cardiff bay powerboat trips

EXPERIENCE ‘SHOCKWAVE’ and ‘TWIST’ THE LATEST FAST JET BOATS IN CARDIFF BAY

HOLD ON TIGHT! This is twenty five minutes of SPEED AND EXPLORATION!!!

Get yourself blown from one end of Cardiff Bay to Penarth to explore the secluded River Ely and blast back again

COASTAL SHOCK

Unforgettable 50 minutes of jet-powered action from Cardiff Bay out into the Bristol Channel and back!

See all the sights and go through the barrage itself.

So fast you’ll be SHOCKED and left wanting more!

PRIVATE HIRE

Want to charter our speed boat exclusively for you and your friends?

Why not privately hire one of our boats just for your group and share that rush of adrenaline together.

THE LAST RIDE

An adrenaline rush along the Welsh Coastline and into the wilds of the Bristol Channel for your Stag Weekend and Hen Party.

Thrills and spills a plenty as we negotiate any waves we may encounter!

BIG BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

Hire the boats all to yourself with options for 25 minutes exploring Cardiff Bay or 1 hour of Coastal Shock!

TEEN BIRTHDAYS SCHOOL TRIPS

AHOY Me Hearties! Step aboard shockwave with your rascally crew and we’ll cast off and set sail for an adventure on the high seas of Cardiff Bay and beyond.  Suitable for Teenagers aged 9-15

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Welcome to Cardiff's ultimate boat rides

Looking for a boat trip in Cardiff? One that is fun, exciting and different from the rest?

With a variety of Voyages on offer, we are sure to have the perfect trip just for you!

A quick trip around Cardiff Bay or adventures further afield, let us take you there!

2024 TRIP DATES RELEASED!

With the new year now upon us, we are pleased to announce that our trips for 2024’s season are now ready to book!

Bay Island Voyages offer a great range of fun days out!

From a fast boat ride around Cardiff Bay to a scenic tour of Flat Holm Island, we have it covered.  You can book online to secure your seat or take a chance and turn up on the day.  Situated at the heart of Mermaid Quay on the waterfront boardwalk, you can’t miss us with the blue hut and flags.

What we offer...

As far back as 1999, Bay Island Voyages have been running a variety of boat trips both within Cardiff Bay, and out in the Bristol Channel.

Trips include 15 min Bay Voyage, 1hr and 1.5hr  Coastal Trips, Island Visits, Children’s Birthday Parties, Stag/Hen Parties, Private Charters and Specialty Trips.

Safety Information

Your safety is our No.1 priority and our boat trips are suitable for all ages. With over 20 years experience, you know you’re in safe hands.

Time for a quick trip around Cardiff Bay?

Then this is the one for you!

A trip with a difference?  Take a voyage out into the Bristol Channel and experience the local coastline & Flat Holm Island by sea.

Experience a short day visit on this island to explore the nature and history of Wales’ most Southerly point.

Cardiff Speed Boat

Bay Island Voyages, Cardiff Bay’s ultimate powerboat experience, providing fast and fun boat trips in Cardiff Bay and the Bristol Channel.

12 places you can hire a boat in Wales for a day out with a difference

From canal boats to speed boats, there's nothing like having fun on the water

• 15:05, 26 JUL 2022
• Updated 11:10, 1 AUG 2022

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The summer is here and what better way of enjoying the sunshine than with a boat trip. While most of us wait until we're on holiday to do this, with so many coastal areas and rivers in Wales there are plenty of opportunities for us to take to the water whenever we have some spare time.

So whether you love the thrill of riding the waves or prefer a more leisurely cruise along the river, here are some places where you can hire a boat for a day out with your family and friends that you'll always remember. You can keep up to date with the latest What's On news by signing up to the newsletter here .

READ MORE: Summer 2022 in Wales: 40 things to do with the family during the holida y

1. Seawake Anglesey Boat Trips

Explore the beautiful coastline of Anglesey and the Menai Straits on one of these powerboat trips. Charter one of the speed boats for your own tailor-made cruise, whether that's for friends, family, work colleagues, or even a wedding party.

