The Boatfloat is an inland harbour for small craft, and is bounded by shops on two sides. Royal Avenue Gardens and the Embankment form two of its sides while a row of shops form two of the other sides. Shops include Port of Call (for all thing nautical but nice), Just Fancy - beach equipment and gifts, Country days for superb dried flowers, Cundells a delicatessen and a National Trust Shop.

In the middle of the shop parade sits the three star Royal Castle Hotel, which commands fine views of the Boatfloat , the River and the opposite shore of Kingswear. The hotel boasts two ground floor bars (one has bar food) and a first floor elegant restaurant, the Adam Room.