Boating on Ranworth Broad (c) Broads Authority

A guide to boating on The Norfolk Broads

With so many ways to enjoy The Norfolk Broads you will find yourself spoilt for choice when deciding the best way to take to the water. With boat hire by the hour, day or week, numerous river and boat trips to choose from or the chance to sail back in time, there is something for all ages and abilities when boating in Norfolk.

Here is a brief guide to boating on The Norfolk Broads to whet your appetite!

Jump to: Day boats // Cruisers // River Tours & Boat Trips // Wherries // Sailing

Dayboats at Horning Ferry Marina (c) Waveney River Centre

Day boats & boat hire

Perfect for those taking to the water for the first time or novices, day boats can be hired for use on many of the larger broads, including Wroxham (boats for hire in the town), Horning, Hickling and Oulton Broads. Be your own skipper for the day and take your crew on an adventure! With hire available from two to eight hours you can spend as much or as little time cruising as you like. Many are powered by diesel although there are also electric boats for hire.

Or why not enjoy the Broads under your own steam and hire a canoe or rowing boat, and see Broads wildlife at close quarters?

Browse day boat hire companies & other boat hire

A cruiser on the Norfolk Broads (c) Waveney River Centre

Cruisers

The famous Broads motor cruisers have been holiday favourites since the 1930s, and today's boats have all the comforts of home on board, so if you prefer to visit during the quieter, cooler months, you'll have a cosy base for your explorations. With fresh air, sparkling water and wide horizons by day, and wonderfully dark, starry nights, a boating holiday on the Broads is an unforgettable experience.

Ranging in size and with all the necessary creature comforts, cruisers are excellent crafts either for day hire or longer. Whether there are two or twelve people in your party there is sure to be a cruiser to suit your needs. Equipped with comfortable berths, galleys with cookers and fridges, your cruiser will be home from home.

Browse boating holiday companies

The Broads Authority Electric Eel boat (c) Norfolk Tourism

River Tours and Boat Trips

If you'd prefer a more leisurely trip on the water, then experience a restful river tour. With boats of all different shapes and sizes including a double-deck paddle boat, there are numerous trips available. With refreshments available onboard, you can sit back and relax, take in the scenery and listen to the onboard commentary about the broads - their history, the landscape and the wildlife.

The Broads Authority offer a range of boat trips around nature reserves, broads and rivers. An Edwardian-style electric boat, the Electric Eel, will take you on a silent journey around the beautiful How Hill nature reserve, through a maze of reed-fringed dykes. Barton Broad can be explored on the Ra, a solar-powered boat aptly named after the Egyptian Sun God, while the Liana, an electric launch, will take you on a relaxed tour of the gorgeous southern Broads and River Waveney.

Browse river tours and boat trips

Wherries

Step back in time and experience a journey on a historic wherry. Used in the 1800s until the early 20th century throughout the Broadland region, the wherry played a vital role in transporting goods until the arrival of the railway and road links. Later, wherries were converted or specially built as pleasure crafts. Today, a few of these still exist after being carefully restored including the Albion, Solace and Hathor.

Sailing

The Norfolk Broads are perfect for sailing with the wide open spaces of the many broads and rivers. Taster sessions are available for those who have never sailed before, while there are also day and residential courses where you will receive expert tuition and improve your existing skills. For experienced sailors why not take part in one of the many regattas that take place throughout the year such as Wroxham Week in late July and the Barton Regatta.