You can decide with the skipper where you want to go - from a day on a secluded beach or exploring an area of the coastline you've never seen before. They can take a maximum of 12 people on each boat and there's a small fleet to enable even larger groups to share the experience.

Different sized boats and different tours vary in cost with trips starting from £65 per person. You can book your trip here.

2. Gower Coast Adventures

Gower Coast Adventures has been running wildlife boat trips along the Gower Coast for over 13 years and you can hire the 12-capacity boat with an experienced skipper and crew for a trip tailored to your needs.

One of the most popular ready-made tours is the two-hour trip from Oxwich to Worms Head which offers the most impressive views of Gower and the best opportunities for spotting wildlife which includes seals, dolphins, and sea birds.

Tours cost £54 for adults and £30 for children. You can book the whole boat for up to 12 passengers for £540. You can book here.

Available to hire from Aquabus is the hospitality boat Seren-y-Bae which suits all needs from birthday to hen parties to corporate events. The Seren-y-Bae seats up to 57 people and the trip offers great views of Cardiff Bay and rivers Taff and Ely.

The panoramic windows all around the boat mean no one has to miss out on the fab view. Booking times are very flexible so you can enjoy your trip whenever you feel like it. Book your tickets here.

4. Beacon Park Boats

There are two different electric boats for hire - an eight-seater and a six-seater - for a day on the canal in the Brecon Beacons. The environmentally-friendly boats have very quiet engines and are simple to drive. No experience is necessary as those hiring the boats will be given tuition before setting off.

Dogs are also welcome on board and you can also hire a cycle boat, canoe, or paddle boards. Prices start at £90 for the eight-seater and £70 for the six-seater. You can book your tickets here.

5. Swansea Community Boat - Copper Jack

The Swansea Community Boat 'Copper Jack' will take you on a trip up the historic River Tawe - and it is available for private hire.

The trip includes an audio-visual presentation pointing out the remains of 'Copperopolis', the industrial heart of industrial Swansea which was once the centre of worldwide copper production.

There is also ample opportunity to view the rich variety of wildlife along the riverbank as you pass slowly by. Refreshments and snacks are available on the trip and the boat is also licenced to sell alcohol. You can book your tickets here.

6. RibRide Adventure Boat Tours

Another powerboat company based in north Wales, RibRide Adventure Boats Tours caters to individuals or groups of any age from four years old. Your private charter can be as short and sweet as an hour-long cruise, taking you to your own places in your own time.

Those with a head for adventure can circumnavigate the isle of Anglesey, explore caves and headlands, get up close and personal with the sea wildlife, and zip across the open sea at a pace. Not for the faint-hearted - and pack your waterproofs too! Prices start at £30 for adults. Book your ticket here.

7. Cambrian Cruisers

Enjoy a boating holiday on the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal. Cambrian Cruisers has a selection of canal boats for hire so you can enjoy a tranquil holiday on the waterways.

A team member will join you for a short cruise before you set off properly to show you the ropes, although there is 24-hour assistance if needed. You can book here.

8. Llangollen Wharf

Operating along the gorgeous Shropshire Union Canal Llangollen Branch is the boat hire company Llangollen Wharf. You can hire a self-drive narrowboat and enjoy the stunning views of the canal.

The narrowboats can hold up to ten people and has heating, hot and cold water, and a flushing toilet. Prices start at £140 per day to hire the boat. Book your tickets here.

9. Red Line Boats

Red Line Boats, available from Goytre Wharf in the Brecon Beacons, have boats available to hire for the day. You can hire the boats for up to six hours and the different boats sit between four and 12 people.

The boats are self-drive and tuition about how to use the boat is included in the price. One of the routes you can take includes a pitstop at a canal-side pub, The Star Inn. Book here.

