captain cook cruise whitby

Climb aboard for a unique trip to remember in Whitby

Open 10.30am Saturday 18th / 11am Sunday 19th May ... Sailing every 30mins weather permitting. What do you get on the Bark Endeavour while sailing, 25 minute audio story about captain Cook's life and sailings of discovery on his famous ship. And a few sea shanties for you to sing along or clap your hands and stamp your feet too .Let`s see if you can find the crocodile in the cliff, or the rocks known as the Whitby whale. £5 per sailor for this 25 minutes trip aboard the famous Ship under 2 year old free. Please book your sailing from the car park passed the magpie cafe, opposite the funland amusements. Cash or card payments. Dogs and ferrets sail for free 

No booking required credit card payments taken sailing most days through the year 1st april to 31st october (subject to weather and tide conditions. we may offer river trips if we can't get to sea) , welcome aboard.

Sea Trips Around Whitby Harbour and Along the Coast

School visits, groups & parties welcome, climb on board the bark endeavour whitby for a unique trip to remember ....

Our authentic replica of HMS Endeavour - which was sailed by Captain James Cook during his scientific expedition of 1768 - has been traditionally built by Whitby craftsmen and stands in the water some 40% of the ships original size.

Join us for one of our regular sailings throughout the year and we will take you on a voyage around Whitby Harbour and along the coast to Sandsend, where you will follow in the path of Cook himself and re-live his life at sea.

We guarantee that it will be a trip to remember and we look forward to welcoming you on board quite soon!

A voyage back in time for everyone ...

Your trip on the Bark Endeavour Whitby will be more than a simple pleasure cruise; instead, you will enjoy some fantastic views of North Yorkshire's Jurassic coastline, with its interesting geological features and its wealth of fossils and minerals, including the famous Whitby Jet; You will also see a rich variety of wildlife, including many different types of sea bird, seals and occasionally porpoise, dolphins and whales.

 The Crew are Always Ready to Help ...

Back in 2022 there was an emergency aboard whereby the crew did their best to help - this note of thanks explains all. We were so glad to see those involved again this year - we are really glad we were able to assist.

Featuring in Cutthroat Island Promo ...

A 'scream park' in County Durham has a new attraction for later in 2022 - 'Cuthroat Island'. Their promo video was shot aboard our boat and can be seen here. (May not be suitable for younger audiences or those who are scared of pirates....).

As seen on TV ...

We had the pleasure of welcoming Justin Fletcher and friends aboard to be pirates for the day as part of the Something Special series. You can watch the show on BBC iPlayer here .

Your safety always matters to us ...

Having featured on numerous TV programmes, our sailing vessel has become a popular attraction for holiday makers, coach parties and those on educational visits. Our Captain and crew include ex-fishermen and lifeboat men with an in-depth knowledge of the local coastline.

For group bookings it is also advisable to book beforehand so that we can ensure all members of your party are suitably catered for upon your arrival.

Dogs : Sea dogs are welcome onboard FREE OF CHARGE

We appreciate that everyone has different requirements and it is our aim to ensure that your voyage is a most pleasurable experience.

We recommend you contact us to check when we are sailing before you decide to travel.

Contact us today for more information or to make your booking. tel:, nigel 07452 838355 / john 07305 722908.

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The Captain Cook Experience - Whitby

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The Captain Cook Experience - All You MUST Know Before You Go (2024)

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The Captain Cook Experience Review: Boat Trip at Whitby

We’ve been to Whitby many times now. The historical town on the North Yorkshire coast has a harbour with many boats that offer boat trips….

We’ve been to Whitby many times now. The historical town on the North Yorkshire coast has a harbour with many boats that offer boat trips. Our two-year-old has taken a liking to boats, so we decided to take him on The Captain Cook Experience boat tour.

This boat tour was featured on Mr Tumble’s ‘Something Special’ TV show on BBC, so we’ve seen it many times and were excited to go on it in person.

