Boat Trips and Hire

Take to the waves on a floatilla of historic and modern vessels including the iconic Thames Sailing Barges such as Hydrogen (1906), Thistle (1895), Centuar (1895) and Marigold (1981) offering a variety of trips, tours and cruises.

Step Aboard History

Some of our resident vessels took part in the heroic Dunkirk evacuation of 1940 as well as working their trade carrying goods along our coast for decades. Vessels like the Centaur, which was launched in 1895, traded all around the British coast and to the near continent carrying important local goods like salt and oysters.

Taking a trip aboard these historic vessels offers you the opportunity to sail around the Essex Coast while experiencing how our ancestors worked and lived.

Seal and Wildlife Trips

Experience the wildlife of the Maldon District by going on a trip along the River Crouch, where you’ll be able to see seals, wildfowl, numerous species of bird such as Marsh Harrier, Hen Harrier, Peregrine, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Merlin and even Short-eared Owls. This is a perfect opportunity to get out onto the water and see these animals in their natural environment.

Spend time with Common Seals who are often as interested in you as you are in them. On these seal and wildlife trips, you also might catch a glimpse of Atlantic Grey Seals and Harbour Porpoise. These trips certainly make for an excellent day out with family, friends and wildlife watchers alike.

Passenger Ferries

From the Yacht Harbour at Burnham-on-Crouch, you can take a short trip across the River Crouch to Essex Marina close to the RSPB Wallasea Island reserve, making it perfect for nature lovers, walkers and birdwatchers. The Ferry accepts foot passengers and cyclists as well, making it a popular mode of transport across the river!

For more details including operator information please see the listings and map below.