Dating across the Solent
Key facts
| Wightlink routes | Portsmouth to Fishbourne, and Portsmouth Harbour to Ryde |
|---|---|
| Red Funnel Red Jet | Southampton to West Cowes |
| Late sailings | Red Funnel cut its latest Red Jet from Southampton in 2024, so check the current timetable |
| Report a scam | Report Fraud, 0300 123 2040, or reportfraud.police.uk |
Living on the Island does not mean your match has to. Portsmouth and Southampton are a short crossing away, and many Islanders already commute. It works best when you plan the ferry as part of the date.
Use the Ryde or Fishbourne crossing
Wightlink sails from Portsmouth to Fishbourne and from Portsmouth Harbour to Ryde. Ryde is a good first meeting point for someone coming over on foot. Plan a short date near the terminal first time round.
Source: Wightlink: Cowes Week, Isle of Wight, checked 9 November 2026
Check the last Red Jet before you go
Red Funnel's Red Jet runs between Southampton and West Cowes. Late sailings have been cut before because of low demand, so check the current timetable and leave time to get back to the terminal. Missing the last boat is a bad end to a good evening.
Source: OnTheWight: Last Red Jet from Southampton moves earlier, checked 9 November 2026
Meet before money comes up
Distance is a common excuse in romance fraud. Be wary of anyone who moves fast, avoids meeting or video calls, or asks for money for a ticket or an emergency. Report it to Report Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or at reportfraud.police.uk.
Source: Report Fraud: Romance fraud costs UK victims 102 million, checked 9 November 2026
Questions
Do Islanders date people from Portsmouth or Southampton?
Yes, often. The crossings are short, and many people already travel for work, so a mainland partner is very normal here.
Who should do the crossing?
Take turns. It keeps things fair, and it lets each of you show the other your favourite places.
What if the ferry is cancelled?
Have a plan B, like moving the date or meeting on the other side. Agree early that either of you can change plans without fuss.
Read next
Our sister site Smooch has more first date ideas. WhichDating, our sister review site, compares dating apps in the UK.