Hamble River Boat Charter, Swanwick, Southampton
This is a lovely thing to do, especially if you like messing about on the river. Hamble River Boat Charter offers pleasure trips or charter from Swanwick marina in their trusty boat, Gull, which was built in 1958 and originally used as the Hamble-Warsash ferry. When she was taken out of service in 1985 she was fitted with a quieter electric engine, which makes a big difference when you’re out on the water. Gull seats a maximum of 12 for private charter and whoever is at the helm must have relevant boating experience. Take her out for a 2 or 4 hour daytime trip or in the summer you can opt for a 3 hour evening charter; now that is fantastic when the weather is nice and calm.
If you don’t fancy the responsibility of steering Gull you can have a skipper to take you out, someone who knows the river well, and can take you to all the best spots, plus you get a brief lesson in boat handling thrown in which should put you in good stead for next time.
Another thing they do is a Wildlife Photo Safari, though only for 4 passengers at a time. If you’re a keen photographer this will appeal as the skipper will take you out either early in the morning to capture the first light or in the evening just before sunset – either should give you amazing photo opportunities, and we suspect, it’s something that will stay with you.
Open: Mon-Fri 9.00 am-5.00 pm
T: 01489 332007 All information correct at the time of writing