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The Very Best Boat Trips in Bristol

• May 18, 2022
• Things To Do

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Home to the Bristol channel, the Harbourside, and more rivers, streams and lakes than you can shake a stick at, Bristol is a water-lovers ideal destination. With more than 100 miles of waterways ready to be explored, boat trip services around the city offer Bristolians and visitors alike the chance to get out onto the splash and have some fun.

There really is something for everyone too. If you’re the adventurous type, self-paddling canoe trips can be found where there’s very little between you and the water. For the more laid back experience, there’s a slew of trips on larger ferry boats that can be enjoyed as a public service or even hired out privately for parties and events. If you fancy something more sophisticated, why not enjoy a meal on one of the city’s packet boats that serve up delicious afternoon teas before taking you to other destinations. And if you love nautical history, Bristol is home to some iconic ships that tell stories all of their own.

Visiting Bristol means you’re never really far from water, so why not enjoy it! To get you started, here are some of the very best boat trips in Bristol that you can enjoy solo, with a friend, or even as a large group.

Avon Gorge Cruise

A trip under the famous Clifton suspension bridge

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For most people, the Clifton Suspension bridge epitomises all things Bristol: industry, connecting people, and being atop the water. Providing what is perhaps the very best way to experience the Avon river, the bridge, and the gorge it traverses is this trip provided by Bristol Packet Boat Trips.

Their Avon Gorge Cruise is suitable for adults and children 6 years and older. Over the course of three and a half hours, you’ll be taken on a relaxing trip aboard one of the company’s ferry boats and barges along the river Avon towards the Bristol Channel. Along the way, you’ll be treated to spectacular views as you make your way under the Clifton Suspension Bridge with a full commentary as you go. You’ll learn about the area’s shipping history, as well as the natural and geological forces that helped cut the gorge itself.

With hot, cold, and alcoholic drinks available onboard, you can sit back and enjoy Bristol from an entirely different perspective.

The trips run from March to November.

Fish and Chips Trips

One of a kind supper trips around Bristol’s harbour

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A modern replica of a historic medieval caravel, The Matthew is a traditional style ship with three masts, square sails, and rigging for days.

The original Matthew was built by John Cabot and left shore in 1497 for Newfoundland. The ship is an important part of Bristol’s history and this modern recreation keeps the legend alive by hosting various boat trips around the Floating Harbour and beyond.

One of the most popular trips is the regular fish and chip tours around the Harbour that happen multiple times a week. The Matthew makes its way to the Pumphouse Landing where those aboard are treated to a fish and chip supper at the Pumphouse Landing, forty-five minutes or so into the trip.

The food served is made using fresh cod and local potatoes and served on board the ship. There are different versions of this trip including musical evenings where you can eat your meal and be entertained by the local Pirate-themed band Piratitude or join in with one of the sea shanty groups that can be experienced.

The trips are suitable for people of all ages and abilities.

City Dock Tour

An informative and entertaining tour of Bristol’s docks

If you’ve never been to Bristol before, you’re a fan of all things nautical, or you’re a Bristolian who just wants to get to know their home city better, Packet Boat Trips’ City Dock Tour is for you.

Packed into this forty-five-minute whirlwind tour of Bristol’s harbour is everything you could want to know about the history and contemporary culture surrounding the docks. As well as interesting tidbits, you’ll also get a water-side view of the SS Great Britain, you’ll also get to see the steam cranes and engines that line the quay that were integral to the city’s industrial economy.

The tour is fully commentated by knowledgeable staff and provides a truly unique perspective of the city. The tour operates every weekend and every day during the summer months, ideally suited for summer evenings and warm afternoons atop the Tower Belle passenger boat.

This trip is suitable for adults and children of all ages.

Cream Tea Cruise

Enjoy fresh scones , cream and jam as you cruise the Bristol countryside

While the Avon cuts through the bustling built-up part of Bristol, its course also leads it out into the more rural stretches of the city’s borders. While the greenery of Bristol can be enjoyed on foot, it can also be taken in aboard the wood-panelled barges provided by Packet Boat Trips with a cup of tea, cake, and a traditional scone and cream.

