Weymouth Sunset BBQ Cruise — Seafood Festival on the Jurassic Coast

Read the full experience

Seafood Festival - Sunset BBQ on the Bay at Weymouth Bay is a three-hour evening cruise that folds festival energy into a classic coastal sail. Departing from Weymouth Harbour on the Dorset stretch of England’s Jurassic Coast, the trip is equal parts scenery and celebration: live acoustic music, a board-fired seafood barbecue, and a slow-moving parade of cliffs that record 185 million years of Earth history. Board at the coastal vibes cruises meeting point in Weymouth Harbour and find a friendly crew ready to welcome families, friends, and solo travelers. The vessel offers open deck space and covered seating, wheelchair access, and an onboard bar; depending on conditions the captain may either cruise the bay or drop anchor in a sheltered cove so guests can linger over sunset light and sea air. The menu centers on locally sourced seafood with vegetarian and vegan options, and there’s an upgrade option for half or whole lobster for a special occasion. What sets this outing apart is the way it connects simple pleasures to place. The Jurassic Coast’s fossil-rich cliffs—where layers of limestone and sandstone reveal deep geological time—slide past as background scenery, while gulls and occasional porpoises punctuate the horizon. The combination of food prepared on board, live music, and unobstructed coastal vistas creates a convivial, unpretentious festival atmosphere that complements Weymouth’s harbourfront culture. Practical details: the cruise lasts roughly three hours, so bring a jacket as sea breezes sharpen after sunset, wear non-slip shoes for moving safely on deck, and carry seasickness remedies if you’re prone to motion sensitivity. The fully licensed bar sells drinks; outside alcohol isn’t permitted. Check weather notices: trips may be modified or moved to the dockside festival in high winds, with refunds or alternatives offered per the operator’s policy. This experience works well for families, small groups, and anyone who prefers relaxed social outings rather than intense adventure. Photographers will find rich golden-hour light and long coastal profiles ideal for silhouette shots. Foodies will enjoy the fresh, locally sourced plates that reflect Dorset’s fishing traditions, while geology buffs get the bonus of cruising along a UNESCO-recognized coastline established as England’s premier fossil-bearing shore. Whether you come for the lobster upgrade, the music, or simply to watch the sunset slide behind layered cliffs, the Seafood Festival - Sunset BBQ on the Bay is a way to taste Weymouth from the water—easy to reach, sensory, and distinctly coastal. Plan to arrive at least ten minutes early at the coastal vibes cruises meeting point in Weymouth Harbour to scan your QR code and secure a good spot on deck. If you have dietary needs or plan to order a lobster upgrade, inform the operator when booking in advance to ensure availability.

Trip highlights

Difficulty

easy.

Duration

3 hours.

Fitness level

Light activity level — able to board, stand for photos, and walk short gangways; seating is available for most guests.

Frequently asked questions

Where do we meet?

Meet at the coastal vibes cruises check-in point in Weymouth Harbour; arrive at least ten minutes early for QR code check-in.

Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?

Yes — the vessel and boarding process are wheelchair accessible; contact the operator in advance to discuss specific needs.

Are there vegetarian or vegan food options?

Yes — the onboard BBQ offers vegetarian and vegan alternatives alongside locally sourced seafood and meat options.

Can I buy drinks onboard?

Yes — a fully licensed bar operates throughout the cruise; outside alcohol is not permitted.

What happens in bad weather?

Trips are weather dependent; in unsafe conditions the event may be relocated dockside or cancelled with refund rules applied as stated by the operator.

How do I order a lobster upgrade?

Choose the half or whole lobster upgrade during booking; pre-order is required to secure availability.

Local insights

Wildlife

Common gulls
Harbour seals and occasional porpoises

History

The Jurassic Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for its continuous sequence of Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous rock formations and fossils.

Conservation

Guests are asked to follow crew guidance to avoid disturbing wildlife, dispose of waste onboard, and minimize single-use plastics to protect the bay’s marine environment.

About Coastal Vibes Cruises

Coastal Vibes Cruises is a Weymouth-based boat operator that runs leisure cruises along Dorset’s Jurassic Coast. From short festive sailings to evening fireworks and themed party nights, the company offers a variety of public and private experiences designed for friends, families and special occasions. Popular departures include Summer Sessions with live acoustic music and an onboard bar, Nauti Bottomless Brunch featuring a buffet and two hours of bottomless drinks, Sunset Firework & Fish and Chips with a fireworks finale, and Santa on the Sea with a grotto visit for children. Trips range from 1.5 to 3.5 hours and include seasonal events such as Festive Thursdays, a two-hour Festive Cruise with mulled wine and mince pies, a Bonfire Night BBQ Cruise with a BBQ buffet, and afternoon tea sailings with panoramic coastal views. Several experiences list live DJs, live music, face painting and family-friendly entertainment; some cruises offer a fully licensed bar and catering options. Two named experiences — Boos and Booze Party Cruise and Bingoing Mad — are also part of the program. Coastal Vibes Cruises operates from Weymouth, England, and focuses on showcasing the Jurassic Coast’s scenery while providing social, celebratory atmospheres on board. The business is featured on The Adventure Collective, which highlights local adventure and leisure providers. Guests are encouraged to review individual trip listings for duration, inclusions and age suitability before booking. Seasonal schedules, ticket availability and specific onboard amenities vary by cruise and are listed on each individual trip's booking page for accurate details online.

Base locationWeymouth, England

Tours offered12+

Specialtyboat-charters

Adventure tips

Dress in layersEven warm evenings turn breezy after sunset—bring a windproof jacket or hoodie for deck comfort.

Non-slip footwearWear sturdy, non-slip shoes for safe movement around the deck, especially near the cooking area.

Pre-order lobster upgradeIf you want half or whole lobster, select and pre-order the upgrade when booking to guarantee availability.

Bring seasickness remediesIf you’re prone to motion sickness, take medication beforehand and bring anything you’ll need on board.

Recommended gear

Windproof jacket: Keeps you warm and dry on deck as temperatures drop after sunset.
Non-slip shoes: Improves safety when walking on wet or moving decks.
Motion-sickness medicine: Helps ensure an enjoyable cruise if you’re sensitive to sea motion.
Camera or phone with a good battery: Capture sunset light, cliffs, and onboard festival moments.