Boat trip in Kent U.K [ Best travellers tips 2024]

As an experienced travel blogger who has spent many sunny days on the water in Kent, let me give you my insider tips for the ultimate boat trip along the county’s beautiful coastline.

From romantic sunset cruises departing Whitstable Harbour to pirate radio adventures on the Medway, there are so many amazing ways to experience Kent from the water.

My article below is divided in different sections following the types of trips you are looking for ( family, kids, date night ideas etc … ) and the time you want to spend ( one hour, half day etc … )

Those river trips are amazing and you will have a great time and an unforgettable experience . Dont miss the wildlife experience and of course the resident seal colony . That would be a shame !

Boat trip in Kent U.K : What to see and what to do ?

Who said that river cruises are boring ?

The sea forts ( Resdand towers )

To start, you absolutely must take a boat tour to see the WWII sea forts known as the Redsands Towers. These incredible circular forts were built in the Thames Estuary to help defend Britain during the war. Now they sit hauntingly in the middle of the sea off the Kent coast. From Whitstable, grab a spot on the River Runner boat to motor out to the towers. Sitting on the open deck with the fresh sea air on your face, you’ll learn all about the hidden history of the towers from the professional skipper. It’s an unforgettable 3 hour trip.

While in Whitstable, don’t miss the chance to take a sunset cruise run by Jetstream Tours. Their evening trips let you relax on deck with a glass of wine in hand as the sun goes down over Herne Bay – perfect for date night!

And if you visit during the summer months, you can even climb aboard one of their lighthouse tours for a closeup look at the iconic Whitstable Harbour lighthouse.

Seal watching experience

For wildlife lovers, Canterbury Historic River Tours offers an amazing seal watching experience as you cruise along the River Stour towards Pegwell Bay.

You’re almost guaranteed to spot the resident colony of seals sunbathing on the sand at Shellness Point. Pack your binoculars and camera!

These 5 hour cruises also make stops at Ramsgate Harbour and Richborough Roman Fort, giving you time to explore ashore.

Check their website HERE

Activities for the kids : Become real pirates !

If you’ve got kids in tow, treat them to a pirate radio adventure from Sandwich Quay. This fun river trip includes opportunities for the kids to play pirate on a real ship and learn how radio pirates broadcasted from the Medway back in the 1960s.

Between pirate singalongs, you’ll pass by wind farms, nature reserves, and get those amazing views of the Kent coastline.

Romantic ride ?

If you’re looking for a romantic sunset cruise, Jetstream Tours operates evening trips where you can relax on deck with a glass of wine and take in the sunset over Herne Bay.

Want to propose ? Plenty of engagement ideas there

Check their website HERE

Can you spot animals ?

During summer they also do lighthouse tours where you can get up close to landmarks like the Whitstable Harbour lighthouse.On most boat trips you’re likely to see wildlife like resident seals at Shellness Point or Swale National Nature Reserve. You might even spot marine mammals like porpoises out in the estuary. Pack binoculars so you don’t miss anything!However you choose to experience Kent from the water, you’re sure to have an unforgettable time on the river with the wind in your hair.

My favourite : personal recommendation

For a fun day out, I recommend the River Runner trip from Sandwich Quay to Pegwell Bay. This 5 hour round trip cruises along the River Stour and includes an hour stop at Ramsgate Harbour so you can grab fish and chips or ice cream. Along the way you’ll see wartime sea forts like Redsands Towers, pass the wind farms at Kentish Flats, and have amazing views of the coastline from the open deck

Organise your boat trip in Kent U.K

Logistic and price of boat tours

Most boat tours offer fully stocked bars on board, but you’re welcome to pack your own picnic lunch or snacks too.

Prices range from £15 for a quick one hour cruise from Whitstable Beach to around £50 for a full day on the water.

Booking ahead online is highly recommended as the popular tours do sell out quickly, especially during summer.