This cream tea cruise is one of the most enjoyable ways to experience the Avon taking a leisurely two hours to cruise out into the countryside and back. The ticket price includes a fresh scone with clotted cream and jam, a cup of tea or coffee, and a piece of cake. There are vegan and gluten-free options available too for those who want it, simply ring or email ahead for arrangements to be made.

While the cream tea is the star of the show here, the beautiful scenes outside the window are worth a glance or two as well. With friendly staff explaining the sights and sounds as you go, this is a lovely way to spend an afternoon.

The cream tea cruise runs every Sunday, Wednesday, and Bank Holiday from March through to October.

Trips to Beese’s Tea Rooms

Leisurely cruises to these popular gardens and tea rooms

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One of Bristol’s true gems, Beese’s is a favourite amongst those who use the river Avon regularly. A riverside bar, tearoom, and gardens, Beese’s has a reputation for good food, good drink, and a great atmosphere.

The very best way to arrive at this beautiful little riverside bar is via Bristol’s waterways. Bristol Ferry provides one of the most regular services running trips every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, as well as some Thursdays and Bank Holidays.

This relaxing journey departs from the Welsh Back ferry landing and takes around an hour to arrive at Beese’s itself. You’ll be given two hours to dine, drink, and soak up the sun if you’re lucky enough with the weather before setting off back to the city.

The food at Beese’s range from gourmet salads, burgers , and skewers, to full-on Sunday dinners. Drinks-wise you can choose from some specially selected reds and white wines, as well as local draught beers that go down particularly well in the peaceful outdoor gardens.

The tour is suitable for all ages but being a riverside bar, there is a steep set of steps to reach the bar itself.

Pub Lunch Cruise

A day out on the river with a stop at your choice of pub

Departing from the Bristol Packet Office near the SS Great Britain, the Pub Lunch Cruise is the ideal trip for those who love quality local drinks and appreciate great food. With the choice of two great pubs, Chequers Inn or the Old Lock and Weir, the trip gives you ample time to stop and grab lunch before making your way back.

Chequers Inn offers uninhibited riverside views as you enjoy a beer and a meal from their diverse menu, with options for vegans and the gluten intolerant too. The Old Lock and Weir’s selection is a little more contemporary, with stonebaked pizzas, burger variants, baby ribs, and some pub classics to boot.

Cruising upstream along the more rural parts of the Avon, this trip also gives the opportunity to do a bit of wildlife spotting as you journey. Along these stretches, people regularly see otters, water voles, and even kingfishers as well as more common but no less interesting animals.

The trip is ideal for an afternoon out with the family or friends and runs every Tuesday and Thursday from May to September. The whole journey takes around five hours so there’s plenty of time to relax.

With the waterways of Bristol, including the Avon river, being so vital to the city’s heritage and future, taking a boat trip not only keeps us in touch with tradition but also helps support the maintenance and industries that rely upon them.

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Bristol Packet Boat Trips - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Fully Licensed Bar

A fully licensed bar includes wide range of drinks at sensible prices. We have a selection of beers, ciders, wines, spirits, as well as champagne and prosecco for those special occasions.

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Our cruising grounds extend from Bristol Harbour to Hanham Lock so you can take in the scenery of the River Avon or enjoy the historic Bristol Harbour.

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THE 10 BEST Bristol Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat rides & cruises in bristol.

• Kayaking & Canoeing
• Stand-Up Paddleboarding
• Water Sports
• River Rafting & Tubing
• Scuba & Snorkeling
• Surfing, Windsurfing & Kitesurfing
• Waterskiing & Jetskiing
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for Kids
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Couples
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Adventurous
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. SUP Bristol

2. Bristol Packet Boat Trips

3. The Matthew of Bristol

4. Adventurous Activity Company

5. Escape to the River - Skippered boat trips in Bristol and Bath

6. MV Balmoral - White Funnel Limited - Day Trips

7. All-Aboard Watersports

8. Bristol Maritime Academy

9. Peak Aspect

10. Extreme Marine Diving

11. She Flies

What travellers are saying.

