Self Drive Boat Hire in Oxford

Oxford River Cruises offers self skippered boat hire in Oxford. At our base on Port Meadow we have a wide variety of boats and punts with which to explore this beautiful section of river.

We are the only hire boat operator on this unspoiled section of the Thames. Hiring a boat for the day you can explore peaceful sections of the river untroubled by large pleasure craft. The river is dotted with historic pubs and enchanting backwaters waiting to be discovered.

Rowing Boats
Punting
Pedalos
Electric Launches
For Groups
Oxford Boat Hire Prices

Oxford River Cruises

"A brilliant day! what more could you want, sophisticated, serene, different and private. the perfect choice and definitely recommended"
Ally Smith, Oxford
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Oxford River Cruises

Rowing Boats

Rowing boats are available from our base on beautiful Port Meadow. Our boats have a capacity of up to 4 people and are perfect for a long day messing about on the river.

From our moorings you can travel through some of the most beautiful scenery on the Thames, pulling in to the bank for a picnic on ancient water meadows, or visiting the tempting waterside pubs at Binsey (The Perch), Godstow (The Trout) or Osney (The Waterman's Arms). During longer trips you will reach the university boathouses and River Cherwell (downstream) or the magical Wytham Woods (upstream). On these peaceful upper reaches of the Thames you will not be troubled by large pleasure craft and may often feel that you have the river to yourself.

Our experienced staff will give basic rowing lessons if required.

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Punting

Punting in Oxford is an experience that everyone should experience at least once in a lifetime.

Oxford River Cruises has recently added several punts to our boat hire fleet. For the first time in a generation punts can now be hired on the Port Meadow reach of the Thames, just to the north of Oxford city centre. This part of the river is ideal for punting. The shallowness of the river and its gravelly bed make punting easy.

Within an hour or so punters can reach the renowned Trout Inn at Godstow or simply moor their craft on the meadows for a picnic, or perhaps an afternoon nap.

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Oxford River Cruises

"We had a great day out on the river. I can't think of a better way to explore the river and surrounding areas. I think what made it great was the fact that it was just our party on the boat for the day and obviously the skippers friendly and helpful manner."
Francois Lotz , London
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Oxford River Cruises

Pedalos

Our four person pedalos offer great fun on the river.  They are extremely easy to operate and designed for great stability.

The pedalos have four comfortable seats as well as space for food and drinks onboard. From our base on Port Meadow a trip up the river can take in beautiful sites and offers easy access to some of the most picturesque pubs and water meadows on the Thames.

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Electric Hire Boats

Oxford River Cruises offers several electric boats for hire in Oxford. Elegant electric launches and small motor boats can be hired from Port Meadow, just to the north of Oxford City Centre.

Electric hire boats are an ideal way to explore Oxford's waterways. They are very simple to control and glide almost silently through the water allowing a rare opportunity to experience true peace and tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

Our small motor boats have a capacity of 4 adults and can offer a wonderful day on the river. Larger parties and work outings will often hire several vessels and explore the river in a flotilla of little boats. Groups of up to 24 people can be accommodated in this way. The boats are extremely buoyant and safe for all the family.

Our larger electric launch, elegant 'Isis 16', is a beautiful boat constructed by renowned local boat builders, Bossom's of Oxford. She is one of the finest boats available for self-skipper hire on the Thames, a user-friendly launch which any boater would be proud to captain. She is ideal for picnics, birthday parties, special occasions or just lazy days on the river, with a capacity of up to 9 people.' Isis 16' is very simple to control but due to to her value, both financial and sentimental, we ask that at least one member of the party has boat-handling experience. We will always give you a short control and navigation demonstration before taking her out.

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Boat Hire For Groups

Our self-drive fleet can accommodate groups of up to 50 people. Hiring a number of boats for a group of friends or colleagues can be great fun.

Our boat hire base is set amongst beautiful water meadows. Two of the most picturesque pubs on the Thames, The Perch at Binsey and The Trout at Godstow, are less than 45 minutes cruising away.

The historic attractions in Oxford city centre are within easy reach.

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Oxford River Cruises

"The trip was gorgeous and the boat very comfortable and cosy! The river in Oxford is very beautiful. Picnic lunch was great, everything so fresh and tasty, it was a very complete meal!"
Maria Simoes, Portugal
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Oxford River Cruises

Boat Hire Prices

  Capacity Per Hour* 1/2 day
(up to 4 hours)
Full Day
(up to 8 hours)
Rowing Boat hire 4 £15 £40 £65
Punt hire 5 £15 £40 £65
Pedalo hire 4 £15 £40 £65
Electric Motor Boat hire 4 £25 £75 £100^
'ISIS 16' Electric Launch hire 9 na £175 £275

*Not Available to pre-book
^At full speed Electric Motor Boats have a four hour constant cruising range
All prices include VAT
For skippered trips please see our 'Private Charters' page.
Prices for Corporate Regattas are available on application
A damage and security deposit is required. ISIS 16 - £250, Electric Motor Boat - £100, Unpowered Craft - £40.

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