About us
Find out more about the Ilfracombe Princess and the team behind the Big Yellow Sightseeing Boat!
THE PERFECT WAY TO EXPLORE THE NORTH DEVON COASTLINE!
Based in Ilfracombe harbour the Ilfracombe Princess cruises the coast to see seals, porpoises and dolphins!
Enjoy one of the most dramatic landscapes in England aboard our safe comfortable vessel the 'Ilfracombe Princess'. We have been serving Ilfracombe tourism for more then 20 years, licensed to carry 100 passengers.
Join us to witness spectacular wildlife and coastal cruises aboard our MCA approved vessel, purpose built for coastal cruising!
FAMOUS FACES
We are lucky to be chosen by famous people when they are visiting Ilfracombe and last year we were privileged to welcome aboard Sir Keir Starmer who enjoyed our Seals and Lighthouse Cruise.
Our team
Nancy
General Manager
General manger of the company and also wife to the director. Nancy moved over to join us from 10 years managing a food manufacturing company. She enjoys being out at sea when time allows, but you will mainly find her in and around the kiosk and harbour area.
Vince
Skipper
Meet Vincent, our adventurous new skipper with a global journey spanning from Africa to the Caribbean. A passionate conservationist, he brings a wealth of marine research knowledge to the Ilfracombe Princess. Eager to make impactful improvements, he aims to ensure we remain North Devon's top boat trip experience.
Kev
Crew
A carpet fitter by trade Kev is a big softy, he enjoys being on the water and around people. Kev is there to ensure first and foremost passenger safely but ultimately your enjoyment. Nothing is too much trouble never be afraid to ask Kev for a hand :-)
The Big Yellow Boat
Have a look around the Ilfracombe Princess
History
Launched in 2004 by the Barbeary family, Paul Barbeary skippered the princess every season until his retirement in 2021. The Ilfracombe Princess was built specifically for coastal cruising along the North Devon coast. Over the years it's estimated she has carried over 320,000 passengers.
In 2019 a local family bought the Ilfracombe Princess, Mark Hutchings and Stuart Hutchings both have a passion for the water. Mark has over 13 years experience operating tourists boats at the harbour. Marks wife, Nancy, manages the day to day running of the company from the harbour. Along with the children making appearances throughout the summer at in the booking kiosk and on the vessel this really is a family run business at its best.
The company thrive to ensure the enjoyment of its passengers, “making memories” really is the moto for the company, and its good memories that will last a lifetime they hope to achieve.
Nancy & Stuart
