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Full leisurely we glide;
For both our oars, with little skill,
By little arms are plied,
While little hands make vain pretence
Our wanderings to guide.
Prologue to Alice in Wonderland, Lewis Carroll
New for 2007! Oxford River Cruises is delighted to offer self skippered adventures on the Thames in Oxford. From our base on beautiful Port Meadow a wide variety of craft can be hired. We are the only hire boat operator on this beautiful and unspoiled section of the Thames. Hiring a boat for the day you can explore peaceful sections of the river untroubled by large pleasure craft. The river is dotted with historic pubs and enchanting backwaters waiting to be discovered.
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Oxford River Cruises offers several electric boats for hire on the Thames. Elegant electric launches and small motor boats can be hired from Port Meadow, just to the north of Oxford City Centre. Electric boats are an ideal way to explore Oxford's waterways. They are very simple to control and glide almost silently through the water allowing a rare opportunity to experience true peace and tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
Our small motor boats have a capacity of 4 adults and can offer a wonderful day on the river. Larger parties and work outings will often hire several vessels and explore the river in a flotilla of little boats. Groups of up to 24 people can be accommodated in this way. The boats are extremely buoyant and safe for all the family.
Our larger electric launch, elegant 'Isis 16', is a beautiful boat constructed by renowned local boat builders, Bossom's of Oxford. She is one of the finest boats available for self skipper hire on the Thames, a user-friendly launch which any boater would be proud to captain. She is ideal for picnics, birthday parties, special occasions or just lazy days on the river, with a capacity of up to 9 people. Isis 16 is very simple to control but due to to her value, both financial and sentimental, we ask that at least one member of the party has boat handling experience. We will always give you a short control and navigation demonstration before taking her out.
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Rowing boats are available from our base on beautiful Port Meadow. Our boats have a capacity of up to 4 people and are perfect for a long day messing about on the river. From our moorings you can travel through some of the most beautiful scenery on the Thames, pulling in to the bank for a picnic on ancient water meadows, or visiting the tempting waterside pubs at Binsey (The Perch), Godstow (The Trout) or Osney (The Waterman's Arms). During longer trips you will reach the university boathouses and River Cherwell (downstream) or the magical Wytham Woods (upstream). On these peaceful upper reaches of the Thames you wail not be troubled by large pleasure craft and may often feel that you have the river to yourself. Our experienced staff will give basic rowing lessons if required.
Coming soon.
Please contact us to discuss booking this event.
Capacity |
Per Hour* |
1/2 day (up to 4 hours) |
Full Day (up to 8 hours) |
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Rowing Boat |
4 |
£15 |
£40 |
£65 |
Electric Motor Boat |
4 |
£30 |
£80 |
£120^ |
'ISIS 16' Electric Launch |
9 |
N/A |
£175 |
£275 |
*Not Available to pre-book
^At full speed Electric Motor Boats have a four hour constant cruising range
All prices include VAT
For skippered trips please see our 'Charter' page.
Prices for Corporate Regatta's are available on application
A damage and security deposit is required. ISIS 16 - £250, Electric Motor Boat - £100, Rowing Boat - £40.
When hiring a self drive vessel from us you must designate an individual (who must be over 18) as the skipper. The skipper takes responsibility for the vessel and must agree to our contract of hire. The nominated skipper must present photographic identification before embarkation and provide a damage and security deposit. To view our hire contract please click here.