This Bargain Cruise Lets You Sail Nude for Just £22
More than 120 people ditched their clothes for a three-hour boat ride down the River Exe in Devon this month, as the county’s Nude Cruise marked its 13th year on the water.
The event, run by Bare West Events, has been sailing since 2012 and has become a fixture in the UK naturist calendar.
What the Cruise Is Really About
Organiser Rachel Wick, 50, explained that the cruise is about body freedom and breaking old taboos.
“Too many people only connect nudity with sex, which just isn’t the case,” she said. “We make sure the atmosphere is safe and respectful so everyone can relax.”
Her partner, Nigel, added that naturists come from all walks of life—teachers, doctors, lawyers, and more. He joked that businesses are keen to welcome what’s sometimes called the “buff pound,” showing that nude events are good for local trade.
A Night of Fun on the Water
For just £22, guests got a hot pasty along with music, a disco, a raffle, and a bar. Some carried their essentials in small pouches since, of course, pockets were in short supply. Passing boats gave cheerful waves as the unclothed party sailed by.
Not everyone is open about their attendance, though. One participant, identified only as Dee from Plymouth, said her family would be shocked if they found out.
“A lot of outsiders think naturism is about swinging, but it’s really just about feeling free,” she said.
Breaking Barriers
First-time attendee Claire Stone said she usually visits naturist beaches but wanted to try something more social. “I love it,” she admitted. “People are getting more open to it, though younger generations are still a bit shy.”
For veteran naturists like Kevin Little, 61, it’s more than just fun. He says being clothes-free feels natural:
“It’s addictive. You feel closer to nature, and honestly, nobody is judging anyone’s body.”
His wife Tanis added that younger people are slowly coming around, often through encouragement from friends or family.
Meanwhile, 39-year-old marketing professional Martin Niebroj noted that events like this help naturists feel they have safe spaces. “It’s not illegal to be naked in public in the UK, but it always draws attention. Cruises like this give people the chance to just be themselves.”
Shifting Public Attitudes
A YouGov poll found that nearly 60% of Britons are uncomfortable with public nudity, though a separate Ipsos survey showed that 14% of people in the UK identify as naturists or nudists. Supporters say events like this are slowly changing those perceptions.
After three hours of sailing, music, and mingling, the nude cruisers reluctantly pulled their clothes back on as the boat returned to shore.
Beyond Devon: Nude Cruises at Sea
While Devon’s trip is a small-scale local highlight, the naturist cruise trend stretches far beyond Britain. Entire chartered ocean cruises now cater to passengers who prefer a clothing-optional holiday.
Onboard rules stress respect and hygiene—towels are required for sitting, shoes for walking the decks, and sunscreen is essential. Crew remain clothed, though they can opt in or out of working nude voyages.
From river estuaries to Caribbean itineraries, the appeal is consistent: naturist cruises offer a judgment-free space where age, status, and body type stop mattering. Instead, it’s about community, confidence, and the simple joy of letting go of clothes.
