Southampton is a prime starting point for boat tours and cruises, offering access to the iconic Isle of Wight, the scenic Solent, and beyond. Its well-equipped marinas, friendly crew, and proximity to stunning coastal sights make it perfect for anyone eager to experience the waters of southern England. Among the many options, we particularly like the Luxury Sailing Experience Day with Champagne and Lunch or Dinner for its blend of elegance and hands-on sailing, and the Private Pre Cruise Excursion Transfer via Stonehenge for combining a scenic drive with a quick visit to a world-famous monument. These tours offer both relaxation and adventure, tailored for different types of travelers.
This list covers a range of boat tours and cruises in Southampton, from luxurious private yacht experiences to practical transfers between airports, ports, and historic sites. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely day on the water, a scenic journey with cultural stops, or seamless transportation, there’s an option here for you. Keep reading for detailed descriptions of each experience—so you can pick the perfect trip for your interests and schedule.
1. Luxury Sailing Experience Day with Champagne and Lunch or Dinner
Get a taste of luxury on the water with this private yacht experience departing from Lymington. This cruise lasts approximately 5.5 hours and includes a freshly prepared 2-course meal and Champagne. It’s perfect for celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a bit of decadence. The crew handles the yacht, but if you’re feeling adventurous, you can learn to sail or even try your hand at navigating the boat around the Solent. Weather permitting, you might even take a swim near the Isle of Wight, adding a splash of excitement to your day. The cruise can be booked as a morning or afternoon trip, with flexible options that suit your schedule.
The reviews highlight how friendly and helpful the crew are, with one guest noting, “Gary and Paul made the trip so enjoyable,” and praising the calm, professional atmosphere. This experience is best suited for those who want a personalized, upscale adventure with fantastic views of the Needles and Isle of Wight.
Bottom Line: For travelers seeking a glamorous, intimate day afloat—complete with Champagne, great food, and the chance to learn sailing—this tour delivers. Price is around $219 per person, making it a memorable splurge.
2. Arrival / Departure Private Transfer Heathrow Airport to Southampton Cruise Port
Skip the hassle of public transportation with this private transfer service from Heathrow Airport to Southampton Cruise Port. For about $343 per group (up to 4), you’ll enjoy a smooth, comfortable ride that takes roughly 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes. Your driver monitors flight times, so delays won’t cause stress, and you’ll avoid the unpredictability of taxis or trains. The service provides a private vehicle, and reviews praise the friendly, accommodating drivers.
This transfer is ideal if you want to start your trip with ease and comfort, especially after a long flight or transatlantic crossing. The flexibility to book for your group size and the added peace of mind with no hidden costs make this a practical choice.
Bottom Line: Easy, reliable, and stress-free, this transfer is perfect for travelers who prioritize comfort and convenience when connecting London to Southampton.
3. Private Pre Cruise Excursion Transfer London to Southampton Port Via Stonehenge
If you’re leaving London and want to squeeze in a quick sightseeing stop, this privately guided transfer is perfect. Priced at about $823 for up to four people, it includes a transfer from your London hotel to Southampton port, with a two-hour visit to Stonehenge en route. The driver waits while you explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site at leisure—entry tickets are not included, so plan to book those in advance.
This tour combines the practicality of a private transfer with the thrill of visiting one of the UK’s most famous landmarks. The driver is friendly and attentive, making sure you’re comfortable and on schedule. Guests appreciate this as a stress-free way to start their cruise with a memorable stop.
Bottom Line: Ideal for history lovers and those wanting a flexible, personal experience, this transfer offers both convenience and a taste of ancient mystery.
4. Southampton Cruise Terminal/Hotel to London with Stops at Salisbury & Stonehenge
This full-day private transfer combines scenic driving with sightseeing, lasting around 6 hours and costing about $1,983 for up to 6 people. The journey from Southampton includes stops at Salisbury Cathedral, home to the tallest spire in the UK and Magna Carta, plus Stonehenge, one of the country’s most iconic prehistoric monuments. Your driver handles the navigation while you enjoy water, tea, coffee, and snacks on board.
