Boat Trips

The Ra is a solar powered boat operated by the Broads Authority. This shiny silver catamaran style boat, can take a group of around 20 on a cruise on the Norfolk Broads. The roof is one massive solar panel and it re-charges the batteries driving the electric motors as the boat cruises! The boat is virtually silent and this means you are more likely to see wildlife scared off by noisier boats! The RA is currently sailing on Barton Broad, but due to move to Whittlingham Broad soon.

The River Bus is a regular sight in Norwich as it runs a series of scheduled trips along the River Waveney through the heart of historic Norwich. The boats are operated by City Boats and stop at 2 quays in the city centre, Elm Hill and Station Quay, and then travel out of the city to Griffin Lane Quay, in Thorpe St Andrew (where there is a free car-park). These trips make a great family day out and it is also a unique way to take in the views of Norwich.

Blakeney Point is a spit of land jutting out just north of Blakeney. It is home to a colony of grey and common seals, that number about 500. The grey seals are the larger of the two and they have pups between November and January. Common seals have their pups between June and August. Blakeney Point is also home to countless birds, including Terns. Beans Boats is one of several companies offering boat trips to Blakeney Point at high tide. The trips run daily (weather and tide permitting) from Morston Quay and take about an hour.

One of the most popular and unusual attractions in Norfolk is The Wash Monster. This incredible machine is an ex. military vehicle manufactured in 1967 for use as a landing craft by American forces in Vietnam. This 60 seater amphibious craft now transports tourists from the sandy beach at Hunstanton straight into the sea on any one of five coastal tours. The craft cruises at 8 knots in the water and 13 knots on land. It has become a regular sight, cruising up and down the Norfolk Coast, taking tourists on trips along this beautiful stretch of coastline, consisting of wide open sandy beaches.

The Southern Comfort is a double-deck Mississippi style paddle cruiser, which has been purpose built for the Norfolk Broads. It has a capacity of 100 passengers and operates a number of scheduled cruises during the summer months. The boat is based in the beautiful village of Horning and cruises take passengers along the River Bure to Ranworth Broad and back, passing thatched riverside homes, windmills and reed beds. Throughout the trip there is continual commentary, helping you spot various wildlife. Some cruises are even accompanied by a jazz band on board!

It is well recognised that the only real way to see the Norfolk Broads is from the water. For those choosing an organised cruise over self-drive, Broads Tours offer a wide selection of boats and cruises to suit all tastes. A fleet of cruisers take individuals, families and coach parties on cruises along the River Bure to places such as Wroxham Broad, Salhouse Broad and Horning. Cruises vary in length from 1 to 2 hours and include evening music cruises, children's educational cruises and even Santa cruises at Christmas!

Wind is big business in Norfolk. Several wind farms are being built just off the coast, generating green electricity for our ever increasing consumption. Scroby Sands is located just over a mile offshore from Great Yarmouth and consists of 30 wind turbines generating 60 megawatts of electricity, enough to power 41,000 homes. In the past Scroby Sandbank was responsible for many shipwrecks, but it is now the home to a colony of grey seals. The best way to see Scroby Sands close-up is to take a boat trip directly from the beach at Great Yarmouth. Trips run daily in summer, weather permitting and chalkboards in the beach advertise the time of the next trip.

How Hill is a nature reserve and riverside estate on the Norfolk Broads, that consists of a large, thatched Edwardian house set in acres of reed, marsh, woodland and a small broad, together with a marshman's cottage and three restored drainage mills. From How Hill you can board the Electric Eel, a small, silent, electric boat that takes visitors on a 50 minute boat ride through the reed fringed dykes not normally open to the public. The boat trip gives visitors the opportunity to see countless types of wildlife close-up.

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden comprises 131 acres of beautiful ancient woodland and water gardens at South Walsham in the heart of the Norfolk Broads. The garden is renowned for its fabulous collection of candelabra primulas – the best naturalised collection in the UK – which can be seen in May. It is also well known for magnificent Autumn colour's in late October and early November. Fairhaven Gardens operate 20 minute boat trips on a private broad, that gives visitors the ability to view the beautiful woodland and gardens from the water. A longer trip takes visitors along the river to view the historic ruins of St Benet's Abbey.

An EDP Business Awards winner in 2010, Lola Charters offer cruises on board a modern 33ft luxurious cruiser for group hire on the beautiful Norfolk Broads. The boat crew and skipper can either point out places of interest or fade into the background and simply let visitors soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the wonderful surroundings. The on board bar and catering facilities produce the perfect lunchtime buffet or moonlit meal.