HM Bark Endeavour

The Captain Cook Experience is a boat trip that takes place on a replica of the HM Bark Endeavour. It’s 40% the size of the real ship that Captain Cook sailed over 250 years ago.

The Bark Endeavour Whitby was constructed based on authentic maritime drawings, following a 12-month process from 2001 to 2002. This remarkable project was undertaken by Parkol Marine Engineers, one of Whitby’s oldest shipbuilders renowned for their expertise in crafting traditional sailing vessels.

The ship’s name, Bark Endeavour Whitby, partly originates from its traditional “bark” construction method. Larch planks were carefully steamed and affixed to a sturdy English oak frame. The ship’s dimensions are approximately 14 meters in length and 4 meters in width, representing around 40% of the original ship’s size.

During construction, great care has been taken to faithfully replicate various features of the original vessel, with meticulous attention to detail. The addition of intricate rigging and carved timber mouldings enhances the overall design.

To ensure a comfortable journey for modern passengers, Bark Endeavour Whitby is equipped with two 6-cylinder, 120 HP engines, allowing a travelling speed of 9 knots. The ship has been fully outfitted with the latest safety aids and navigation instruments, ensuring a secure passage at all times.

About Captain Cook

Captain James Cook was a renowned British explorer and navigator who made significant contributions to the field of exploration and cartography. He was born on October 27, 1728, in Marton, England, Cook started his career as an apprentice in the merchant navy before joining the Royal Navy in 1755.

Captain Cook led three major voyages of discovery to various parts of the world. His first voyage, from 1768 to 1771, aboard the HMS Endeavour, saw him chart the eastern coast of Australia and make the first recorded European contact with New Zealand.

His second voyage, from 1772 to 1775, took him further south to explore the Antarctic region and confirmed the existence of the southern continent. During his third voyage, from 1776 to 1779, Cook set out to find a northern passage from the Pacific to the Atlantic but tragically lost his life in a conflict with native Hawaiians on February 14, 1779.

Cook’s expeditions greatly expanded the world’s knowledge of geography, cartography, and natural history. He is remembered for his accurate mapping of previously uncharted territories, as well as his contributions to the field of navigation and his efforts to combat scurvy among his crew.

Captain James Cook’s legacy endures as one of the greatest explorers in history, and his achievements continue to be celebrated and studied to this day. His name is associated with numerous landmarks and locations worldwide, and his spirit of adventure and curiosity lives on as an inspiration for future generations of explorers.

The Boat Trip

This boat tour is located opposite the amusements. There are signs that say The Captain Cook Experience so you can’t miss it! We booked on to the next trip, paid and were given some tokens and told to come back in 20 minutes. We went for a walk along Whitby Pier as we waited

The boat trip lasts around 25 minutes. There are sea shanties being played through the speakers. As you set sail, the music turns to a voiceover that tells you about the safety features of the boat and what to do should the ship sink, and then it switches to tales of the sea. Through the voice-overs, you learn all about Captain Cook, the HM Bark Endeavour, the replica ship you are sailing and it tells you about life on the ship. It was interesting to learn how life was back then, what they ate and how much alcohol they drank!  

Captain Cook’s Endeavour was constructed in Whitby in 1764 by Thomas Fishburn. He set off on his first journey from Whitby!

Our Captian Cook Experience

Overall, we really enjoyed our boat trip. I didn’t know what to expect, but the voice-over telling us all about the Endeavour and Captain Cook was a nice touch. My two-year-old really enjoyed it, too. We sat near the back of the boat, near the front you could see people getting splashed occasionally, so stay away from the front if you don’t want to get wet!

It’s a bit tricky getting on and off the boat if you struggle with mobility. You have to go down some steps and then across a narrow metal path.

Captain Cook Experience Prices.

It costs £5 per person and is free for under 2’s. we didn’t get charged for Leo, even though he is 2, they didn’t ask how old he was, they just charged us £10.

