What to do and see in Ipswich, England: The Best Boat Tours & Water Sports

Viking Mariners offer luxury sailing experiences on the River Orwell and beyond on either one of our sailing yachts, power craft or barges.

Galaxsea Divers is more than just Ipswich's friendliest dive shop, it's the place where you can learn to dive, book scuba diving holidays, purchase scuba diving equipment and have your scuba diving equipment serviced and repaired!

Sailing Barge Victor is a perfect marriage of a majestic and traditionally rigged 19th century sailing vessel with comfortable, modern facilities for guests. A sailing trip on Sailing Barge Victor offers a truly memorable and affordable opportunity to experience living history.We can accommodate comfortably up to 40 guests. All scheduled cruises are available for private charter or corporate events, subject to availability. Drinks and refreshments may be purchased from our licensed bar on board which includes a range of fine Adnams beers, cider and soft drinks. Please note that ALL drinks consumed must be purchased on board.

Sailing adventures for family, friends and business around Suffolk's beautiful rivers and coastlines. Longer cruises to the Thames Estuary, the UK south coast and Northern France are also available by arrangement. Day sails, yacht charter, RYA yachting courses, milebuilding, coastal passages. Sailing to local events such as Clacton Air Show, Pin Mill Barge Match. families warmly welcomed.

For over 50 years the East Coast Sail Trust has provided educational adventure cruises for children onboard the Thames Sailing Barge Thalatta. When Thalatta is not on charter to schools, youth organisations and social projects she can be used for other activities to help fund the Trust and benefit the wider community. These charters typically include day sails, corporate entertainment, company team building, family celebrations, club outings and other group events. Numbers are limited to 12 when she is underway but may be increased to 40+ for alongside static events.

Sail the River Orwell in Style The River Orwell is one of the most scenic and historic rivers in the country. The Orwell Lady public cruises sail from Ipswich Wet Dock (Orwell Quay) to Pin Mill or Harwich Harbour from Easter weekend through to September. There is a programme of music evenings, wine tasting, sunday lunch and afternoon tea cruises throughout the season and the vessel is a popular venue for private charters. Tickets for all public cruises and theme nights are available from the Tourist Information Centre in Ipswich or online.

Build in Miami, Florida, in 1942 as a South African Air Force air-sea rescue launch, the Allen Gardiner has the character of a fine wooden ship. In 2011, she underwent a rebuild before being transported to Ipswich from Durban, South Africa. Cruising from the Wet Dock in Ipswich, under the stunning Orwell Bridge and down towards the Port of Felixstowe, the Allen Gardiner offers plenty of space on deck to enjoy the calm waters of the River Orwell during the summer months, as well as a cosy wood burner in the saloon for quieter, more serene winter trips. Enjoy delicious, freshly prepared local food and drinks while you cruise. OPERATING ALL YEAR ROUND -The Allen Gardiner is available either for individual bookings -sharing with other passengers or as an exclusive private charter for up to 12 passengers. Daily Cruises Breakfast cruise 9.30am - 11.30 am Lunch cruise 12 noon - 3.00pm Supper cruise 4pm - 7.00pm Dinner cruise 7.30pm - 10.30pm Every cruise includes an informative commentary.

We provide sailing events & coastal cruises for individuals, small groups and whole boat charter using yachts from 40 to 55ft. Join our published events ranging from 1/2 day to 2 week cruises. Some visit France, Holland & Belgium ports. Arrange your own private event for Corporate or social groups. Start/finish locations vary but most are from either Ipswich, IP91AS or The Hamble, SO314QD.