Guests praise the seamless logistics and the chance to visit these UNESCO-listed sites without the hassle of public transportation or crowded tours. You get about an hour at Salisbury and two hours at Stonehenge—plenty to explore at your own pace. The driver is courteous and attentive, making this a comfortable way to combine travel and sightseeing.
Bottom Line: Perfect for history and architecture enthusiasts who want a flexible, private day trip combining impressive landmarks with a stress-free transfer.
5. Southampton Cruise Terminals to London Private Arrival Transfer
For about $196 per person, this private transfer gets you from Southampton cruise terminals to central London in about 2 hours. The service includes help with luggage and a comfortable, private vehicle. It’s a straightforward way to start your London exploration without waiting in lines or navigating public transit.
Travelers appreciate the punctuality and professionalism, with reviews mentioning friendly drivers and smooth rides. It’s especially useful if you have a tight schedule or lots of luggage, providing a relaxed start to your UK vacation.
Bottom Line: An efficient, hassle-free way to transfer from Southampton to London, particularly suited for travelers with luggage or tight schedules.
6. Southampton Cruise port to London Via Stonehenge & Windsor Castle
This full-day, private transfer offers a flexible way to see Stonehenge and Windsor Castle en route to London. For around $940, your driver handles all logistics while you enjoy about two hours at each attraction. It’s a good option if you wish to combine sightseeing with a direct transfer—no need to worry about parking or navigating yourself.
Guests comment on the helpfulness of the driver and the ability to customize stops. The tour is best for those with a keen interest in British heritage and history, ready to explore landmarks and travel comfortably. The only caveat is the extra entry fees for attractions, which are at your expense.
Bottom Line: Great for history buffs wanting a tailored, private journey that includes key sights on the way to London.
7. Southampton Cruise Port to Central London Transfers
At around $355 for a group of up to three, this private transfer provides a reliable ride from Southampton cruise port to a central London hotel in about 1 hour 40 minutes. The driver greets you at the port and takes care of your luggage, making your start in London smooth and stress-free. Travelers comment on punctuality and courteous service, which helps ease the transition from sea to city.
This is a good choice if you want a straightforward, no-hassle transfer with a personal touch, especially if you’re traveling with luggage or in a small group.
Bottom Line: Practical, dependable, and comfortable for small groups or couples arriving in London after a cruise.
8. Private Excursion from Southampton Cruise Terminal Shore to Stonehenge & Salisbury
For about $754, this private shore excursion takes you from Southampton to visit Stonehenge and Salisbury Cathedral. Your driver picks you up directly from the cruise terminal, and the trip includes about 5 to 6 hours of sightseeing. With flexible departure times, you get a personal experience without the crowds of group tours.
Guests appreciate the driver’s professionalism and the ability to customize stops. The inclusion of Salisbury’s stunning cathedral and the UNESCO-listed monument makes this a full, enriching day. Entry fees are at your expense, but the convenience of private transport and personalized service make it worthwhile.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers wanting a private, flexible day of sightseeing with historical landmarks.
9. Private Port Arrival Transfer Southampton Cruise Terminals to Gatwick Airport
Costing around $243 per person, this transfer is ideal for a smooth journey from Southampton directly to Gatwick Airport. It takes roughly 1.5 to 2 hours, with help with luggage and a professional driver. Reviews mention the driver’s professionalism and the comfort of the Mercedes vehicle, making it a reliable way to end your trip.
Perfect for those with flights out of Gatwick, this service ensures you won’t have to worry about public transit or last-minute taxis. It’s especially suited for group travelers or those with lots of luggage.
Bottom Line: A practical, comfortable option for seamless airport transfer after your cruise.
