Sea Safari has become so popular. It gives you the excitement of a RIB ride and the beauty of the North Devon coastline while fitting easily into your day.
It’s ideal if you:
- Want an exciting activity during your North Devon holiday
- Are visiting Ilfracombe for the day
- Love coastal scenery and hidden places
- Want to experience a RIB ride for the first time
- Have children who would enjoy an adventure on the water
- Enjoy local history and wildlife spotting
The trip moves at a lively pace, allowing us to cover plenty of coastline in a shorter time while still stopping to take in points of interest and incredible views.
Perfect For Families
Our 1 Hour Sea Safari is often a favourite with families looking for something different to do in Ilfracombe. It offers excitement without being too long for younger passengers and gives children the opportunity to experience North Devon’s coastline from a completely different angle.
Our crew also share interesting facts and stories along the way, helping bring the coastline to life.
What To Expect On The Trip
Your adventure begins in Ilfracombe Harbour before we head east along the coast. Almost immediately you’ll start seeing parts of North Devon that simply cannot be appreciated properly from land.
Hele Bay and Hillsborough
We pass beautiful Hele Bay and head around Hillsborough, giving fantastic views back towards Ilfracombe and out across the coastline.
Watermouth Harbour and Watermouth Castle
Continuing along the coast, we travel past Sampson’s Coves and Watermouth Harbour, where you’ll get fantastic views of the impressive Watermouth Castle from the sea.
Broad Sands and Smugglers Caves
One of the highlights of the trip is travelling towards Broad Sands, a hidden gem tucked away along the coastline. We then continue into Combe Martin Bay to see the historic Smugglers Caves, an area full of stories and local history dating back generations.
Exmoor Coastline Views
The route continues towards the beginning of the dramatic Hangman Hills and Exmoor National Park coastline, giving passengers some incredible views of North Devon’s rugged landscape from the water.
Wildlife You May See
Every trip is different, and wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, but we regularly encounter:
- Harbour Porpoise
- Oyster Catchers
- Northern Gannets
- Peregrine Falcons
Part of the excitement is never knowing exactly what you might spot along the way.
The Thrill of a Humber RIB Ride
Our Humber RIBs are designed to offer an exciting, stable and unforgettable experience on the water. Expect bursts of speed, incredible coastal views and plenty of smiles along the way. Guests regularly describe the experience as one of the highlights of their North Devon holiday.
A Different Way To See North Devon
There’s something special about seeing North Devon from the sea. Hidden coves, towering cliffs and historic landmarks take on a completely different feel when viewed from the water.
If you’re looking for a fun, memorable activity in Ilfracombe that combines scenery, adventure and local knowledge, our 1 Hour Sea Safari is the perfect choice.
Ready to explore North Devon from the water?
Book your 1 Hour Sea Safari today and experience the coastline like never before.