Dolphin was conceived as a special project by the Rotary Club of Parkstone in 1979 to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Rotary International. The aim was to provide a specially equipped sturdy, safe boat to give free pleasure trips to disabled persons of all ages and disabilities in Poole Harbour.

Dolphin III is a specially designed boat that offers free trips around Poole Harbour for people with disabilities.

The boat operates every day, except Sunday, from May to September.

Dolphin III is crewed entirely by volunteers, with an experienced skipper in charge of every trip. There are over 40 volunteers on the crew list.

Trips around the harbour last about 2 hours. There is normally a morning trip, starting at 11am, and an afternoon trip, starting at 2pm. When the tides allow, the boat makes a trip to Wareham, to include a fish and chip lunch.

Dolphin III is enjoyed by people with a wide range of disabilities and of all ages. Many passengers are from special schools, care homes and organizations for people with disabilities; individuals also make bookings.

Whilst the majority of passengers come from Dorset and Hampshire, people come from as far away as the Midlands and Scotland. Dolphin III can take up to six wheelchairs and has ample seating for ambulant passengers and carers. The boat has easy access for wheelchairs, with a sturdy ramp between the boat and the pontoon giving level access.

The maximum capacity of the boat is 12 people (including carers).

Over 30,000 passengers have used the boat and the group have asked for our support of £1,000 to help with over-winter maintenance and training cost.

Please visit the Friends of Dolphin website for more details.