10. Tenby Boat Trips

Operating different types of vessels you can choose between the Seal Safari, which can carry up to 20 passengers, the Island Ranger, which has three viewing decks, and Rib Rides, which holds up to 12 passengers from the picturesque seaside town of Tenby . You can hire out the Rib Ride for one hour for a private charter, costing £220. You can book here.

If you and the family fancy a spot of dolphin-watching then you can hire a motorboat that will take you around Cardigan Bay to spot dolphins, swim, and snorkel. You can pack your own picnic or ask the company to rustle something up for you.

And you can choose your own itinerary so you might want to include a lunch break on Llangrannog Beach or a stop-off at the Harbour Master in Aberaeron at sunset for a glass of wine. This boat hire costs £300 for a half day and £600 for a full day. Book your tickets here.

12. Pembrokeshire Cruising

Pembrokeshire Cruising's base at Neyland Yacht Haven is the doorway to some of the finest cruising grounds in the UK. This one is for those who are already skilled at yachting or you can learn to sail with Pembrokeshire Cruising.

Sharpen your sailing skills within the Haven's 24 miles of sheltered waters extending from the upper reaches of the Cleddau Estuary, rich in history and estuary bird life, to St Anne's Head where the waterway meets the Atlantic Ocean.

For those wishing to cruise further afield, Pembrokeshire is an ideal starting point to explore Lundy Island, Padstow and the Scilly Isles, or the unspoiled coastline of Southern Ireland. Book here.

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Powerboat Trips

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Cruise Loch Ness

Stunning Loch Ness Cruises – Sit back, relax and take it all in. Enjoy the beauty of Loch Ness in all its wonder.

Email: [email protected] Web: www.cruiselochness.com Phone: 01320 366 277 Area: Loch Ness

Dover Marine Services

Marine based services from the White Cliffs Country.

Email: [email protected] Web: www.dovermarineservices.com Phone: 01304 212 880 Area: Kent

Lyme Bay Rib Charters, Powerboat Rides

Located at Westbay, Dorset great Quayside Trips.

Email: :[email protected] Web: www.lymebayribcharter.co.uk/ Phone: 07971 25 85 15 Area: Dorset

Rib-it is one of the longest established rib charter companies on the South Coast.

Email: [email protected] Web: www.rib-it.com Phone: 01590 670248 Area: Lymington, Hampshire

Bay Island Voyages

High-speed rides both within Cardiff Bay

Email: [email protected] Web: www.bayislandvoyages.co.uk Phone: 0739 347 0476 Area: Wales

Ocean Sports Tuition

Ocean Sports Tuition. The RYA powerboat training and RYA Motor Cruising specialists in Southampton

Email: [email protected] Web: www.oceansportstuition.co.uk Phone: 023 8124 2159 Area: Southampton

First Contact Charters

Rib Charter is one of the most popular ways to enjoy the sea.

Email: [email protected] Web: boat-charters.uk.com Phone: 01983 741 484 / 07774 614883 Area: Yarmouth, Isle of Wight

Bembridge Powerboat Training Ltd

Primarily we operate from Bembridge Harbour – but will meet clients and parties at any Solent port

Email: [email protected] Web: www.powerboat-training.com Phone: 01983 778 077 Area: Isle of Wight

Onboard Ribs

Located at Gunwharf Quays marina, beneath Portsmouth’s landmark Spinnaker Tower.

Email: [email protected] Web: www.onboardcharters.com Phone: 023 9200 6427 Area: Portsmouth, Hampshire

Blue Thunder Rib Rides

Here at Blue Thunder Ribs we provide exciting up-beat coastal tours and exhilarating speed boat rides around St Ives Cornwall.

Email: [email protected] Web: BlueThunderRibs Phone: 07917 801 540 Area: Cornwall

RibRide Adventure Boat Tours

We are Wales best adventure boat tour company.

Email: [email protected] Web: www.ribride.co.uk Phone: 0333 1234 303 Area: Wales

Full Throttle Boat Charters Powerboat Rides

Located in Rye Harbour on the East Sussex / Kent border

Email: :[email protected] Web: www.fullthrottleboatcharters.com/ Phone: 01424 442 729 Area: East Sussex

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Boat Trips in Cardiff Bay

If you fancy a boat trips in Cardiff Bay there are lots of ways to do it.

