Welcome to DartBoat.com.

Falcon of Dartmouth Boat Charter is based in the picturesque estuary of the River, Dart in South Devon.

Now in our fourth season, the boat and its owner/skipper Tony Hoile provide:

• South Devon Coastal and River Dart Estuary Explorations for groups of 4 - 12 passengers viewing the superb scenery and wildlife at a leisurely pace.

• Private charters for sub-aqua diving groups around the South Devon coast exploring the wrecks and scenic reefs for this relatively undived area.

• Private hire to suit your own requirements, whether family, friends, corporate, or other group. Think of it as your own boat, with an experienced and friendly skipper.

• A facility for filming and survey work. We have been used several times for BBC and Channel 4 productions.

Falcon and its skipper are fully certified for up to 12 passengers. Tony is a very experienced skipper and diver/diving instructor who has been operating this type of vessel since the 1970s. He is the only wildlife-safe (WISE) accredited skipper operating from Dartmouth.

During 2007 Falcon will be available from late March to late October on a regular basis, but the boat is available throughout the year by arrangement - if it's a nice day it's worth a trip! Also available over Christmas and New Year Periods (apart from Christmas Day unless you bring the goose!) - see Festive Trips.

Click here for a few samples of sociable outings on Falcon and of some of the sights seen from the boat, above the waterline for explorers and in the divers' playground below.

Explore the numerous scenic reefs, rock pinnacles and wrecks of southern Lyme Bay, Start Bay and Lannacombe Bay. Tony Hoile has 30 years experience of diving this area and has a deep knowledge of the sites available. Click the diving option to see more information.

The River Dart estuary is a stunning area of natural beauty as it winds 8 miles from Totnes to the historic port of Dartmouth where it meets the sea. The deep wooded valley and secluded inlets are home to a huge variety of birds and animals. The immediate coastline offers the chance to explore the cliffs, coves, rocks and inlets, again home to a great variety of wildlife. See it up close from Falcon. Click the exploring option to see more information.

Dive the superb South Devon Coast based at Dartmouth aboard M.V.Falcon owned and skippered by Tony Hoile.

BSAC National Instructor and First Class Diver.

Tony Hoile, the owner / skipper is a qualified Coastal Skipper with over 30 years experience of owning and running a wide variety of boats around the estuary and coast of Dartmouth. He has a detailed knowledge of the local tides, slack waters and position location.

He is a very experienced scuba-diver and instructor (BSAC National Instructor / Examiner / Instructor Trainer and former BSAC National Diving Officer).

The diving area includes:

• the southern part of Lyme bay with its numerous wrecks such as the Bretagne, Glocliffe, Sevilla and Lord Stewart.

• Start Bay with its colourful reefs such as the Eastern Blackstone, Bull Rock, and Mewstone, with their abundant life, and wrecks of the Benton Castle, Greatham, Elsa and the Dutch Tug.

• Start Point, Lannacombe Bay and Prawle Point with exciting drift and reef dives, and the wrecks of the Newholm, Riversdale and Skaala.

The 4 wrecks known locally as the Red Light Steamers are so-called because they fall within the red sector navigation light at the entrance to Dartmouth harbour. However, they are all World War 1 casualties in good conditions and make excellent dives; they are covered in plumose anenomes.

•   Benton Castle is an armed trawler lying on her port side with intact wheelhouse but badly damaged bow 29 - 36 metres.

•   Picton Castle consists of more scattered wreckage in 34-35m.

•    What was previously known as the Unidentified or Diver Trainer wreck is now confidently considered to be the Greatham. Fairly intact hull, 36m to the bridge area and 44m to the deck, and then 50m beside the hull in the deep scour.

•   What was once thought to be the Greatham is now confidently thought be the Elsa. Broken in two with deep holds and a loading gantry ahead of the relatively intact bridge. Similiar depths to the wreck above.

Slack water is needed to dive these wrecks.

Tony knows of many other sites to suit all experience levels, aspirations and interests, and tide states.

There was interesting coverage of the potential of this area in Diver Magazine's March 2006 article on Dartmouth diving, and within the extensive coverage of wrecks and reefs in the area on the Totnes BSAC website.

The map on diveareas.htm shows some of the wrecks that are easily reached from Dartmouth in Falcon. (You can click to see more information on particular wrecks).

The South Devon area has a good range of reefs and pinnacles to suit all grades of divers. On the Cod Rocks and Crab Rock Point and Scabbacombe Reef, the dramatic pinnacles of Bull Rock, the walls and gullies of the Eastern Blackstone, you will experience an abundance of marine life, encouraged by the tidal streams. Tony has a detailed knowledge of these tidal flows and slack waters, which he uses to enable the best diving of the day and the best diving possible from each site.

