Quay People: Joe from Exeter Cruises

How long have you been running Exeter Cruises, and what first drew you to this line of work?

I've been managing Exeter Cruises for parts of its season for the owner Richie since 2014, but I first worked for him in 2006/07. I've always enjoyed being on the water, which is what first drew me to the job. Being local and seeing it operating on the quay, it seemed like the best summer job going. A friend and I asked Richie about work and he gave us both a job. Now, as a part owner, it's great to have been part of the quay for so long.

Can you tell us a little about the route and what makes it so special?

For me, the history of the river, canal and Exeter becomes more interesting the longer I've spent there. There's something quite romantic about imagining the kind of life the river and canal have seen and been exposed to over the centuries. It's nice to share that with people onboard, whether they already have an interest or know very little and are surprised by its historical influence and importance in shaping Exeter as it is today.

The trip is 25 minutes each way from Exeter Quay to the Double Locks, with two swing bridges that the crew jump off and open for Southern Comfort. It's a relaxing journey that meanders 1.5 miles along the oldest canal in the country, surrounded by trees and wildlife.

You must see some incredible wildlife along the canal. What are some of your favourites?

The most exciting wildlife I've seen on the canal has been adders. One summer in recent years we had several sightings, which is quite unusual. Grass snakes are also a welcome novelty, though they're not common. The kingfishers are the real showstoppers. For the past few years we've seen them very often, and at the height of summer we were spotting more than one a day. It's great to share that with people who have never seen them before.

You know spring has arrived when the swifts and swallows return to the canal in good numbers. It's also lovely to see the mute swans raising healthy clutches of cygnets, along with the moorhens doing well too. The birds and the trees are a big part of what I enjoy most. I'm an arborist by trade as well, so the trees are a real point of interest for me.

Have you ever spotted anything surprising or amusing on your trips?

The surprising is often the amusing on the quay. Aside from the interesting wildlife, the general public always seem to find ways to both amuse and surprise us.

The pub lunch stop is a highlight for many visitors. What makes it so popular?

The Double Locks is a special location. It sits on its own with a big garden, plenty of trees and decking right on the canal. It's no wonder it's so popular. Passengers often compliment the staff and service when they return from their visit.

Many people assume that crewing a scenic boat must be the best job in the world. Does it always run smoothly?

It's pretty safe to say that every crew member of Southern Comfort, and of Kingsley when she was running, has really enjoyed the job. I'd say things run smoothly almost all the time. The biggest curveball I've had was when the propeller became fouled by something hidden in the water, but that's only happened once in 12 years and it was sorted within the same working day.

In the summer, there’s a Redcoat guided boat trip. What can visitors expect from that experience?
The Red Coat guided tours on the quay and boat are a great, informative way of seeing and hearing about the area, with running commentary throughout the trip.

You also hire out pedalos on the river. Can people crew their own small boat too?

Yes, we hire pedalos and rowing boats on the River Exe within the controlled main area of the quay. It's a great and safe way for families or friends to enjoy being on the water together, with four people being the maximum per boat.

What do you enjoy most about working around Exeter’s historic Quayside?

I really enjoy being part of the community of independent local businesses on the quay. We all look out for each other and share the same interest and passion for what the quay has to offer.

Do you have any top tips for things to do on the waterfront, beyond the boat trips themselves?

It's worth keeping an eye out for all the events that happen throughout the summer on the quay. There are food and flea markets, rowing regattas, dragon boat events, jazz bands under the Transit Shed, circus groups that set up from time to time, and other businesses hiring canoes and SUPs for people to take down the canal to the pub and back again.

To find out more about Exeter Cruises and book some time on the water soon, visit www.exetercruises.com