Pleasure boat trips

The Waterbus, the Aquabus and the Openboat are similar in their style in that they include boat trips round the Bay and depending on the boat also up the river Taff and Ely.

It goes without saying that if you are going to take boat trips then shoes, similar to trainers are best and short sleeves are not always ideal even if it is hot!

The aquabus  operates from Mermaid Quay into the City Centre. The Rivers Taff and Ely can be navigated and you can visit the Cardiff Barrage on the Embankment comfortably and with some panache.

Address: Cardiff Marina, Ferry Road, Cardiff
PostCode: CF11 0JL
Phone: (0)29 2034 5163  www.cardiffaquabus.com

The original boat on Cardiff Bay was the Waterbus operating pleasure boat trips in a bright yellow boat, so look out for it.

Address: Pierhead (Cardiff Waterfront),
PostCode: CF10
Phone: Julia 07940 142409  www.cardiffwaterbus.com

District: Cardiff Bay
Address: The Waterfront
,Cardiff Bay
PostCode: CF10 5BZ
Phone: n/a  www.theopenboat.co.uk

The Boathouse

If you fancy doing it yourself then there are some great easy drive bots to hire, they are very stable and sensibly powered, situated in the Graving dock behind Techniquest check out The Boathouse Self-Drive Boat Hire

Address: The Graving Dock (Behind Techniquest) 
PostCode: CF10 5SG
 Phone: 07976 700044  www.theboathousecardiff.co.uk

RIB boat trips (Rigid Inflatable Boat)

If you fancy a bit more excitement you can go for special boat trips so try a Bay Blast with Cardiff Sea Safaris. They also operate longer boat trips outside the bay into the channel which means that you have to go through the barrage locks!

Cardiff Sea Safaris

Address: Lower Board Walk, Mermaid Quay, Cardiff Bay
PostCode: CF10 5BZ
Phone: 029 2048 7663  www.boattripscardiff.co.uk

Sailing Boat trips

If you want to experience sailing boat trips in a 36ft yacht called Takamaka, then give Trysail a go. Skippered by Steve marks the yacht goes from Mermaid quay and sails across to the barrage up the River Ely taking in the International white water centre before returning to the quay via the wetlands nature reserve.

Address: Mermaid Quay Cardiff Bay
PostCode: CF10 5BZ
Phone: 07595 338203  www.trysailcardiff.co.uk

Power Boat Trips

Address: The Pierhead Barry Docks Barry 
PostCode: CF62 5QS
 Phone: 01446 746170  http://www.7marine.co.uk

If you want to try a proper power boat experience the you have to take a short trip to Penarth Dock. After kitting out in waterproofs and having had a full safety briefing your instructor takes you out into the Bay to get the feel of things before you get to have a go. The 2 hour trip also takes you out throught the locks to head to Penarth pier in the quest for waves, great present for someone!

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Aquabus offers an hourly waterbus service between Cardiff Castle grounds in the city centre and Mermaid Quay in the Bay.

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Our Aquabus service links the City Centre to the Bay.

*SERVICE ALL YEAR ROUND – WEATHER PERMITTING*

• Full wheelchair, pushchair and bicycle access
• Easy access – No steps
• Comfortable modern bus seats
• Very stable and safe construction – aluminum catamaran hull with a total of 8 watertight compartments
• Modern boats, saving the environment

Request stops available:

• Taff’s Mead Embankment (for Central Station)

Call the boat on 07500 556 556

​Prices, Booking and tickets:

Adults – £7.50 | Children under 15 – £3.50 3’s and under  go free! No charge for bicycles or pushchairs

Each way takes 25 minutes or 1 hour if you choose to stay on board for a relaxing 1 hour long, river cruise, back to where you boarded the boat.