To the south west, in Start Bay, the reefs and gullies are generally low lying but offer lots of marine life in the sheltered nursery areas where young fish mature in profusion. The Earl Stones and Home Stone are small isolated reefs with steep walls and gullies. Around Start Point, Lannacombe Bay and Prawle Point, the clarity of the water is usually better and the rocky seabed offers exciting drift dives on reefs from 5m to 35m.

This is what you can expect from Falcon of Dartmouth dive charters:

• Flexible dive packages provided for groups of 6 to 10 divers.

• Suggested dive plans for the day to meet your requirements based on my knowledge of working with recreational divers in this area over many years.

• The skipper has an in-depth knowledge of the dive sites from diving them over many years himself. He has developed a comprehensive knowledge of the tidal streams and slack waters in the area to ensure safe and enjoyable diving.

• The aim is to provide fun and relaxed diving for the customers.

• Weekend, 5 day and mid-week daily charters available - bookings being taken for 2007 and beyond. Don’t miss the boat!

10m, twin engined, fully equipped Fairey Bulldog

Falcon is a 10 metre twin diesel engined boat, maintained to an immaculate standard by her present owner who brought her back from Bryher on the Isles of Scilly in May 2003 where she worked as a passenger boat.

She is:

• fully MCA Category 2 licensed for 12 passengers (10 divers)

• fully equipped with safety, first aid, therapeutic oxygen, navigation equipment and excellent diving ladder.

• highly manoeuvrable enabling her to sneak into creeks, coves and inlets for a good look.

• provided with a spacious and comfortable open cockpit with cushioned seating.

• spacious cabin for storage of dry items.

Part of the cockpit is covered for shade and wind protection if necessary. The wheelhouse is fully enclosed with further seating for 2-3 passengers. The immaculate cabin has a galley and toilet.

Hot drinks and biscuits are provided on all longer trips.

10 metre, twin engined Fairey Bulldog, fully equipped with:

• GPS navigational aids, Echo Sounders, DSC VHF radio, radar and chart plotter.

• Sheltered dry cabin for passengers and gear.

• Spacious deck area.

• Cushioned seating.

• Flushing toilet.

Costs and terms

• 6 - 7 persons: £45 per day each.

• 8 - 9 persons: £38 per day each.

• 10 persons: £33 per day each.

• late bookings may be available for smaller numbers: £200 per day total by arrangement.

• If you would like to come for a longer period please contact me to hear about Falcon's highly competitive pricing.

Weekend bookings for 2 days (minimum).

Deposit of £50 per day secures a booking for your group.

Prices include lunch.

The owner/skipper will have a good idea of forthcoming weather conditions and tides for the time of the charter. He will discuss these with the group organiser. Clearly these will sometimes have an effect on the sites to be dived but he will do his best to find you the most suitable for the day within the realms of safety and comfort of the passengers/ divers. In the event of very poor forecasts the charter will be cancelled by agreement prior to the charter.

Divers may be picked up from either the quay at Dartmouth or from the pontoon adjacent to Darthaven Marina, Kingswear (accessible from the Torbay area. On the Dartmouth side the pickup point may be dependent on the tide, but I will ensure that you are fully aware of the arrangements that will apply and that these are as convenient as possible for you.

From divecharters.htm there is a map showing the location of the normal pickup points.

Explore the River Dart estuary and stunning coastline at a leisurely pace on board M.V. Falcon with Tony Hoile

The aims of Tony’s explorations are:

• to enable small groups of people to discover the Dart Estuary and adjacent coastline at a leisurely pace, pausing to look close in to the stunning scenery and wild life, either for photography or just for appreciation.

• to explore less accessible and hidden tranquil areas of the Dart Estuary and coast.

• to have a relaxing, fun and informative time in small groups with personal attention.

The River Dart estuary is a dramatic and fascinating area, created as the river winds its way through the South Hams hills and wooded valleys on its way to the sea at the beautiful and historic port of Dartmouth.

The Dart is the home to many types of estuary and sea birds, such as herons, the elegant white egrets, cormorants, gulls and a variety of migrant waders. Seals are often seen basking or swimming and feeding in the estuary.

In addition to the wildlife experiences, your exploration of the Dart Estuary will unfold some of its rich history from many years as a port and haven. You can view places like:

• Dartmouth and Kingswear Castles

• Old Mill, Dittisham Mill, Bow and Hackney Creeks

• Dittisham Village and Greenaway - home to the late Dame Agatha Christie

• Galmpton and Stoke Gabriel

• Sharpham Estate with its impressive house and vineyards

• Totnes, a fascinating Tudor market town at the head of the estuary

The estuary is also dotted with old quays and limekilns and even the wreck of the paddle steamer the Kingswear Castle.

You can take the chance to step ashore at a number of places, to ‘stretch your legs’ or ‘whet yer whistle’ at some of the creekside inns such as the Maltsters or the Ferry Boat Inn. If you prefer some solitude the boat can be moored or anchored while you picnic at quiet locations ashore, or on the boat. A range of picnics/buffet lunches are available by arrangement. Lunchtime or evening bbq’s can also be arranged using local meats/produce - Tony is an ace barbie cook!

