Hovercraft Sands Experience Flight
Our Hovercraft Sands Experience is back for 2026. Building on the success of our Classic Experience Flights, the Sands Experience takes the adventure a step further, focusing on the hovercraft’s unique amphibious abilities.
During this unique 60-minute experience, you’ll go behind the scenes of the world's longest operational hovercraft service. Meet the pilots and crew who fly across the Solent and discover how these remarkable machines work.
You’ll also enjoy an exclusive 20-minute hovercraft demonstration flight, offering a completely different flying experience to our standard route, showcasing the hovercrafts impressive capabilities and seamless transition between land and sea.
Your experience will include:
- Demonstration flight of the unique manoeuvrability of hovercraft*
- Expert commentary from one of our hovercraft pilots
- A guided tour around the outside of the hovercraft
- Opportunities to take photos onboard and outside the craft
- A certificate as a memento of your Hovercraft Experience Flight
Starting from Ryde, Isle of Wight, home to Hovertravel’s head office and the Hovercraft Centre of Excellence. You can also join from Southsea, with a day return flight from Southsea to Ryde, so you can enjoy a day trip to the Isle of Wight and extend your experience.
Come and see first hand, why so many customers love flying across the sea to and from the Isle of Wight with Hovertravel.
Starting in Ryde at 13:45 on the following dates:
Please note - Customers travelling from Southsea must be in Ryde for the start of their experience at 1345. Latest craft to travel on is 1330 ex Southsea with earliest return at 1515 ex Ryde.
- Wednesday 13th May 2026
- Saturday 11th July 2026
For further dates throughout the year, see our Classic Experience Flights.
| Ticket Type | Adult (16+) |
Senior (60+) | Student | Child (5-15 Yrs) |
Family** |
Infants (0-4 Yrs) |
| Hovercraft Sands Experience - Join from Ryde | £35.00 | £32.00 | £32.00 |
£20.00 |
£80.00 |
£5.00 |
| Hovercraft Sands Experience - Join from Southsea includes day return flight | £57.20 | £48.70 | £49.60 |
£31.10 |
£145.00 |
£5.00 |
**Family price based on 2 adults and up to 3 children
*Demonstration elements subject to weather conditions on the day.
How to Book our Hovercraft Sands Experience Flight
Book your place on the Hovercraft Sands Experience below.
To join from Southsea: Select Events/Attractions from the Journey Planner and select Hovercraft Sands Experience and then select one of the dates as listed above.
To join from Ryde: select Excursions from the Journey Planner and select Hovercraft Sands Experience and then select the date.
Journey Planner
- Flight
- Events/Attractions
- Excursions
- Book online at least 48 hours before your travel date.
- Tickets non-transferable.
- Tickets are non-refundable subject to our weather cancellation policy.
1. Can I book the Hovercraft Experience Flight for a group or special event?
Absolutely! The Hovercraft Experience Flight is great for groups, families, or any special occasions. From birthday gifts, hosting corporate outings, or planning a unique day out with the family, we can accommodate most types of group bookings. Just contact our team for more details and availability.
2. What should I wear for the Hovercraft Experience Flight?
We would recommend you wear comfortable, casual clothing suitable for outdoor conditions. As the experience involves a combination of land and sea travel, layered clothing and non-slip footwear are a great choice.
3. Is the experience suitable for people with limited mobility or accessibility needs?
Yes, our Hovercraft Experience Flight has been designed to be accessible and inclusive. Our staff are on hand to assist passengers with mobility requirements. Please just let us know when you book so that we can make your ride as comfortable and enjoyable as possible!
4. What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my flight?
Safety is always our top priority. In the event of adverse weather conditions, there’s a chance we would need to reschedule your flight. A member of our team will notify you as soon as possible to offer you the option to choose a new date or receive a full refund.
5. How long does the Hovercraft Experience Flight last, and what does it include?
This experience will last about 20 minutes with a highly skilled demonstration flight over the Solent, expert commentary from the pilot, behind-the-scenes insights, and a commemorative certificate. You’ll also have the chance to meet our crew and take lots of great photos!