See the sights

• The Wales Millennium Center
• The Pierhead Building
• St Davids Hotel
• The wetlands nature reserve
• Principality Stadium
• Bute Park & Cardiff Castle

We reserve the right to alter services and prices without prior notice.

Departs from Bute Park adjacent to Cardiff Castle  Postcode: CF10 3RB W3W: tree.words.emerge  or Departs from Mermaid Quay adjacent to Cadwaladers Ice Cream parlour.

Journey Time: 25-30 minutes

• Please arrive 10 minutes before departure time
• On a busy day please make yourself known to the crew to ensure you board ahead of those arriving without a booking.
• Times cannot be changed or refunded within 48 hours.
• Tickets purchased online are for the boat Hydro and not any other service.

The Boat And Crew

Here you will find all the information about the boat and the expert crew and staff that run it., the princess katharine is a class v purpose built 90 seat passenger vessel owned and operated by cardiff boat tours ltd.

Princess Katharine is fully licensed and inspected by the Marine and Coastguard agency and far exceeds the required safety standards. She is regularly maintained by a team of expert engineers and the crew to ensure an excellent standard.

Princess Katharine is licensed to carry 90 Passengers and is equipped with all the latest safety equipment. A four speaker commentary and PA system is in place to provide passengers with a detailed and interesting commentary during the trip.

The build of the vessel and the two row comfortable seating ensures a smooth and steady experience even in windy conditions. She is powered by highly reliable JCB marine diesel engine and a hydraulic drive system which ensures incredibly quiet and low vibration propulsion. Perfect for those relaxing trips.

Princess Katharine is equipped with a full size marine toilet and wash basin as well and a powerful diesel marine heater which brings the boat to a comfortable temperature for use in the colder winter months.

Princess Katharine operates with two boat masters on board which exceeds the legal requirement. During the busy summer months there is regularly a third boat master on board.

The skippers on board Princess Katharine are highly qualified and experienced MCA Boat Masters and are fully certified in all aspects of the licencing required. 

All crew are fully certified in Marine First Aid, Sea Survival, Fire Fighting. Regular training and practice undertaken. All have been trained in the use of our Automatic External Defibrillator. 

Many of our crew are ex lifeboat coxswains and Pilot boat skippers.

All shore staff are familiar with the safety equipment on the boat and first aid trained. They too have vast experience in boat tours and customer service.

All staff are DBS checked.

Vessel Information

Official name - princess katharine of cardiff, total length - 18.89m, total depth - 1.52m beam - 3.67m, net tonnage - 17.81t year of build - 1977 hull material - ferro cemment top speed - 8 knots engine - jcb marine, 85hp. hydraulic driven, safety equipment information, princess katharine carries a large number of safety equipment on board. this includes items such as:, automatically launching life rafts. 65 pax and 30 pax, 130+ life jackets. , two carly floats, throw lines, fire extinguishers to mca standards, fire blankets, cat c first aid kit, automated external defibrillator  each seat has two safety information cards and a safety announcement is played on every departure.

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Enjoy the past, present, and future

Our expert team of friendly, professional guides will ensure your visit to cardiff is informative, entertaining and memorable..

Cardiff Bay Tours are delighted to take this opportunity to invite your group to visit and experience Cardiff Bay, and all its attractions, for yourselves. Flexible tours arranged to suit you with experienced, knowledgable, and friendly guides.

School Groups

Walking Tours

Places of Worship

"Thank you so much for looking after our group so well last week. I know everyone thoroughly enjoyed Cardiff and your wonderful guiding around the City and also the Gower. We will be back to see you again."

- Guy Cordery (Director, JG Theatre Group)

"I can highly recommend Cardiff Bay Tours, their guides and the services they provide. We have had 10 years of wonderful coach tours, boat trips and road train rides. When we run a day trip to Cardiff we know everyone will go home with a smile on their face!"