For up to date information, visit the website here: https://www.endeavourwhitby.com/

I haven’t been on any of the other boat trips, so I can’t say if this was better or worse, but I can say that we liked it and the length was perfect for a toddler!

When we got back to our holiday cottage, we put Ceebies on and guess what was showing?

The episode of Something Special with Justin on the same boat! It must have been fate. All aboard!

Looking for something else to do? Visit Whitby Abbey .

Related posts:

• Abbey Wharf Whitby

Thanks for the write up! I tend to avoid touristy boat rides but sounds like this one doles out a lot of good info. The price doesn’t seem bad either.

This looks like an excellent experience for families! What a great idea for a boat trip! x

Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk

I haven’t been to Whitby for years. I always enjoyed a day out there. The boat tour sounds a lot of fun and is a bargain price! x

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Captain Cook in Whitby

The Young James Cook: Training and Sailing

The Young James Cook : Training and Sailing

Captain Cook’s training as a seaman began in Whitby. He was born on 27 October 1728 at Marton-in-Cleveland. His father, originally from Scotland, was also called James and married Grace Pace from Cleveland. They had eight children.

When James was still a child, his father moved to Great Ayton, a few miles away near the Cleveland Hills, and became the foreman at Aireyholme Farm.

Here the young James received a basic education at the village school and assisted his father on the farm. In 1745, he began work in a general dealer’s shop at Staithes, a fishing village a short distance from the busy port of Whitby.

However, he decided that he wanted to go to sea, and was introduced to the Walker family.

John Walker and his brother Henry were Quaker shipowners engaged in the coal trade between the North-East and London. The Quakers, or Society of Friends, were upright, hospitable people known for their simplicity of manners and public spirit.

The young Cook could not have come to a better environment. Whitby was a thriving, shipbuilding centre. The Walkers’ ships were workaday collier barks known as ‘cats’, sailing to London and across the North Sea. Cook began the life of a sailor on Freelove in February 1747, carrying a cargo of coal to London.

According to long-standing Whitby tradition, Walker lodged Cook when he was not at sea, in the house in Grape Lane which is now the Museum.

After three voyages in Freelove , Cook took part in fitting out Walker’s new ship, the Three Brothers . Signing on after his apprenticeship had ended, he remained on that ship until 1752, apart from a voyage to the Baltic and St. Petersburg in the Mary. In 1752 he became mate and joined Walker’s latest ship, the Friendship , sailing in her for three years. By 1755 Cook was an experienced and trusted seaman, and Walker offered him the command of the ship.

But Cook had other plans -

For the next stage of Cook's career, see the Royal Navy and Canada

Captain Cook's Endeavour Cruise Trips

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Whitby YO22 4BE

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The young James Cook came to Whitby to serve his apprenticeship aboard the Whitby Cats, luggers which hauled coal from the coast of Yorkshire to London. Whitby used to be home to a full sized replica of the ship but it has now gone back to Australia so no there is a smaller one. An authentic replica of HMS Endeavour which was sailed by Captain James Cook during his scientific expedition of 1768 has been traditionally built by Whitby craftsmen and stands in the water some 40% of the original ships size. This replica of Captain James Cook's ship offers daily half hour cruising trips around Whitby. During your voyage you can sit back, relax and enjoy the views, while you hear about Captain Cook, Whitby and a whole lot more. Go on a voyage around Whitby Harbour, overlooked by Whitby Abbey and along the coast to Sandsend, where you can follow in the path of Captain James Cook himself and relive his life at sea. Certainly a different view of Whitby for photos etc. Prices Adult: £3.00 Child: £2.00 Concession: £2.50 --

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Endeavour Experience Whitby

In 2018, a full-size replica of Captain Cook’s HM Bark Endeavour became a permanent fixture in Whitby harbour and opened to the public as a visitor attraction. On board, 11 cabins have been transformed into a cafe, mini galleries and interactive exhibits about life at sea and Cook’s 1768 voyage of discovery aboard Endeavour . Highlights include the ‘Sea Shanty’ karaoke room, animated film projections in the Great Cabin and a display of Southern Hemisphere constellations the crew would have used for navigation.