On river.htm there is a clickable map of the Dart estuary and adjoining coastline.

The coastline to the seaward of Dartmouth has wooded steep cliffs, coves and inlets and (weather permitting) a trip around the Mewstone or Coombe Rocks is dramatic with the chance of seeing Peregrine Falcons, Fulmars, Cormorants and the small resident colony of seals. There is always a chance of seeing dolphins, porpoises, basking sharks, and even pilot whales. During the spring and early summer the cliffs are ablaze with colour from the bluebells and sea pinks. We frequently see gannets diving and feeding.

During 2006 we have also seen, from the boat, turtles and sunfish plus rarer birds such as the sabine gull.

In the midsummer period we often venture out into the deeper water of Start Bay, to view the offshore birdlife feeding on the shoals of mackerel and sprats that arrive in abundance.

Falcon can explore the coast as far as the dramatic headland of Berry Head to the east and the rugged Start Point to the west. Falcon is able to get in as close to these spectacular features as safety allows, enabling you to benefit from the full effects of the scenery and natural history.

Along the way we will be able to come to a halt right in amongst coves and inlets such as Redlap Cove, the Mewstone Lagoon and Coletton Fishacre Cove.

We silence the engines and quickly become part of the natural scene, which becomes oblivious to our presence. In these situations we often see the peregrine falcons that nest here, hunting their prey and feeding their chicks.

We don't have to venture far afield at all to be in amongst South Devon's finest coastal scenery. The mouth of the River Dart can in itself be a breathtaking visual experience.

Though most of your time on Falcon will be spent well away from the bustle of Dartmouth, it is a fascinating location and an excellent point of departure.

After the tranquility and diversity of the estuary and coastline, the Royal Port of Dartmouth teems with maritime activity. A highly significant naval and mercantile port since the 12th century AD, its town centre and surrounding area offer many sights of historical interest.

Dartmouth is a centre for annual events based on and around the River, such as the Dart Music Festival and the Royal Dartmouth Regatta. There are also many other events and attractions. Check the www.dartboat.com website regularly to see details of these.

• Regular morning or afternoon trips (usually leaving at about 11am and 3pm, depending on tide), of 2 to 3 hours, with an itinerary as recommended by the skipper, on the day, to maximise the day's potential.

  • £12 per head;

  • Family price available.

• Evenings £12 - £20, as advertised or by arrangement.

• Provision of buffet picnics on request.

• Discount for larger groups (8 or more).

• Group Bookings (by prior arrangement, with deposit):

  • A group charge of £40-50 per hour (minimum 2 hours). The variable will be how far we go. If you wish to book for the whole day (7-8 hours), the group charge is £200-240.

  • Family price available.

Falcon is able to operate in the estuary in most conditions but in extremes the charter will be curtailed and money refunded / or an alternative date found. Coastal explorations are more likely to be curtailed but can usually be supplemented with estuary explorations.

Groups will normally board Falcon at either the embankment at Dartmouth or from the pontoon adjacent to Darthaven Marina, Kingswear (accessible from the Torbay area). These locations can be seen on the map accessed via explore.htm. Groups may also be collected from and returned to Totnes, Dittisham or Stoke Gabriel.

Falcon is a 10 metre twin diesel engined boat, maintained to an immaculate standard by its present owner who brought her back from Bryher on the Isles of Scilly in May 2003 where she worked as a passenger boat.

Falcon is:

• fully licensed for 12 passengers

• fully equipped with safety, first aid and navigation equipment

• highly manoeuvrable enabling her to sneak into creeks, coves and inlets for a good look.

• provided with a spacious and comfortable open cockpit with cushioned seating.

Part of the cockpit is covered for shade and wind protection if necessary. The wheelhouse is fully enclosed with further seating for 2-3 passengers. The immaculate cabin has a galley and toilet.

The owner/skipper is a qualified Coastal skipper with over 30 years experience of owning and running a wide variety of boats. He is a very experienced scuba-diver and instructor (BSAC National Instructor/Examiner/ Instructor Trainer) - he can even tell you what is under the water! Tony has lived around the estuary and coast here for 30 years and has an excellent knowledge of the area, its history and wildlife. His enthusiasm for the area shows in his ability to communicate in a lively personal manner (no microphones, taped commentaries or loudspeakers).

An indication of Tony's commitment to the natural environment is his WISE qualification: he is the only accredited wildlife-safe charter boat skipper operating from the Dart.

During 2007 Falcon will be available from late March to late October on a regular basis, but the boat is available throughout the year by arrangement - if it's a nice day it's worth a trip! Also available over Christmas and New Year Periods (apart from Christmas Day unless you bring the goose!) - see Festive Trips.