- Gary Davies (Director, Chauffeurhire Coaches)

Carol and Bryan

• Cardiff's premier tour guides
• Over 20 years experience
• Local historians
• Friendly and knowledgeable
• (+44) 7929855154
• [email protected]

For those who prefer a more leisurely pace, our Bay Tours cruise is the perfect choice. This tour takes you on a relaxing journey around the Bay, with plenty of opportunities to take in the stunning scenery and snap some amazing photos along the way. Our cruises are suitable for visitors of all ages, and we welcome families, couples, and groups of friends.

This 45-minute tour takes you on a breathtaking journey through the picturesque bay, with a stop at Penarth Barrage for 10 minutes whilst passengers disembark and board once again from earlier trips or a walk across to this stop.

One of the biggest benefits of this tour is the convenience. If you’re short on time or don’t have a car, this tour is the perfect way to see the best of Cardiff Bay without the hassle of navigating public transportation or finding parking. Plus, the tour is fully guided, so you won’t miss a thing as you explore the beautiful bay and its many sights.

During the tour, you’ll get to see some of Cardiff’s most iconic landmarks and attractions, including the Wales Millennium Centre, the Senedd, and Mermaid Quay. You’ll also enjoy stunning views of the bay and its many waterways, with plenty of opportunities for photos and selfies along the way.

One of the highlights of the tour is the stop at Penarth Barrage. This beautiful landmark is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, and for good reason. With its stunning views and peaceful surroundings, it’s the perfect place to relax and take in the beauty of the bay.

But the benefits of this tour don’t end there. In addition to its convenience and stunning sights our Bay Tour is also incredibly affordable. At just a fraction of the cost of other sightseeing tours in the area, it’s an excellent value for anyone looking to explore the bay on a budget.

So why wait? Book your Cardiff Bay Sightseeing Tour today and experience the beauty and excitement of Cardiff Bay for yourself. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, this tour is the perfect way to see the best of this stunning area in just 45 minutes. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity – book your tour today!

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RYA Powerboat Level 2

Course info

This two day course provides a thorough introduction to powerboating, progressing the student from a complete novice to a competent boat handler in the calm waters of Cardiff Bay and the coastal waters of the Bristol Channel.

The course will include planing and/or displacement craft, cover launching and recovery, boat handling, coming alongside, picking up a mooring, man overboard and anchoring. Essential theory will be covered alongside the practical elements of the course.

Candidates can apply to the RYA for the International Certificate of Competence (Power Coastal up to 10M) on successful completion of the course.

N.B. Please ensure that you bring a passport photo with you when you attend the course, as this will be required to issue your certificate.

Minimum age

Prior experience required.

Related Courses

Destination consultant with Anglers World Holidays , Shimano UK’s sea angling consultant and full time angling photo journalist, based in South Wales. There are few corners of Wales, or the world, where Dave hasn’t fished, in either salt or freshwater.

© Dave Lewis

Sea fishing from Cardiff Bay

A sea fishing venture from Cardiff Bay

Dave Lewis, a well-known Welsh sea fishing writer, heads out to Cardiff Bay and the Bristol Channel for a family fishing trip with Haydn Ross, the skipper of 'Tuskar 2'.

Haydn Ross is the proud owner and skipper of ‘Tuskar 2’, an immaculate, fast and extremely spacious Evolution 38 charter fishing boat. He moors it at Cardiff Bay Marina.

Haydn has boat fished in the Bristol Channel from a young age. Now, he's interested in getting youngsters and their parents fishing, as well as other members of the general public, and runs bookable fishing trips aboard Tuskar 2 .

Dave Lewis with a fish and Tuskar 2

The inshore grounds off Cardiff Bay , where Haydn sails, produce numerous different sea fish species, several of which are regularly caught weighing over 10lb. These include conger eel, blonde, thornback and small-eyed rays, smoothounds, cod, bass and bull huss.

Several smaller species can also be caught, including plenty of dogfish. While these eager bait takers are often decried by experienced boat anglers, they are a more than welcome catch for any child or novice angler, and most days catching one can be pretty much guaranteed. All of these can be caught within a 15-20 minute run from the Cardiff Bay Barrage lock gates.

