Popular Weymouth boat company, Snapper Charters has expanded for the 2023 season. Owner and Skipper, Luke Pettis (26) will be operating 2 large vessel’s this year, with fishing and sightseeing trips due to commence on 1st April.
Luke, who has run the successful business out of Weymouth Harbour since the age of 18, took the plunge to invest in a second boat, ‘Jurassic’ after diversifying his offering to include sightseeing trips along the Jurassic Coast. These trips have proven extremely popular with both locals and holidaymakers, who have embraced the chance to admire the scenery from the sea.
Luke set up Snapper Charters 8 years ago, after years learning the ropes on local boats. Initially he concentrated solely on deep sea fishing trips, however in recent years has ran a varied itinerary of sightseeing trips along the Jurassic Coast in addition to the deep sea angling trips.
Snapper’s Charters sightseeing trips offer a unique way to experience iconic Dorset landmarks, including Durdle Door, Portland Harbour, Chesil Beach and Portland Bill. Luke also runs a variety of fishing trips, which are suitable for all ages and experience levels. It’s possible to catch a range of species throughout the year – with all equipment provided.
With the boom in domestic travel, Weymouth has experienced increased visitors’ numbers – many of which are looking for unique ways to explore the Dorset coastline. It’s not just holidaymakers that are keen to get on the water though – Luke reports a boom in Weymouth residents keen to get out on the water and try something new.
‘Since lockdown, we’ve welcomed an increasing number of local families on board. It’s great to see people get a new perspective of the place we’re lucky enough to call home. Few people have had the opportunity to experience this UNESCO World Heritage Site from the sea and there’s something quite special about taking in the views from the Water. At Durdle Door for instance, we tuck in close allowing you to truly appreciate its sheer size and scale. Passengers get the opportunity to photograph the rock formation from the back – a view that visitors seldom see’.
Expanding the fleet will allow Snapper Charters to run an increased programme of sightseeing and fishing trips and welcome even more customers on board. The second boat will be run by experienced Skippers, who have an extensive knowledge of the waters along the Dorset coast.
‘We’ve worked extremely hard to establish an excellent reputation over the years and received wonderful reviews – something we’re incredibly produce of. With the increase in demand, came the need to expand, hence the purchase of two new, state of the art charter boats ‘Snapper’ and ‘Jurassic’.
Over winter Luke has completely re-fitted both boats and carried out extensive upgrades ahead of the upcoming season. Luke has also introduced new children’s activity packs and children’s binoculars to encourage younger members of the family to take an interest in wildlife and the great outdoors.
‘We’re really excited about the future of Snapper Charters and can’t wait to welcome new and returning customers onboard this year. Refitting both boats has been a labour of love over the past few months and we are extremely proud of our hard work’.
Weymouth boat trips are available to book online at www.snapperweymouth.com. Tickets can be purchased individually or the whole boat can be chartered for private trips – ideals for families or groups. Dogs are welcome on sightseeing trips.
Congratulations and good luck for the future , I actually won one of your vouchers in one of raffles that we held at the Angling club so looking forward to using it when the weather improves.
Cheers Terry