So You Want to Rent a Boat in London: From Canal Cruisers to Thames Thrillers
Ah, London! Land of Big Ben, fish and chips, and... renting a boat? You bet! But before you set sail (or should we say set motor?) on your watery adventure, the burning question arises: how much does this nautical fancy tickle the ol' bank account? Buckle up, me hearties, and get ready to navigate the high seas of London boat rental costs.
 |
| How Much To Rent A Boat In London |
Avast, Ye Landlubbers! A Beginner's Guide to Boat Rentals
First things first, the type of vessel you choose will greatly affect the price. Here's a quick rundown of your options:
- Canal Cruiser: Perfect for a leisurely sightseeing trip with a picnic basket in tow. Prices can start from a cheeky £100 per hour, but be warned, the excitement factor might be a bit low (unless you get caught in a canal race with a rogue flock of swans).
- Motorboat: Fancy zooming up and down the Thames like James Bond (minus the villains and explosions, hopefully)? A motorboat will set you back a bit more, with rentals starting around £150 per hour. Just remember, with great speed comes great responsibility (and the potential for a very grumpy wake behind you).
- Saloon Boat: Need a touch of class for your aquatic escapade? A saloon boat offers a swankier experience, with comfy seating areas and maybe even a mini-fridge. Expect prices to start from around £200 per hour, but hey, you might just spot some celebrities on the way!
- Luxury Yacht: Now we're talking! Pop the bubbly and prepare to live your best life aboard a luxurious yacht. Prices here can vary wildly depending on the size and amenities, but be prepared to drop some serious cash (think thousands, not hundreds).
Important Note: These are just starting prices, and the final cost can be influenced by factors like duration of rental, seasonality (high season = higher prices), and whether you need a skipper (which is recommended for some boats, especially if you're not exactly Captain Ahab).
Going Dutch (or Should We Say Pound-Sharing?) on a Group Boat Trip
Renting a boat with a group of friends is a fantastic way to split the cost and have a memorable experience. Here's the golden rule: the bigger the boat, the more people you can squeeze on board (safely, of course!), which means the cost per person goes down.
Tip: Revisit challenging parts.
Top Tip: If you're planning a James Bond-esque motorboat escapade, consider bringing your own snacks and drinks to save some cash on overpriced on-board refreshments (unless they're serving martinis, shaken not stirred, of course).
Don't Get Swept Away by Hidden Costs!
Now, before you set sail with visions of pound signs dancing in your head, remember there can be additional costs to consider:
- Fuel: Just like your car, boats need fuel to keep going. The cost will depend on the size and type of engine.
- Mooring fees: If you plan on stopping for lunch or a cheeky pint at a pub along the river, you might need to pay a mooring fee.
- Skipper fees: For some boats, especially larger ones or those requiring specific licenses, you might need to hire a skipper.
Remember: Always check the rental agreement thoroughly to understand exactly what's included in the price and what might be extra.
QuickTip: Return to sections that felt unclear.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions for the Aspiring London Boat Captain
How to find boat rentals in London?
There are a number of online platforms where you can browse and book boat rentals in London. Some popular options include Click&Boat, Getmyboat, and SamBoat.
 |
How to get a boat license in London?
Tip: Use this post as a starting point for exploration.
If you're planning on captaining a larger boat yourself, you'll need to obtain a Boat Handling Certificate (BHC). You can find information on obtaining a BHC on the Canal & River Trust website https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/contact-us.
How to avoid getting seasick on a London boat trip?
The good news is, the Thames is a river, not the open sea, so seasickness is unlikely. However, if you're prone to motion sickness, it's always a good idea to take some medication beforehand.
QuickTip: Focus on what feels most relevant.
How to pack for a London boat trip?
Pack light clothes that dry quickly, sunscreen (especially if it's a sunny day), sunglasses, and a hat. Don't forget to bring some snacks and drinks if you're not planning on purchasing them on board.
**How to be a responsible
 |
