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Navigation was always a difficult art.
The Hunting of the Snark ~ Lewis Carroll
If you would like to enjoy the River Cam at your own pace a 'do it
yourself' hire craft might be just the thing for you. We are proud to
offer the most extensive range of hire boats in Cambridge: punts can
be hired for the College Backs or the Upper River (towards
Grantchester), whilst canoes, kayaks and rowboats are available on the
Upper River only.
We are open for hire each day from 09:00 until dusk, conditions
permitting. Many of our self-hire customers wish to hire one or two
craft for an hour or two, and this is best done on a walk-up basis. As
most craft are available first-come-first-served, availability is
usually very good, but it can get very busy on weekend afternoons from
13:00 to 17:00.
We do offer a pre-booking service for our fixed-rate hire products and
for groups requiring 5+ craft or 5+ hours' of hire (where less than 5
craft are required). Please note that bookings are subject to minimum
charges and availability, which may be limited at peak times. Please
check the individual hire types for further details.
If you wish to hire a punt to go along the College Backs, you can do
so from either our Mill Lane or Magdalene Bridge stations. Only punts
can be hired on this stretch of the River Cam. To hire a punt, Canadian
canoe, kayak or row boat towards Grantchester, please visit our Mill
Lane Boatyard. Our Hire Terms & Conditions are available
here.
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Hire Types
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The most flexible and popular format is our standard hire, which
is applicable to all craft. If you are looking for a longer trip towards
Grantchester you can also take advantage of our outstanding value
fixed-rate hire options. Please see the table below for a summary of
each of our hire tariffs.
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Standard
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All types of craft can be hired at an hourly rate, with a minimum
charge of one hour. Hire after the first hour is charged on a pro-rata
basis in increments of 6 minutes.
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All Day
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Fixed-rate all day hire on any craft in the direction of Grantchester.
Craft can be hired from 09:00 onwards and must be returned by 21:00 or closing
time, whichever is earlier.
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Off Peak
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These online-exclusive and weekday-only offers allow you up to 5
hours' fixed-rate self-hire towards Grantchester on any craft at less
than half the equivalent hourly rate.
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Overnight
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Overnight hire for Grantchester is available for punts or rowboats at
our Main Boatyard between 17:00 and closing time. They are
self-locking, allowing hirers to return at any time before 09:00 the
next morning.
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Hire Craft Available
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Hire Terms & Conditions: available
here.
Security deposit: a debit or credit card imprint is required before hire
commences.
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Canadian Canoe
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Maximum capacity: 4 persons (no more than 3 adults).
Supplied with: 2 paddles and life-vests (compulsory with these craft).
Direction: Grantchester only and not available for the College Backs.
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Kayaks
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Maximum capacity: 1 person (single), 2 persons (double).
Supplied with: paddles and life-vests (compulsory with these craft).
Direction: Grantchester only and not available for the College Backs.
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Punt
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Maximum capacity: 6 persons (including punter).
Supplied with: pole, paddle and cushions, with life-jackets upon request.
Direction: Grantchester and the College Backs.
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Rowboat
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Maximum capacity: 5 persons.
Supplied with: oars, with life-jackets upon request.
Direction: Grantchester only and not available for the College Backs.
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Although boating requires a fair sense of balance and co-ordination,
our staff are always on hand to offer tips and most people acquire
sufficient expertise without undue difficulty. For those wanting to
put in a little advance preparation we have produced a
punting technique page. For further
inspiration see the BBC's
"Bluffer's guide to punting".
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