In the 18th century, Whitby was one of Britain's greatest shipbuilding centres, Cook was apprenticed here and the original Endeavour was built in the town. It was aboard this ship that Cook charted New Zealand and the east coast of Australia for the first time.

Endeavour Wharf

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https://​www​.hmbarkendeavour​.co​.uk​​/

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The Captain Cook Experience

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The Captain Cook Experience - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor

Things to Do, Attractions, Museums

Captain cook museum, whitby.

17th Century House on Grape Lane

Adventure, endurance, extraordinary seamanship and survival against the odds mark the Cook story.

It began at the handsome 17th century harbourside house now the Captain Cook Memorial Museum.

This is where the great explorer, James Cook, came to serve his apprenticeship in Whitby in the year 1746. It belonged to Cook's master, the Quaker ship owner, Captain John Walker. When the young Cook was not at sea, he lodged here in the attic with Walker's 'other family' of apprentices.

Cook’s voyages were the 18th century equivalent of today’s missions to Mars. For ten years Cook and his crews explored the unknown, uncharted waters of the Pacific, the South Atlantic, and the Arctic Oceans. Danger was ever present.

The thought-provoking collection of original paintings and drawings, letters in Cook’s own hand, ship models, maps and fascinating objects gathered on the voyages illustrate the Cook story.

New special exhibition every year.

For 2024 ' Parts Unknown: Cook’s Quest for the Northwest Passage '.

Cook should be remembered as an Arctic explorer! In 1776, Cook set sail with two ships, Resolution and Discovery, to find the fabled Northwest Passage. Why was the Passage so important? Europe’s maritime nations had long hoped to find a sea route to connect the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans through the Arctic which would provide a shortcut to reach Asia.

The Northwest Passage was seen as a way to expand trade, enhance geographical knowledge and strengthen national maritime prestige. The exhibition will highlight the importance of the indigenous peoples who had inhabited these regions for thousands of years. Cook was by now an experienced observer of indigenous societies, and the responses of artists, officers and crew shed revealing insights into the cultures of peoples who were little known in Europe.

The achievements of the voyage, and subsequent attempts, to find the Northwest Passage will be explored. Original items collected by Cook’s crew will be on display as well as objects recovered from the later, ill-fated, Terror and Erebus expedition. The issues facing the region today, as the Northwest Passage becomes more accessible due to climate change, will also be considered.

We are maintaining anti-Covid measures, screens and extra cleaning. Face coverings are now a personal choice. We are encouraging visitors and staff to continue to use hand sanitiser and to keep to prudent social distance.

Specially for children, Museum Activity Trail, activity cards.

An exciting events programme for all - Online booking available

Display your drawings in the Museum.

Free house guide (in 6 languages).

For informationon prices and opening dates, please visit our website, please click HERE .

For public transport info click here .

Opening Times

Sat 30 March - Sunday 3 November - 0945 - 1700

Last admission half an hour before closing

Adult £9.00

Child up to 16 free

Arrangements correct at time of writing.

Please check our website for current opening times HERE

• Disabled toilets
• Facilities for hearing impaired
• Facilities for visually impaired
• Wheelchairs available
• Credit cards accepted (no fee)
• Children welcome (free Explorer’s Guide)
• Contactless payment possible
• Face masks encouraged for visitors and staff
• Online booking available (not essential)
• Courtyard garden and outside seating
• Education/study area
• Facilities for educational visits
• Groups welcome
• French signs/guides
• German signs/guides
• Spanish signs/guides
• Dogs not accepted (except guidedogs)
• Passenger lift to first floor
• Smoking not allowed
• Regional Tourist Board Member
• Coach parties accepted
• COVID-19 measures in place
• Clear signage
• Deep cleaning between visitors
• Hand sanitizer available to visitors & staff
• Hygiene screens in place
• Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
• Regularly sanitised high-traffic areas
• Staff required to regularly wash hands

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Experience The North Yorkshire Coast

Experience the North Yorkshire coast from a unique perspective. Travel in comfort and style between the beautiful seaside towns of Whitby and Scarborough . This is a journey you'll never forget!