• SUP Bristol
• The Matthew of Bristol
• Bristol Packet Boat Trips
• Escape to the River - Skippered boat trips in Bristol and Bath
• MV Balmoral - White Funnel Limited - Day Trips
• Adventurous Activity Company

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Waterbus Service

Hop on for a boat ride around bristol.

We are delighted to be back delivering our timetabled waterbus service, running every day from April until end of September.

For Travel Updates please refer to the banner at the top of this page.

We offer single fares for those wishing to get from A to B, or circular trips for those wanting to sit back and see the entire Harbour.

Please find both timetables below and on our landing stages. 

If reading our printed leaflets; a Reduced Service can be read using the blue columns.

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Catching the ferry.

To catch the ferry please arrive a couple of minutes early and be clearly visible at the landing stage - wave to hail the ferry to you.

We serve 7 landing stages; Temple Meads, Castle Park, City Centre, Wapping Wharf, ss Great Britain, Mardyke Wharf and The Cottage

View our map of stops here

We are a cashless business, our crew can only accept card payments on board.

All fares are determined by the scheduled length of journey and can be purchased from our friendly crew via contactless card payment - children under 3 years old travel free.

Please note that we do not currently accept bookings for the waterbus service - all customers are first come first serve.

If our boat has reached full capacity, unfortunately we will not be able to board new passengers until the next available opportunity.

Our Service 

We run a waterbus service around the harbour with two boats operating at either end of the Harbour.

There may be occasions when we have to reduce our service to one boat, and update in the Travel Updates banner at the top of the page.

We currently operate every day from April to September, weekends and School Holidays only November - February.

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14 brilliant things to do in Bristol

B ristol is bursting with things to do: from trips in the air (ballooning) to boat tours around the harbour; from cutting-edge art galleries and theatres and brazen street art to a myriad of museums and numerous diversions for children; and from brilliant markets and festivals to wondrous feats of engineering. 

What's more, for sports lovers, the city has two football league teams (City and Rovers), a rugby team (Bristol Bears), and is home to Gloucestershire County Cricket Club. No wonder the poet John Betjeman once referred to Bristol as the most 'interesting' city in England. Here are a dozen ways to get a feel of the place. 

For further  Bristol  inspiration visit our guides to the city's best hotels ,  restaurants  and nightlife . If planning a longer trip, explore our guide to the perfect holiday in  Somerset .

Harbourside

Imagine the magic of brunel.

The immersive Brunel Museum, marks the greatest achievements of the Victorian engineer, Isambard Kingdom Brunel. It’s hard by one of his most striking creations, the beautifully restored SS Great Britain – make sure to see that as well – and not far from another, Clifton Suspension Bridge. Various rooms examine his life as an engineer, entrepreneur and celebrity, but also his failures; head into 'Brunel’s Mind' for something a bit different. 

Insider tip: For those wanting to discover what life was like for sailors on board the SS Great Britain, try the hands-on, climb-the-rigging experience. It’ll test your nerve and head for heights.

Contact: ssgreatbritain.org

Get curious about science

Known for making science accessible and fun, the aptly named We The Curious science centre – run by an educational charity and housed in one of Brunel’s old goods sheds – remains closed following a roof fire in 2022. It’s set to re-open in early 2024 and is must-see for families as the exhibits are both novel and excitingly immersive. There’s also a 3D planetarium. 

Insider tip: Seek out a member of the Live Science Team; they are a mine of information and include astrophysicists, palaeontologists, biologists and musicians.

Contact: wethecurious.org

Immerse yourself in the past

M Shed , a 1950s former transit shed, dominated by four massive cargo cranes, houses a captivating and thoughtful insight into Bristol’s past – and present – capturing what makes it tick and its independent spirit. Three floors offer an evocative picture of “Life, People and Places”, including those who shaped the city (authors, inventors, engineers and political reformers). Elsewhere, discover about everything from the slave trade and past industries (chocolate to tobacco) to boycotts, festivals and the Blitz.

Insider tip: Add another dimension to your trip with a (free) behind-the-scenes tour (Tue-Sat) to see some of the items not in the regular collection with a visit to the L Shed next door.

