What to see on the South Sands Ferry
The South Sands ferry passes several beautiful sandy beaches, protected inside the harbour but great for dinghy sailing and swimming. Look out for Mill Bay on the port side and North Sands beach on the starboard side, as the ferry passes down the estuary to South Sands.
1. Beaches and Coves Along the Way
Leaving Whitestrand in Salcombe, the ferry follows the curve of the estuary, giving you a wonderful seaside perspective of the town and coastline.
Look out for these sandy gems as you travel:
North Sands Beach – sheltered and golden, just below Salcombe Castle; a favourite with families and paddleboarders.
Smalls Cove – a tiny beach tucked below wooded slopes on the East Portlemouth side.
Mill Bay – one of the larger beaches opposite Salcombe, fringed by dunes and backed by trees.
Sunny Cove – a pristine little bay visible on clear days further toward the estuary mouth.
Each beach has its own character, from hidden coves only reachable by foot or boat to wide, family-friendly sands.
2. Salcombe Castle (Fort Charles)
Just beyond North Sands stands Salcombe Castle, also known as Fort Charles — a 16th-century gun fort built to defend the harbour against French attack. The castle’s stone tower and broken walls rise directly from the rocks, giving a romantic, time-worn silhouette.
From the ferry, you’ll see the fort clearly on its headland — a favourite spot for photographers as gulls wheel overhead and waves wash below the ramparts.
3. Grand Houses and Hidden Gardens
The Salcombe shoreline is lined with some of South Devon’s most striking architecture — from Georgian villas to sleek modern mansions.
The Moult – a beautiful pink 18th-century house overlooking South Sands, one of Salcombe’s most photographed homes.
Rockside Villa – a grand Victorian villa with ornate balconies and private waterfront access.
Murrawingi – a contemporary coastal residence with floor-to-ceiling windows and sweeping estuary views.
Many houses are surrounded by exotic gardens and terraces that spill down the hillside — a reminder of Salcombe’s mild, sheltered microclimate.
As you near South Sands, you may glimpse the lush greenery of Overbeck’s Garden (Sharpitor), a subtropical National Trust garden full of palms, ferns and vibrant planting that flourishes in the sea air.
4. Estuary Life — Birds and Wildlife
The Salcombe–Kingsbridge Estuary is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest, rich with birdlife throughout the year. You don’t have to be a birdwatcher to enjoy the show — many species are easily visible from the ferry.
Most Likely to Be Seen on Your Crossing
Herring Gull – the classic seaside bird, often gliding behind the ferry or perched on mooring buoys.
Cormorant – dark, long-necked fishing birds frequently spotted drying their wings on rocks near the castle.
Shag – slimmer and often closer to the water; look for their quick dives.
Oystercatcher – bold black-and-white wader with a vivid orange beak, feeding on the shoreline.
Little Egret – elegant white heron that hunts in the shallows near South Sands or Mill Bay.
Mallard – often paddling in calm corners of the estuary or near the landing stages.
Seasonal or Occasional Visitors
Sandwich Tern – sleek, fast-flying seabird diving for fish in spring and summer.
Curlew and Redshank – long-billed waders occasionally seen probing the mud at low tide.
Grey Heron – tall and statuesque, often motionless near the reeds.
Kingfisher – a rare but magical sight: a flash of electric blue darting close to the banks.
Swallow and House Martin – swooping low over the water in summer months.
Look up to the cliffs near South Sands and you might even glimpse a Peregrine Falcon hunting above the rocks or Jackdaws and Ravens calling around the castle ruins.
Tip: Bring binoculars if you have them — early morning and evening sailings are often the best times for spotting wildlife.
5. Approaching South Sands
As the ferry rounds the final headland, the view opens up to the broad sweep of South Sands Beach, a golden crescent framed by wooded cliffs and elegant villas. Depending on the tide, you may transfer onto the famous Sea Tractor, which drives out into the shallows to meet the boat — a unique and much-loved part of the South Sands experience.
Behind the beach, the hills rise steeply towards Overbeck’s Garden, whose exotic trees and palms form a green backdrop to the bay.
6. A Journey to Remember
Whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth, the South Sands Ferry offers a perfect glimpse of Salcombe at its best — sunlit beaches, timeless houses, and the ever-changing life of the estuary.
Take a seat on deck, feel the salt breeze, and enjoy one of Devon’s most scenic short journeys.