A one-way journey takes over  1 hour. Why not use Yorkshire Coast Boat Trips to travel between Yorkshire's historic ports?

If you're staying in Whitby, why not travel to Scarborough in style and enjoy a day out further down the coast. Option of a return via boat on first trip out later in the day. Or, if you prefer, get the bus. It takes a similar length of time and you'll get to see the Yorkshire coast from a different angle.

Staying in or near Scarborough? Join one of our trips up the coast and arrive in Whitby in style. Enjoy Whitby's historic charm.

2 hour round trip available from and back to Whitby. Our 2 hour trip enables you to spend more time with any wildlife we locate on the trip up and down the coast. 

Our boat carries up to twelve passengers in a fully-enclosed and heated cabin. Comfortable seats make for a relaxed ride, and large windows make it easier to spot wildlife.

Please have a look around our website to find out more about our boat, journey times and the wildlife you may see. And if you have any further questions or want to discuss a booking, please contact us.

Book Online!

Use our simple online booking system to buy your tickets direct from our website. Pay securely using your credit or debit card.

Experience the Yorkshire Coast by Sea

Closed now until 2023, we thank all your customers for their support this year and wish everyone a safe winter, see you next season, love laura, ross and elizabeth.

This picture-perfect historic fishing town just oozes character from every twist and turn and cobbled street. See Whitby Abbey standing proud on the headland – location and inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula and soak up its spooky atmosphere.

The home to Captain Cook – Whitby has evolved over the ages, building upon its ship building, jet making and fishing heritage to become arguable one of the most popular and well loved holiday locations. Boasting pubs, and restaurants plus stunning bars from which to grab a drink and tapas and watch the world go by.

Scarborough

A place to enjoy traditional seaside fun, golden sands, historic castle, Sea Life Centre, working harbour, full range of shops (ideal wet day out) plus large family outdoor and indoor pool with spa, plus lots, lots more . Scarborough was one of the UKs very first seaside resorts - and it's easy to see why it has remained a firm favourite.

Scarborough boasts a wealth of wonderful eateries to enjoy a leisurely lunch, fish and chips for the traditional, pizza, and seafood restaurants all a few steps away form where the boat moors. You'll find plenty to see and do in Scarborough.

The Yorkshire coastline is home to the historic ports of Whitby and Scarborough. These two towns are some of the UK's favourite holiday destinations - and it's easy to see why!

Expansive sandy beaches, rugged cliffs and beautiful countryside are all within easy reach. Visitors to the Yorkshire coast will enjoy some of the best food, drink and holiday hospitality in the country. Whitby and Scarborough are home to some fantastic restaurants, bars and cafes.

You'll also be spoilt for choice when it comes to holiday accomodation. Choose from luxurious hotels, boutique bed and breakfasts and cosy cottages. Whether you're staying in town or out in the Yorkshire countryside, you're going to love it!

The coastal town of Scarborough and Whitby are fantastic options for a day out by the sea. And if you're looking to spend time in the great outdoors, you'll be spoiled for choice! The Cleveland Way and the Whitby to Scarborough to Cinder Track provide a route between the towns for walkers and cyclists. And don't forget the picturesque North York Moors National Park is on our doorstep.

Captain Cook's Haven

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" Book number 15 Endeavour and you wont need to stress "

" Visited in November - majority of shops, pubs and restaurants open, however, some tourist attractions closed at this time of year. "

" Try the higher cottage. They look more updated "

" All the accommodation is great "

" A walk into Whitby takes about 25 minutes, return by taxi £6.40. "

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CAPTAIN COOK'S HAVEN - Updated 2024 Reviews, Photos & Prices