Getting to the Isle of Wight means crossing a little stretch of water, but travelling here with a dog is much easier than you might imagine. In fact, once you’ve done it once, the ferry quickly becomes part of the adventure.
The Isle of Wight is also my home, so this is a journey I know well. For this guide, we’re travelling with Wightlink from Portsmouth to Fishbourne – dogs packed, car loaded and passport at the ready. Okay, you don’t actually need the passport. But a dog? I’d argue that’s essential.
Getting to the Isle of Wight with a dog
For this journey, we’re taking the Wightlink car ferry from Portsmouth to Fishbourne, which brings you into the east of the Island and takes around 45 minutes.
Dogs are welcome on Wightlink ferries, and travelling with a pet doesn’t come with an additional charge. There are designated Pet Friendly Areas onboard the Portsmouth to Fishbourne ferries, so you don’t have to spend the crossing separated from your dog.
Arriving at Portsmouth
If you’re travelling by car, Wightlink asks you to check in 30 minutes before your scheduled sailing.
When you arrive, you’ll check in and be directed into an allocated lane to wait for your ferry. This is a good opportunity to get your dog out of the car and let them stretch their legs, particularly if you’ve already had a long drive to Portsmouth. More importantly, give them the chance to go to the toilet before boarding. There are dog clean-up facilities at the terminal, but I’d still make sure you have your own poo bags and water with you.
And, while you’re waiting, there is arguably no better way to spend £2 than on the massage chairs inside the terminal. Not technically essential to travelling with a dog, but absolutely worth knowing.
Boarding the ferry
When it’s time to board, you simply drive onto the ferry and follow the crew’s directions to your parking space.
From there, you head upstairs with your dog and find one of the designated pet friendly areas. Dogs need to be kept on a lead. There are outside areas too, which are particularly nice when the weather is playing ball. You can find dog waste bins outside too.
One thing to be aware of during warmer weather is the temperature of the outside decks. Wightlink advises that the steel sun decks can become very hot in direct sunshine, so check the surface before taking your dog outside and use the indoor pet friendly area if necessary.
Make the crossing part of the trip
It might only be a short ferry journey, but I always think the crossing is part of the Isle of Wight experience. There are the obligatory ferry photos, of course, and if you can time your sailing around sunrise, sunset or golden hour, even better. The views back towards Portsmouth and across the Solent are beautiful – and there’s something about being out on deck that makes it feel like your trip has properly begun.
If the weather isn’t on your side, you can stay inside with your dog instead. The pet friendly areas give you plenty of space to sit together until you reach the Island.
Arriving on the Isle of Wight
Around 45 minutes after leaving Portsmouth, you’ll arrive at Fishbourne. Then there’s really nothing else to it. Head back to your car when instructed, drive off the ferry and your dog friendly Isle of Wight adventure can begin.
Fishbourne puts you in a handy position for exploring the Island, whether you’re heading towards Ryde and the east coast, into Newport or further afield. But to be honest, the Island is small, so nothing is too far away.
Once you’ve mastered the ferry, the only difficult bit is deciding where to go first… But luckily for you, I’ve done the hard work. My Insider’s Guide to the Isle of Wight is packed with my must-visit dog friendly places, from beaches and walks to cafés, pubs, attractions and places to stay. All you need to do is pick your favourites and start exploring.
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