Bude Boat Hire

Welcome to Bude Boat Hire

We've been helping visitors and locals explore the Bude Canal since 2003. Our small family business operates from the canal basin, just a short walk from the town centre. Whether you're after a peaceful hour on the water or planning a full day's adventure, we have boats to suit all experience levels.

The Bude Canal stretches inland through beautiful countryside, offering calm waters perfect for beginners and families. If you're more experienced, you can venture out toward the sea lock and explore the coastal waters when conditions allow. No licence is required for our canal boats, and we provide a full safety briefing before you set off.

Our Fleet

We maintain a small fleet of well-kept boats, all regularly inspected and fitted with safety equipment. Our motorboats are easy to handle, with simple controls that we'll explain before you leave the jetty. For those who prefer a quieter experience, our rowing boats and kayaks let you enjoy the canal at a gentler pace.

All boats come with life jackets in adult and child sizes, a safety kit, and basic instructions. The motorboats have sunshades for warm days, and we can provide waterproof bags for your belongings if needed.

• Four-seater motorboats with 4hp engines
• Traditional wooden rowing boats for up to three people
• Single and double kayaks
• All safety equipment included

Rates and Booking

Our rates are straightforward with no hidden charges. Motorboats are charged by the hour or as a day rate if you're planning a longer trip. Rowing boats and kayaks are slightly less, reflecting the different experience. We operate a simple booking system – you can reserve by phone or just turn up if the weather looks good, though weekends and school holidays do get busy.

Payment is taken before you head out, and we ask for a small refundable deposit that's returned when you bring the boat back in good condition. If you need to cancel due to poor weather, we'll rearrange for another day or refund you in full.

• Motorboats: £35 per hour, £120 full day
• Rowing boats: £18 per hour, £60 full day
• Kayaks: £15 per hour, £50 full day
• £40 refundable deposit required

Safety and Requirements

Your safety matters to us. Before you take a boat out, we'll run through the controls, show you the boundaries of where you can safely navigate, and make sure everyone has properly fitted life jackets. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult, and we ask that all hirers can swim or inform us if they cannot so we can take extra precautions.

Weather conditions on the canal are usually calm, but if we think it's too windy or rough for safe boating, we'll let you know and suggest rescheduling. We monitor the sea lock area closely and only allow experienced hirers beyond the canal when conditions are suitable.

Exploring the Bude Canal

The canal itself runs for about two miles inland from Bude, passing through farmland and quiet countryside. It's a peaceful route with wildlife to spot – herons, kingfishers, and ducks are regular sights. There are a couple of shallow areas where you'll need to go slowly, but we'll point these out on the map we provide.

Many people combine a boat trip with a walk, as the canal towpath is well maintained. You can moor up at a couple of spots along the route if you fancy stretching your legs or having a picnic. The round trip usually takes about an hour and a half at a relaxed pace, though you can turn back whenever suits you.

Planning Your Visit

We're open from April through to October, usually from 9am until 6pm, though we stay open later on long summer evenings. The best time to come is mid-morning or early afternoon when the canal is less busy. Parking is available in the town car parks, about five minutes' walk from our jetty.

Dress for the weather and the possibility of getting a bit damp – even on calm days there's often spray from the paddle. Sunscreen is a good idea in summer as there's not much shade on the water. Bring drinks and snacks if you're planning a longer trip, and perhaps a camera for the views back toward the coast.

Get in Touch

If you have questions about booking, the boats, or what to expect, feel free to ring or email us. We're usually at the jetty during opening hours, so calling is often the quickest way to get a response. For group bookings or special requirements, it's best to get in touch a few days ahead so we can make sure we have what you need available.