About

Seasonal foot ferry connecting Brightlingsea, East Mersea and Point Clear. A great way to add a little variety to your walking route, or to explore these contrasting seaside towns and villages that sit either side of the Colne esturay.

Brightlingsea itself is a historic cinque port with a rich heritage close to the mouth of the Colne Estuary where it meets the Blackwater and Thames Estuaries.

As well as the cultural aspect Brightlingsea is an exciting, fun place to explore no matter what your age is, whether it be an afternoon crabbing, a ramble along the beach taking in the stunning views,  or simply a nice lunch in one of our many delightful eateries.  You can now even hire paddle boads / Kyaks off the Town Hard from The Paddle Hut.

The custom built ferry is fully accessible, with a ramp to allow for wheelchair users and cycle access as well as foot passengers using the service.

As well as the regular ferry service, you can also take advanatge of Daily Harbour tours in Brightlingsea, and Wivenhoe Black Buoy lunch cruises.

Use of the ferry greatly reduces road miles – typically a round trip by road between Brightlingsea and Point Clear is 20 miles, but takes just 3 minutes on the ferry. The round trip by road to East Mersea is 40 miles, but only takes approximately 9 minutes by ferry.

During the weekends, Bank and school holdiays the ferry runs hourly and there is no need to book. Other dates call the office to book and  the ferry runs every 2 hours.

Download the 2022 Timetable here.