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Set sail from Conwy for a four-hour coastal cruise to watch a rare solar eclipse from offshore of the Great Orme. Combine wildlife, iconic bridges, and seaside geology into one unforgettable evening.
Set sail from Conwy for a four-hour coastal cruise to watch a rare solar eclipse from offshore of the Great Orme. Combine wildlife, iconic bridges, and seaside geology into one unforgettable evening.
Book with Aquatour
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Aquatour · Conwy, Wales
On a late summer evening in North Wales, the sea becomes a stage for a rare celestial event: the Solar Eclipse Adventure from Conwy. Departing from By Conwy Lifeboat Station, this four-hour boat cruise threads the Menai Strait, skirts Puffin Island and Penmon Lighthouse, slips past Beaumaris, and sails beneath the Menai Suspension Bridge and Britannia Bridge before pausing offshore of the Great Orme to watch more than 90% of the Sun disappear around 7:10pm. On deck, salt and slate air sharpens the senses. Guides point out nesting seabirds on Puffin Island, grey seals loafing on rocky skerries, and the steep, pale faces of the Great Orme where ancient copper workings scar the headland. The route stitches together natural highlights and engineering landmarks: Beaumaris’s coastal frontage, Thomas Telford’s Menai Suspension Bridge, and Robert Stephenson’s Britannia Bridge—structures that changed travel and trade across these waters. Plans follow a comfortable rhythm: an early departure from Conwy allows daylight exploration of Puffin Island and Penmon Lighthouse, then passage through the Menai Strait and a brief comfort stop at Menai Bridge before heading out to the Great Orme for sunset viewing. The captain will find an open line of sight to the western horizon, cut the engines, and give passengers time to put on certified eclipse glasses for safe viewing. Normal sunglasses are not adequate—bring certified viewers or buy them ahead of time. Small groups—boats cap at a Maximum 11 Participants—make this an intimate way to watch an eclipse while still scanning for wildlife. AquaTour notes that trips are not wheelchair accessible due to the nature of their boats, but crew aim to help where possible. The experience is family-friendly (minimum age 4; every child must be accompanied by an adult) and runs only if at least four passengers are booked. Spaces will be limited for this one-off trip; arrive twenty minutes early to check in and for the safety briefing. Expect roughly 3–4 hours on the water (the posted plan departs Conwy at 4:00pm and returns around 8:00pm). The captain may alter the route depending on sea and weather conditions; wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. What makes this outing stand out is the way it layers human history and natural drama: medieval Conwy’s battlements watch over a coastline of seabird islands, Victorian engineering spans the strait, and the Great Orme’s weathered slopes provide a dramatic foreground for an astronomical spectacle. For anyone visiting Conwy or the Menai Strait region during the eclipse, this boat trip turns a moment in the sky into a full coastal evening you won’t forget. Book early, prepare for changeable weather, bring certified eclipse viewers, and return on board with unforgettable memories of a rare North Wales sky event.
Minimum age is 4 years; every child must be accompanied by an adult.
Unfortunately, AquaTour trips are not wheelchair accessible due to the nature of the boats, though crew will assist where possible.
Yes—certified eclipse viewers are required; normal sunglasses do not provide adequate protection.
Trips require a minimum of four passengers; if that threshold isn’t met the trip may be cancelled or rescheduled.
No—wildlife sightings (puffins, seals, dolphins) depend on season and sea conditions and cannot be guaranteed.
Check in at By Conwy Lifeboat Station; arrive 20 minutes early for the safety briefing and boarding.
Aquatour is a Conwy, Wales–based boat tour operator offering high-speed powerboat and RIB experiences along North Wales' coastline. From its departure point in Conwy, Aquatour runs a range of trips that showcase the Great Orme, Puffin Island, the Menai Straits and surrounding coastal landmarks. Trips include the Great Orme & Puffin Island Fly By (one hour), the Puffin Island Wildlife Adventure, the Menai Straits RIB Expedition (two hours), the Great Orme Sea Life Voyage, and a 40-minute Seal Safari. Each trip combines scenic coastal cruising with wildlife watching opportunities. Guests can expect views of dramatic cliffs, seabird colonies, historic WWII gun sites, seals, and the potential to spot dolphins and puffins near Puffin Island. The Menai Straits RIB Expedition highlights the Swellies and other tidal features while the Great Orme itineraries focus on cliffs, coves and sea life. Aquatour’s trips vary in pace from leisurely wildlife observation to adrenaline-driven high-speed rides, catering to families, photographers and adventure seekers. Narration and local commentary feature on select departures, providing context about coastal history, natural habitats and notable landmarks. Bookings depart from Conwy with durations ranging from forty minutes to two hours, making the experiences suitable for short excursions or longer coastal explorations. Aquatour emphasizes clear trip descriptions and defined itineraries so visitors can choose trips that match interests in wildlife, scenery or high-speed boating. Advance booking is recommended; departure times and availability vary seasonally. Visitors should consult Aquatour's official booking channels for exact schedules, trip descriptions and real-time availability before travel planning.
Book with Aquatour