10. Southampton Cruise Port Transfer to/from London City & All London Airports
At about $380 per group, this comprehensive transfer service covers all London airports and city locations. It’s a flexible, private ride with flight tracking and text updates, so you’ll be picked up exactly when your flight lands or your hotel is ready. Many reviewers praise the friendly drivers and smooth experience.
This is ideal if you need a one-stop transfer for multiple destinations or airports. It’s also great for larger groups, with options for Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
Bottom Line: Versatile, reliable, and perfect for flexible schedules and larger parties.
11. Arrival, Departure, or Round Trip Private Transfer: Central London to Southampton Cruise Port
This service offers a personalized transfer at roughly $374 for up to two people. You can choose round-trip or one-way transfers between central London and Southampton. The driver is punctual and friendly, with good reviews for professionalism. It’s suitable for those who want a stress-free, private connection with minimal fuss.
Perfect for travelers with tight schedules or those who want to coordinate their travel on their own timeline.
Bottom Line: A flexible, private option for seamless London–Southampton transfers, especially for small groups or couples.
12. One Way or Round Trip Private Transfer from London to Southampton Cruise Port
At around $403 for up to four people, this private service offers both one-way and round-trip options. The driver is experienced in navigating London traffic, and reviews mention punctuality and helpfulness. It’s a reliable choice for those who want to organize all their transfers in advance.
Ideal for travelers who prefer door-to-door service and want to avoid the unpredictability of public transit.
Bottom Line: Practical and dependable, this service suits families or groups needing flexible, pre-booked transport.
13. Southampton Cruise Port to Central London Private Transfer
For about $335, this private transfer connects Southampton cruise port directly to a central London hotel in approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Reviewers highlight punctuality and professional drivers, making this a reliable choice. It’s perfect if you want a quick, comfortable start or end to your trip with a dedicated driver.
Suitable for small groups or couples seeking convenience and peace of mind.
Bottom Line: Efficient, trustworthy, and a good value for hassle-free transfers to London.
14. Southampton Cruise Port to Heathrow Airport Private Transfer
This private service costs around $289 for up to two people and takes roughly an hour to an hour and a half. Guests mention the driver’s professionalism and comfortable Mercedes vehicles, making it an excellent choice for catching flights from Heathrow after your cruise.
It’s perfect for travelers with early flights or tight schedules, offering peace of mind and direct service.
Bottom Line: A straightforward, comfortable transfer for those needing to reach Heathrow efficiently.
15. Post Cruise Private Transfer Southampton to London via Stonehenge
At around $537 per person, this luxurious transfer combines comfort, sightseeing, and convenience. Disembark, meet your private driver, and visit Stonehenge with included tickets and audio guides. Then continue to your London accommodation or airport. This is ideal for travelers wanting a memorable, all-in-one experience after their cruise.
Guests praise the driver’s attentiveness and the seamless combination of sightseeing and transfer. The included entry tickets make this a hassle-free way to explore.
Bottom Line: For those who want to combine travel with an iconic attraction, this premium option offers a stress-free, memorable end to your cruise.
How to Choose the Right Boat Tour or Cruise in Southampton
When selecting your perfect experience, consider your budget, schedule, and interests. If you’re after something special, the Luxury Sailing Experience offers a refined day afloat, but for a more practical start to your trip, the private transfers and airport services are unbeatable. Sightseeing-focused travelers will love the Stonehenge and Salisbury day trip, while those with tight schedules should consider the transfer from Southampton to London.
Booking early is advisable, especially during peak cruise seasons or holidays, to ensure availability for your preferred dates.
Final Thoughts
Southampton offers a diverse array of boat tours and cruises, from luxurious yacht experiences to practical, luxury transfers. For a special treat, the Luxury Sailing Experience tops the list for an indulgent day on the water, while the private excursions to Stonehenge or Windsor Castle combine sightseeing with ease. If you want seamless transportation, the private transfer services make traveling between airports, ports, and London straightforward and comfortable.
Whatever your plans, booking early and choosing the option that best suits your interests and schedule will ensure your time in Southampton is memorable and hassle-free. Happy sailing!