The skippers are professional and knowledgeable about the area. Better than a traditional boat trip, they provide an amazing service .

Boat tours providers

Some of the best operators for boat trips in Kent include Jetstream Tours out of Whitstable, River Runner from Sandwich Quay, and Canterbury Historic River Tours. Prices range from £15 for short sunset cruises to around £50 for full day trips

Most trips will include life jackets and you can bring your own food and drinks

As you can see, experiencing Kent from the river is an amazing way to take in the beautiful scenery, wildlife, and maritime history of this region. Whether you’re looking for a chilled sunset sail, an action-packed day spotting seals and sea forts, or a kid-friendly pirate adventure, the options for boat trips here are endless. Just be sure to bring your camera, binoculars, and sense of fun on the water!

https://www.jetstreamtours.com

https://river-runner.co.uk

https://www.canterburyrivertours.co.uk

So set sail on a beautiful boat trip and see the hidden history and wildlife of the Kent coastline on the Thames and Medway!

There is not only boat tour in life ! What else to do in Kent U.K ?

Visit Whitstable

Whitstable, this charming seaside town is a fantastic day trip in itself. Wander the quaint streets, browse the indie shops, feast on fresh seafood, and take a bracing walk along the shingle beach. Be sure to snap a photo of the iconic Whitstable Harbour lighthouse too. Nearby Herne Bay is another cute coastal town with a nostalgic pier and promenade perfect for an afternoon stroll.

Check Leeds Castle

Inland, Leeds Castle is one of the most breathtaking castles in England. The moated castle sits on an island on a beautiful lake, surrounded by 500 acres of gorgeous parkland and gardens. History buffs will love exploring the castle interior and its warren of rooms. Don’t miss the maze and grotto too!

Check their website HERE

Visit the dockyard of Chatham

For a fun family day out, visit the Historic Dockyard in Chatham. Here you can explore Victorian warships, go aboard a Cold War submarine, and experience what life was like on the River Medway in the Age of Sail. Costumed guides really bring the history to life.

Check their website HERE

Port Lymph wildlife park

Animal lovers should head straight for Port Lympne Reserve. This 600 acre wildlife park is home to critically endangered animals like gorillas, rhinos, and big cats. Go on a safari tour to see the animals up close, or book an overnight glamping experience for a truly wild time!

Check their website HERE

Visit Biddenden Vineyards ( and taste wine of course )

Hungry for delicious Kentish food and drink? Take a tasting tour of Biddenden Vineyards to sample their award-winning English wines and ciders. Or time your visit to coincide with Faversham’s Hop Festival in September, which celebrates Kent’s brewing heritage.

Check their website HERE

With sweeping countryside, classic seaside towns, and oodles of history and culture, Kent really does have it all. Hire a car or book guided tours to make the most of this beautiful pocket of England. Just be sure to pack your camera to capture the amazing views and experiences!

WHO AM I ?

Hello !

I am Eric, a French Australian citizen based between Australia, Asia and Bali and I love to travel and experience the world. I generally like outdoor activities, wellness, great food and venues , party and real local adventures ! I am a Yoga practitioner and fitness lover

I created this blog because I love to travel and I want to share my experiences with others. I’ve been traveling since I was a child, and I’ve been to over 50 countries. I’ve seen some amazing things and met some amazing people, and I want to help others experience the same things.

I believe that travel is one of the best ways to learn about the world and about yourself. When you travel, you’re forced to step outside of your comfort zone and experience new things. You learn about different cultures, different religions, and different ways of life. You also learn about yourself, your strengths, and your weaknesses.

Travel can also be a great way to make new friends. When you’re traveling, you’re surrounded by people from all over the world, and you’re all in the same boat. You’re all there to explore and experience new things, and that can create a bond between people.

Let’s connect together !

I hope that my travel blog will inspire others to travel and to see the world. I also hope that it will help people to learn about different cultures and to become more open-minded.