Waiting for a bite…

All aboard!

I joined Haydn on the first of two back-to-back four hour trips he was running one day. We sailed with a full crew of twelve, which included several children and their parents - some of which were making their second or third trip aboard Tuskar 2.

Haydn took us to a patch of mixed ground close to the shore in Sully Bay, where many of the species previously listed can be found. The 20-minute journey there was ideal – barely a breath of wind and warm sunshine.

A specimen blonde ray for the Gwillim family!

Haydn, and his son/crewman Lennon, were faced with the somewhat daunting task of looking after 12 novice anglers, but they were more than capable of handling the challenge. Twelve rods were already set up, rigged with a simple, efficient and pretty much tangle free running ledger.

An equal number of hook lengths pre-baited with squid or mackerel were hanging close by out of harm’s way, ready to be quickly attached. As a result, within minutes of the anchor taking hold, each of the crew were eagerly watching the tip of their respective rod for that first nodding indication of a bite. As and when required, Haydn and Lennon regularly changed baits or offered other assistance.

Family fishing on the Tuskar 2 charter boat

First fish of the day fell to Steve Huddleston, who had travelled down from Brecon to spend the day fishing with his son and grandson. Steve, who generally fly fishes for wild brown trout throughout the Brecon Beacons National Park , boated a rather modest thornback ray. The smile on the face of the proud grandfather could not have been bigger had he caught one much larger. Moments later, Filiz Gwillim from Cardiff, fishing with her husband and son, was proudly displaying the first dogfish in front of my camera. Leighton Hopkins from Marshfield, who had brought along his son, was next after landing a lively strap conger. He was quickly followed again by Filiz, who had added a thornback ray to her tally.

Despite the fact we had caught a few fish, Haydn was sure we could do better. He started the engine, called for lines in, and took us to another area, where he felt there was a better chance of seeing a few blonde rays. The second mark was located just off Cardiff Bay, just minutes from the barrage, and within no time at all the move was fully justified when Irfan Gwillim, Filiz’s son, hooked into what clearly was a much bigger fish. The young lad certainly had his hands full but with patience, grit, and just a little help from his dad he eventually managed to bring a very decent double figure blonde ray to Haydn’s waiting net. Dogfish, too, were more plentiful at this mark with youngsters Brandon Lee McLaughlin and Max Ball quickly catching their first fish of the session.

The most impressive fish of the trip - a 14lb starry smoothound

The most impressive fish of the trip though was a 14lb starry smoothound that top rod Filiz caught, not long before Haydn once again called for lines in as our trip was at an end. Most if not all of the crew were having such an enjoyable time they wanted to stay out longer, and on the way back in it was heartening to hear several of the family groups already making plans with Haydn and booking a return trip.

Shortly after dropping us off back at Cardiff Marina, Haydn welcomed his second crew of the day aboard Tuskar 2 and set off on the afternoon trip. Within an hour of him sailing my phone was pinging to announce the arrival of an image from that session, the first of 14 blonde rays, the biggest weighing 18lb, that were caught during the four hour trip. In my book this ranks as seriously good fishing for a full days charter!

Further information

Tuskar 2 is licensed for up to 12 passengers. She can be booked for short trips or multiple day trips. You can follow Tuskar 2’s fishing adventures on the Tuskar charters 2 Facebook page .

To find out more about sea fishing in Wales, including charter boat fishing, beach and shore angling opportunities, visit the Fishing Wales website .

Discover more fishing opportunities around Cardiff with our activities search .

Need to know more about fishing in Wales?

Visit Fishing In Wales - the website for Welsh angling. Featuring over 1000 fishing locations for sea, game and coarse fishers, the Fishing In Wales website uses intuitive interactive maps, allowing you to find fishing spots and angling facilities in Wales quickly and easily.

Search for fishing lakes , sea fishing trips and fishing holidays in Wales.

Croeso i Pysgota yng Nghymru / Welcome to Fishing In Wales!

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