120
minute river trip

Self Drive Picnic Boat Hire

Hire your own electric self drive boat for 1-2 hours for up to 12 people

Self Drive Picnic Boat Hire
Self Drive Picnic Boat Hire
Self Drive Picnic Boat Hire
About

Your very own boat for up 12 people on the Thames

The perfect option for a small gathering of family and friends, our electric powered picnic boats are one of the coolest and most fun ways to spend a few hours afloat. The silent electric motor powers you along the river as guests sit back, eat, drink and relax.

The trip

Self drive boat or add a fully trained skipper

Book a boat online and arrive at our Caversham Pier base by Caversham Bridge in Reading. Our friendly team will talk you through the controls, take you out for a quick practice and then you are free to explore the Thames alone. 

Do you prefer to be driven? You can book a two-hour skippered charter and let one of our team take care of the boat whilst you sit back and relax with friends and family. Don't forget to book an ice box for your drinks!

The Finer Details:

  • Hire the boat for either 1 or 2 hours
  • Departure from Caversham Pier
  • Electric sustainable and quiet boating on the Thames
  • A large picnic table and benches with umbrella
  • Book one of 3 slots 10:00, 13:00 or 16:00
  • Choose from 1 or 2 hours
  • Self-drive hire includes a 10-15 min introduction (including an on-water driving guide this is within your booked time period)
Ticket Prices
prices valid for 2022 season

Weekday pricing - 1 hour £100, 2 hours £175, 2-hour boat + skipper £250

Weekend pricing - 1 hour £120, 2 hours £200, 2-hour boat + skipper £275

When you arrive we will ask you to provide a £150 deposit held on a debit or credit card. You can find full terms and conditions for self drive boat hire here.

The Details
trip Duration
120
Minutes
Boarding location/s
Boarding Location
you might also like

Thames River Trips

Family Halloween Disco
90
minutes
Family Halloween Disco

Fun for all the family with dancing, DJ & the chance to dress up

October 31st Only
1130am & 2.30pm
Spooky themed daytime cruise with DJ
£
17.00
adult
Book Tickets
Dine & Jazz Cruise
180
minutes
Dine & Jazz Cruise

New for Autumn 2026 enjoy a casual dinner afloat with live jazz

Selected autumn Saturdays
1900
The best live jazz with with freshly prepared winter warming casual food.
£
55.00
adult
Book Tickets
Sonning Loop
60
minutes
Sonning Loop

Take an afternoon round-trip cruise from Sonning Mill

Selected Thursdays
13.15
A unique round-trip mid-week sailing from Sonning
£
10.00
13.00
adult
Book Tickets
See all trips
Join Our Newsletter
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.