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.

TO CHECK AVAILABILITY AND MAKE A BOOKING ONLINE PLEASE CLICK ON THE RELEVENT PRICE IN THE BOAT HIRE PRICE TABLE.

Rowing Boats
Punting
Canoes
Electric Launches
For Groups
Oxford Boat Hire PRICES

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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Canoes

Not yet available.

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Electric Hire Boats

Oxford River Cruises offers several electric boats for hire in Oxford.

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.

Small Boats

The 12ft open 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 16 people can be accommodated in this way. The boats are extremely buoyant and safe for all the family.

Romola

Romola is a comfortable 16ft launch built by Bossoms Boatyard in Oxford. She has a capacity of up to 9 passengers and is a fully equipped day boat with upholstered seating and a dining table. She can be set up as an open boat (so that you can enjoy the sunshine) or as a fully enclosed (rain-proof) vessel. She is extremely easy to handle. Romola can not be be booked online so please contact us to make a reservation.

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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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Boat Hire Prices

TO CHECK AVAILABILITY AND MAKE A BOOKING ONLINE PLEASE CLICK ON THE RELEVENT BOAT HIRE PRICE IN THE TABLE BELOW.

*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. Electric Motor Boat - £100, Unpowered Craft - £50.

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