Contact:   bristolmuseums.org.uk

Price: Free

St Philip’s Marsh

Get lost in an imaginary world.

Wake the Tiger is a hugely imaginative immersive art experience – terrific for kids and adults. Dubbed an “Amazement Park” and set on an old industrial estate, it features 27 different creative environments with soundscapes, secret passageways, artwork and installations. Visually clever and tricksy, Wake the Tiger is certainly different as visitors encounter various imaginary worlds – think of it like a massive film set – one dreamt up, perhaps, by Peter Jackson, Terry Gilliam and David Lynch. 

Insider tip: Take your time – there really is a lot to experience and if you look hard enough you’ll find new avenues to explore. 

Contact: wakethetiger.com

Price: ££ 

Catch a play at the oldest theatre in Britain

The Bristol Old Vic, the oldest continuously working theatre in Britain, has some terrific productions throughout the year. A recent renovation in the timber and glass-fronted foyer has also brilliantly revealed the original auditorium brick façade – built in 1766 – for the first time. On stage, expect everything from challenging new theatre to established works, comedy, dance, children’s shows and Christmas plays (and Mark Rylance makes his Old Vic debut in 2020). 

Insider tip: For a great fringe option, look out for productions at the Wardrobe Theatre  in Old Market with a mix of theatre, story-telling, puppetry and family shows; it shares a building with the Old Market Assembly pub, which has an excellent food menu.

Contact: bristololdvic.org.uk

Make the most of the markets

With its impressive Georgian architecture, St Nicholas Market or 'St Nicks' is home to an array of permanent stalls selling everything from from second hand books to classic reggae, blues and punk LPs, bike equipment, jewellery and children’s toys. There are some terrific food stalls too, offering the likes of pies, Moroccan dishes, ice creams and cakes. Also head to the eco-aware Tobacco Factory Market in Southville on Sundays with artisan breads, fresh fish, Jamaican food, paintings, children's clothes and more. Look out too for BoxHall in Welsh Back in the summer. Two disused dockside warehouses have been converted into a version of London’s BoxParks with seven restaurants and a food hall and the venue will also offer a showcase for local musicians. 

Insider tip: Look out for the occasional Friday night St Nick’s market, here with street food vendors, musicians, and performers. The Over Here 'stall' sells t-shirts from local makers, such as Mild West Heroes. 

Contacts:   stnicholasmarketbristol.co.uk ;  tobaccofactory.com

City Centre

Experience the creativity and inclusivity of a renowned venue.

After a £130 million refurbishment, the Bristol Beacon will finally re-open in November 2023 – it was formerly known as Colston Hall, a name which long attracted controversy because of the association with local 16th/17th century merchant Edward Colston and his links to the slave trade. The Beacon, which has some events on now, will offer three main music spaces: the Beacon Hall (with a capacity of 2,000), the Victorian Lantern Hall and the intimate cellar (200). It will further enhance the city’s strong music credentials with a diverse selection of performances and acts. 

Contact: bristolbeacon.org 

Floating Harbour

Get on board a river cruise.

Experience a sense of Bristol’s bustling maritime past with a trip around the Floating Harbour with Bristol Packet Boat Trips. They have four boats –  Tower Belle and Narrowboat Redshank are the oldest and have most character – and the trip to go for is the City Docks Tour, which reveals the origins of the city and how it has changed from its old trading days. There are also (less frequent) trips to Bath and the Avon Gorge.

Insider tip: Take a summer trip up the River Avon on the boat for lunch at Beese’s Riverside Bar . Look out for swans nesting in spring in the manmade marshland opposite the SS Great Britain landing point.

Contact: bristolpacket.co.uk

Enjoy the view from the top

At various times the site of the Clifton Observatory has been an Iron Age hill fort and a windmill, but since 1828, it has been home to the observatory and then the home of the Camera Obscura, which was originally installed by the artist William West; turn the wooden handle to get a panoramic view of the surrounding area. Descend into the natural limestone Giants Cave for a spectacular view of the Clifton Suspension Bridge. 

