The Bristol Packet is probably the best boat company to go with if you are looking for a trip up…read morethe Avon. They offer a variety of 'cruises' ranging from a short trip around the floating harbour, a trip under Clifton Suspension Bridge and back, and even all the way to Bath. The trips themselves up and down the river are really very pleasant. It is a very good way (especially for tourists) to get a good view of the slightly nicer parts of Bristol without too much exercise! Prices are fairly reasonable, with a trip to Bath costing £22 for an adult. Each boat offers a full bar and a toilet. Boats only seem to run weather permitting, and once you have arrived at the ferry it is a little unclear when the boats actually run. It would therefore be advisable to ring in advance.

If you want to hire a boat in Bristol, there are two options. Number 7 boats are the cheaper…read morechoice, but if you want a full-scale rave with decks, a bar and a dancefloor, there's only once place to come. These guys know what they're doing and supply the vessels for all the club nights who put on boat parties. If you fancy hiring one for yourself, they have a number of different sized options that come with a soundsystem installed plus they can supply decks too for an extra charge if you can't be bothered to lug yours down. I remember it being a tad pricey, but if you want to rock the boat, the Bristol Packet really is the only option.

I have to say, I am never quite sure if I like boats...I mean they look nice enough but it's that…read morewhole not being able to just get off when you want to thing. So, I was a bit sceptical when I was invited to a boat party through a friend a work but I thought I shouldn't waste the opportunity for a new adventure so off I went, mini inflatable pocketed sized life jacket safely tucked in between my mobile phone and waterproof mascara. It was actually a really good do, and the weather was lovely which really helped. The Silver Salmon can be hired for all sorts of events, hen and stag dos, weddings, party celebrations, corporate events, anything really, and is something a little different. They can take all sorts of route including the 5 hour trip to Bath. Not cheap but a fancy alternative!

Never ever written bad reviews but couldn't help feeling awful about the way I was treated while…read morebooking for my twin babies 1st birthday party. We wanted a good treat for our lovely friends and family. So I never got on the boat to talk about my experience on it. When I spoke to a lady she was kind and told me there is enough time to book for the party. A month later I spoke to the guy who is the owner. Said he was busy etc but he later had free spaces for my time slot. Kept sounding disinterested throughout my chat on the phone but when I pointed out that he wasn't being kind to me he mellowed. My group was big and I was happy to split them in two boats and you would have thought that would bring him more money. When I called the next day to confirm a visit to look around he was so rude, gave me some silly reasons for not accepting. When I said he was my only choice with such large numbers he said he cannot discuss it with me and cut the phone on me. I am guessing he was not happy with my non- English accent as there didn't seem any other reasons!! Fuming.... Never had such experience in my 15 years in the UK His boats may be good but he certainly lacks people skills...so no stars but it wouldn't allow me to post without a rating. So please read minus a star!

Besides fin cruises for kids the Island Voyage also do a 2 hour coastal adventure or the one I went…read moreon that is a 1 hour coastal cruise. The boats are a lot of fun and can reach up 60mph on a clear day, an adventure all on it's own! The driver also gives a good deal of information on the area and it's transformation, it is really good if your visiting the town or a newbie like myself. I wouldn't suggest going on this if your a bit dodgy on a boat as it can get quite rough. A special mention most be made about the gorgeous Labrador that frequents the stand where you pay. It's such a friendly little thing and is probably the reason I got roped into the trip, clever.

My nephew and I I went on a hour long trip whizzing around the bay with the bay water and the wind…read morerushing through our hair laughing as we went. Whenever you go to the bay you often see these distinctive yellow speedboats hammering it around the bay - it looks like fun because it is! I'd highly recommend it - on a busy bank holiday you're probably better off booking even though they leave pretty regularly. You can do a bay tour or actually go out to the channel through the barrage. The owners are lovely, chatty and full of information too! If I remember correctly it was £10 for an adult and £5 for kids but check the website and give them a call to make sure.

This small company is run by a husband and wife team, and through them chartered yachts and boats…read morecan be hired almost anywhere in the world. I met a couple in New Zealand who hired a boat and sailed all the way to Fiji. I took them over two weeks and for six days they were sailing through storm. It was some of the worst weather that year. They battled through it hour after hours. And suddenly, they were out in the calm. They were in the eye of the storm with mile-high banks of clouds in all directions and sunlight gleaming in the evening light; rainbows everywhere. It was an experience to make a lifetime; one of those things that sets a never fading glitter of awe in the corner of someone's eye. These are the people who arrange these dreams. With private hire and working through other companies around the globe, if you have the time and opportunity, certainly very good people to speak to. Go and arrange an adventure!

Just got back from a narrowboat holiday on the Kennet & Avon canal. We chartered the narrowboat…read morefrom Nikki at Moonraker Narrowboats. I cannot say enough good about how hard Nikki worked to make sure we were comfortable with our arrangements and with the boat. All my previous experience had been with sailboats (max 52ft) and a 65ft long wide-beam narrowboat was a bit intimidating to say the least. Nikki stayed with us for a bit while I got the hang of steering the boat and my crew passed us through one lock. Then it was off to Bath for a few days (Bonfire Night) and afterwards we worked our way back to Cain Hill Flight. Being in the center of Bath on the river Avon was a wonderful experience. Nikki currently has a fleet of 4 narrowboats. Ours for the week was Moondance. No issues with the boat at all. Being a sailboat owner I know how hard you must work to keep everything working on a boat. The only issue we had was a fuel gauge that doesn't like cold weather. Nikki arranged for a marina on our route to add an additional 100 liters of fuel and naturally the gauge worked perfectly after that. Moondance has a very open feel to her and the cabins are all very large for someone coming from sailboats. In spite of being about the size of "Rubeus Hagrid", I never found the space cramped or claustrophobic. The coal stove keeps the galley and living area nice and warm and there is always central heat if you need it. We were out during November, so at night we just snuggled in under the down comforters and enjoyed a peaceful sleep. I highly recommend Nikki and Moonraker! Cheers

We recently completed a week long narrow boat holiday on the Kennet & Avon canal. There were a…read moretotal of 14 of us...three generations, from age 7 to 84! After considering all the narrow boat rental companies, we chose Moonraker Canalboats. We are SO glad we did! Their boats are 10 feet wide (3' more than most) which makes a big difference in spaciousness. It also allows you to go through the locks alone (rather than pairing with another narrow boat) which is a big benefit. We rented two boats--each one was luxurious from stem to stern...very modern fully-equipped kitchens, fluffy linens, jacuzzi tubs, satellite television...all the amenities of a luxury hotel. I can tell you with great candor that, during the entire week, we never saw a boat that was superior to the ones we were on! Also, the staff could not be more helpful or accommodating. They made sure we were fully trained and comfortable with boat operation before we set off. Even when we experienced an unrelated family emergency, they stopped what they were doing and spent time with us to make sure we got the help we needed. Genuinely wonderful folks! If you decide on a K&A canalboat holiday, you will not regret choosing Moonraker.