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Dover to France Ferry: Your cool, carbon-light shortcut to France from Dover

Ditch the duty-free scrum and soul-sapping queues—there’s a smarter, breezier way to cross the Channel. Meet SailLink: the Dover to France ferry alternative that feels more slow travel than sea slog. Expect sea spray, sails, and serious sustainability points.

SailLink catamaran ferry approaching the French coast on a cloudy day.

Think: sailing yacht meets boutique ferry

This isn’t just another Dover to France ferry. It’s an experience. You’ll hop aboard a sleek, 12-passenger catamaran at Dover Marina (no crowds, no cattle herding), and sail for Boulogne-sur-Mer with the wind in your hair and France glimmering on the horizon.

It takes around 3.5 to 4 hours, depending on the mood of the sea—and there’s not a slot machine or stale croissant in sight. Instead? Deck views, dolphin spotting (if you’re lucky), and the sort of silence you didn’t realise you were craving.

The vibe? Adventure meets Aperol

Bring your bike (yes, they take bikes—how chic is that?), your favourite Breton stripes, and a bottle of fizz for when you land. Once in Boulogne, you can roll off into town, find a sun-drenched café, and order a tartine like you were born to it.

No car chaos. No shuttle bus nonsense. Just you, the wind, and a gloriously smug arrival in France.

View of the White Cliffs of Dover from the deck of a sailing ferry at sunset.
A SailLink catamaran ferry in a busy marina at Dover Harbour.

So who’s it for?

  • Eco-conscious escapists: Zero-emission travel, tick.

  • Coastal romantics: It’s all lapping waves and horizon gazing.

  • Cycle lovers: Pack the pedals and explore both sides of the Channel on two wheels.

  • People who hate ferries: This is your redemption arc.

If you’re looking for a more peaceful, intimate version of the Dover to France ferry, this is it.

Need to know

  • Route: Dover Marina to Boulogne-sur-Mer

  • Time: 3.5–4 hours depending on wind

  • Passengers: Just 12. Cosy. Peaceful. No elbowing.

  • Website: www.saillink.co.uk

Family watching a serene sunset over the English Channel from the deck of a sailing ferry.
SailLink’s white catamaran ferry in the marina at Dover on a sunny day with puffy clouds above.

The Coaste Edit verdict

SailLink is the sailing shortcut you didn’t know you needed—a low-stress, high-vibe way to travel the Dover to France ferry route that feels more like a stylish escape than a slog. Bonus points for leaving your car (and carbon guilt) at home.

Top tip from Coaste: Bring layers (yes, even in summer), a good book, and a bottle of something French to enjoy when you arrive. Then sit back and sail into your main character moment.