Insider tip: Sunsets are quite something from the excellent 360 glass café’s rooftop terrace (with more views of Brunel’s bridge); it’s a great place to see the Bristol Balloon Fiesta in August, when the café opens especially early. 

Contact: cliftonobservatory.com

College Green – Stokes Croft

Take a crash course in street art and graffiti history.

Explore Bristol’s inspired street art with an expert, which you’ll do by going out with Where The Wall. Their aim is to give a 'contemporary culture experience' about the home turf of Banksy and more than 30 years of street and graffiti art history and the guides (street documenters, Banksy fans and artists) do that with ease. The tour begins on College Green and ends in Stokes Croft; an added bonus is that new street works by various artists appears all the time.

Insider tip:  Three times a month Where The Wall has a 'spray session' – your chance to practise stencilling. 

Contact: wherethewall.com

Tour times:  Sat at 11am, with more dates during the week in holidays and half-terms 

Price:  £

See photo exhibitions in Bristol's creative quarter

The Martin Parr Foundation, brainchild of the acclaimed documentary photographer, is housed in a new-build at Paintworks, the live/work creative hub south of the river. This neat gallery displays photography that focuses on and perfectly captures life on the British Isles – five exhibitions a year from various photographers – and also preserves Parr’s own immense archive of collected works. Right opposite is the expansive new home of the Royal Photographic Society,  which stages regular exhibitions and events.

Insider tip: Take out a supporter membership for the Martin Parr Foundation and you will get a tour of the gallery with Parr. Stop off for a coffee, a drink or a bite at the atmospheric BocaBar at the entrance to Paintworks.

Contact: martinparrfoundation.org

Stoke Bishop

Lose yourself in a secret garden.

Something of a hidden gem, the University of Bristol Botanic Garden is set  in a compact 3.2 acres and is described by the current curator as a place of 'science, learning, intrigue and fun.' Every possible space is given over to plants, shrubs and trees of all shapes and sizes as it engagingly tells the story of their evolution, taking in everything from Mediterranean and Australian flora to Chinese medicinal herbs; there’s a charming café, too.

Insider tip: Look out for the weekly notice board by the entrance, which tells what to see in the garden: autumn colours, say, or peonies in May. Don’t tread on the fruit of the ginkgo tree – they smell of sick.

Contact: botanic-garden.bristol.ac.uk

Take to the skies

The last Concorde ever built might be the go-to attraction at Aerospace Bristol, but there is a whole lot else to get stuck into at a museum that recalls Britain’s achievements in the air and showcases the role played by the Bristol site in Britain’s aviation history. There are restored and replica planes, helicopters and missiles and lots of interactive options. The gift shop is imaginatively stocked with goodies such as Airfix kits.

Insider tip: Go to the balcony above supersonic Concorde and walk around to the front of the plane – it’s the best selfie spot in the museum. Chat to the volunteers, many of whom have worked on Concorde.

Contact:   aerospacebristol.org

Take a walk on the dark side

Going by the grimly persuasive title of Blood and Butchery in Bedminster, this weekly walking tour hosted by the Show of Strength Theatre company takes in tales of grave robbers, body snatchers, hanging judges and the city’s place in the Brinks-Mat gold heist in 1983 via the involvement of local gangster John Palmer, aka “Goldfinger.” If you like a bit of gruesome history, this two-hour tour has it by the bucket load. The company also runs other walks, among them Blood, Blackbeard and Buccaneers around Harbourside and Saint and Sinners in St George.

Insider tip: The Tour ends at the Hen and Chicken on North Street, which apart from good food and drink puts on live shows from comedy to music. 

Contact: showofstrength.org.uk

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Ferry Trips

There's no better way to visit us!

Friday Ferry Trips

Bristol Packet / Bristol Ferry Every Friday from 29th March the Bristol Packet Ferry company with be offering lunch time trips to Beeses arriving at 12 midday. Bristol Packet Click HERE to book your ticket! Looking for a fun Friday night? Then hop on a Bristol Ferry to our Friday night band nights at Beeses! Bristol Ferry Click HERE to book your ticket! The ticket includes the lovely ferry ride up the River Avon, and LIVE entertainment from some of the UK's best bands.

Saturday Ferry Trips

Bristol Ferry Bristol Ferry Boats will be offering shuttle trips to and from Beeses throughout the day. Visit their website to check trip availability and to make a booking. Bristol Packet will be running Ferry trips for our special events, please visit www.bristolpacket.co.uk to check availability.

Sunday Ferry Trips

Bristol Packet / Bristol Ferry What better way to spend a Sunday then a leisurely boat ride up the River Avon and a delicious Sunday Roast at Beeses, booked through Bristol Ferry . If you fancy a late evening cruise , then why not hop on a Bristol Packet boat trip. Visit their websites to check trip availability and to make a booking.

Bank Holiday Ferry Trips

Bristol Packet / Bristol Ferry Enjoy your Bank Holidays at Beeses! Please visit the Bristol Packet and Bristol Ferry's websites to check availability and to make a booking.

Bristol's Best Kept Secret!

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About Beeses Bar...

Whether you're looking for the perfect place to host your wedding or special event, or trying to find that perfect spot in the sun to enjoy a drink by the river - then Beeses Bar is the place for you! We open from April to the end of October. Check the opening times before you visit! We hope to see you soon.

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© Beeses Bar /// Wyndham Cres, Brislington, Bristol BS4 4SX ///  [email protected]  /// Website by CSCD

THE 10 BEST Bristol Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat rides & cruises in bristol.

• Kayaking & Canoeing
• Stand-Up Paddleboarding
• Water Sports
• River Rafting & Tubing
• Scuba & Snorkeling
• Surfing, Windsurfing & Kitesurfing
• Waterskiing & Jetskiing
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for Kids
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Couples
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Adventurous
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. SUP Bristol

2. Bristol Packet Boat Trips

3. The Matthew of Bristol

4. Adventurous Activity Company

5. Escape to the River - Skippered boat trips in Bristol and Bath

6. MV Balmoral - White Funnel Limited - Day Trips

7. All-Aboard Watersports

8. Bristol Maritime Academy

9. Peak Aspect

10. Extreme Marine Diving

11. She Flies

What travellers are saying.

• SUP Bristol
• The Matthew of Bristol
• Bristol Packet Boat Trips
• Escape to the River - Skippered boat trips in Bristol and Bath
• MV Balmoral - White Funnel Limited - Day Trips
• Adventurous Activity Company

Harbour Trips

Public harbour trips, cross harbour ferry services are currently operating..

Public Trips are currently suspended in order to minimise any risks to our passengers.

We will return to normal services as soon as possible.

Cross Harbour Ferry

The "Mary Brunel" operates our Cross Harbour service seven days a week between Hanover Quay and the S.S Great Britain.

Monday to Friday 07:30 to 18:15 Saturday and Sunday 10:30 to 17:30

The ferry runs on-demand within these hours and not to a set timetable The fare is £1.20.  Children five and under travel free.

Monthly tickets are available for just £18, allowing unlimited use for the whole month. Services operate every day except December 25th and December 26th.

Copyright © Number Seven Boat Trips Ltd. 2023 All Rights Reserved

THE 10 BEST Bristol Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat rides & cruises in bristol.

• Kayaking & Canoeing
• Stand-Up Paddleboarding
• Water Sports
• River Rafting & Tubing
• Scuba & Snorkeling
• Surfing, Windsurfing & Kitesurfing
• Waterskiing & Jetskiing
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for Kids
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Couples
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Adventurous
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. SUP Bristol

2. Bristol Packet Boat Trips

3. The Matthew of Bristol

4. Adventurous Activity Company

5. Escape to the River - Skippered boat trips in Bristol and Bath

6. MV Balmoral - White Funnel Limited - Day Trips

7. All-Aboard Watersports

8. Bristol Maritime Academy

9. Peak Aspect

10. Extreme Marine Diving

11. She Flies

What travellers are saying.

• SUP Bristol
• The Matthew of Bristol
• Bristol Packet Boat Trips
• Escape to the River - Skippered boat trips in Bristol and Bath
• MV Balmoral - White Funnel Limited - Day Trips
• Adventurous Activity Company